Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights
DyAnn was born July 24, 1943 in Luverne, Minnesota. She passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024. DyAnn is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne; brother, Arlen and brother-in-law. She is survived by her two children, Chad (Jackie) Emery, Heather Emery; seven grandchildren, Austin, Mackenna, Kaden, Evan Emery; Colin, Andrew; Six Verduzco; sister, MaReese Cragoe; sister-in-law, Martha Olson; along with many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.
DyAnn married her high school sweetheart. She and Wayne moved to Inver Grove Heights and raised their family. DyAnn was living independently in the family home she and Wayne had owned for over 50 years.
DyAnn did various administrative assistant jobs and was a para educator in the local schools for many years. DyAnn enjoyed reading, doing puzzles and scrapbooking. She enjoyed time with friends including their birthday club gatherings and playing bunco. She stayed in contact with several friends from high school as well over the years. There are numerous scrapbooks filled with pictures of her grandchildren, friends, family, and trips and outings she has taken. Family gatherings, always included board games or card games and laughter.
A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 7600 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076, on Friday March 14th, 2025. A visitation hour at 11:00am with a short service starting at 12:00 noon and a luncheon to follow.

March 11, 1935 ~ February 9, 2025

Artist, Teacher, Published cartoonist

Preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law, Lori. Survived by wife, Betty; daughter, Margarett; son, Jay (Jimetta); grandsons, Austin (Kelsey), Jaymes (Kayla); friend, Ron Freyer.

Ronald graduated from Dakota Wesleyan University then was employed at Newton Manufacturing in Iowa and KSOO TV and Lewis Drug in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Ronald taught in Clarkfield, Minnesota and at Mitchell Junior High in South Dakota.  Ronald finished his teaching career at Inver Grove Heights Middle School, where he taught for 33 years.  Ronald was also a freelance artist for 30 years.

Gathering of Family and Friends 2:00 – 5:00 pm Sunday, May 18^th at Moose Lodge #1088, 5927 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Heights, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Moose Lodge #1088.

Passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025 after an amazing life of 94 years. Born to John and Caroline Harriett (Lentz) Wiechman on January 3, 1931, Dotty grew up on their farm in Brewster, MN where her father milked cows, grew crops and raised livestock. One of her most impactful childhood memories was when she and her mother were in a horse-drawn wagon miles away from the farm when the 1940 Armistice Day Blizzard hit. They took shelter in the back of the wagon while the horse (thankfully) knew the way home.

Dotty graduated as valedictorian from Brewster High School and went on to earn her Registered Nurse degree from the University of Minnesota after which she had a very fulfilling career at various hospitals, governmental agencies and as an instructor at Dakota County Technical College. Even after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her 40’s, Dotty continued to work as an RN and lead an active life. She returned to Brewster to participate in the all-female bugle corps at the 1976 Bicentennial Parade and kept in touch with her close-knit U of M RN classmates until she was the last surviving member. In retirement Dotty volunteered for Travel’s Assistance at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport.

Dotty was united in marriage to Anton (Tony) Schmidt on November 29, 1952, and they resided in St. Paul and Inver Grove Heights, MN while raising their 8 children. Family events were important whether it was taking Sunday drives and summer camping trips, visiting her parents on the farm, celebrating the holidays, or attending school or special events. After retiring Dotty and Tony were able to fulfill their dream of traveling to Alaska, Hawaii, Germany and Italy. They also enjoyed playing bingo primarily at the West St. Paul Bingo Palace, a ‘tradition’ which Dotty continued after Tony’s passing. Her children and grandchildren surprised her with an online bingo party for Dotty’s 90^th birthday since it occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dotty was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; daughter, Carolyn Ketchel; grandson, Douglas Schmidt; and granddaughter, Lauren Schulte; and her parents and siblings and their spouses, Wanda (James) Laybourn, Carl (Beatrice) Wiechman, and John Wiechman. She is survived by her children & their spouses, Richard Ketchel (son-in-law), Timothy (Berghetta) Schmidt, Beverly (Kevin) Schulte, Susan (Donald) Hill, Mary Beth (Joel) Forseth, Sarah (Gary) Kopp, Daniel (Jerri) Schmidt, and Joseph (Wendy) Schmidt; and 18 grandchildren, Jeff, Tony (Sara), Tim Jr. (Sam), Ed (Heather), Kim (Josh), Joe (Jiaqi), Sarah (Greg), David, Katie (Aaron), John (Katie), Sean (Lauren), Bridget (Jake), Erin, Alaina (Drew), Olivia (Drew), Jon, Alex and Will; and 10 great-grandchildren, Amelie, Emmett, Theia, Rowan, Violet, Logan, Adeline, Jordy, Oliver and Colin; plus a large extended family of nieces/nephews and cousins.

A special thank you to the staff at Health Partners Hospice and Lyngblomsten Care Center in St. Paul, MN for making Dotty’s final weeks meaningful and comfortable.

‍A celebration of Dotty’s life will be planned for the summer of 2025. Those desiring to make a contribution in her memory are encourage to donate to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Age 92 of So. St. Paul

Passed away surrounded by family on February 21,2025. Preceded in death by husband, Harold; parents, Paul and Antoinette Petry. Survived by children, Chris, Katie, Paul (Cindy), and Carolyn (Russ) Greene; grandchildren, Toni (Ram) Kasiraman, Shavon, Melissa, Kyle, April, Jennifer, Justin, Kassie & Rachel; 15 great-grandchildren, Queana, Kylee, Taeryn, Drake, Garrett, Jaxson, Ariana, Adelyn, Kaylee, Dontayveon, Connor, Rheya, Ean, Rayana & Daphney; also many other family & friends. Gerri was a lifelong member of St. John Vianney Parish. She loved to travel with husband, Harold.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Thursday, February 27^th, with visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at the Church of St. John Vianney,19th Ave. No. @ Bromley, So. St. Paul. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. John Vianney Church.

May 13, 1929 – January 30, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Betty Jonker who peacefully left us at the age of 95 on January 30, 2025. Betty was born in Hull, Iowa on May 13, 1929. Betty lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to her family, her passion for music, and her community. She graduated high school in Bellflower, California in 1946. She then moved to Oskaloosa, Iowa, with her parents. Soon after that she attended Calvin College and then also attended Central College in Pella, Iowa. She also taught 5th grade at Roseland Christian School in Chicago, Illinois. During that time, she met Leo and they were married in 1949 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. Shortly after that, they moved to Minnesota and made that their home. As a beloved piano instructor, Betty inspired countless students over her many years of teaching, instilling a love for music that resonated throughout her community. In addition to her work as a piano instructor, she dedicated many years to playing organ and piano for her church, where her musical contributions enriched the worship experience and brought joy to the congregation. She played for Grace Christian Reformed Church in Inver Grove Heights for over 25 years. In 1978, she attended the University of Minnesota and received her degree in Piano Performance. She also taught piano, played organ and accompanied the church choir at New Life Church, and New Life Baptist Academy in Woodbury, Minnesota for 20 years. Betty was also involved in various activities, including selling real estate, where she fostered connections among those in her community.

Betty was the proud mother to five children, Loren, (Julie), Leanne, Karen, Kurtis, (JuliAnne), Brad, (Paula), and a cherished grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of 30. Her family was her greatest joy and she cherished very moment spent with them, creating lasting memories filled with love and laughter. Betty will be remembered for her kindness, her unwavering support, and her infectious love for music. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations. Throughout her life, she demonstrated an unwavering faith in God, sharing her love for the Lord with everyone around her.  She is now at peace in the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Leo James Jonker, and her parents, Peter and Helen Bouma. Also preceded in death by her sister’s Judy and Jackie, granddaughter Laura, and son-in-law Bill.

Funeral service June 28th, 2025 at 1:00 at New Life Church of Woodbury, 6758 Bailey Rd. Woodbury, Minnesota. 55129.

In lieu of flowers— memorials preferred to: New Life Church, with designation to the Betty Jonker Memorial, checks should be payable to New Life Church.

March 31, 1934 ~ February 2, 2025

Arlette ‘Lee’ Eckman, born March 31, 1934, in Bangor, WI, peacefully passed away on February 2, 2025, at the age of 90, at Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids.

‘Lee’ was the fourth daughter of Emmett Frank Meyer and Ella Serena Neperud. After her father’s passing when she was only 13, her mother, Ella, worked as a seamstress to support her four daughters, instilling in them a deep sense of strength, resilience, and compassion—values that Lee carried throughout her life. Inspired by her older sister, Donna, Lee pursued a career in nursing, earning her degree from the Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN, before furthering her education at the University of Minnesota. There, she met her first husband and would later move to Inver Grove Heights and raise their 5 children.

Lee enjoyed an impressive and varied career in nursing. She worked in the ER, delivered 32 babies, and served as an industrial nurse at the Post Office and Toro, where she earned her OSHA certification. As she neared retirement, Lee embraced adventure as a cruise ship nurse and doctor’s assistant, later returning to Minnesota to work in home health care. She also spent many summers volunteering as a camp nurse alongside her children and grandchildren.

Lee’s faith was unwavering—she loved the Lord with all her heart and devoted her life to sharing the Gospel. Her enthusiasm for Christ touched the lives of many, leading them to follow Him as she did. For over 16 years, she gave heartfelt sermons at the Good Samaritan Nursing Home and made annual trips to Bible Camp with her sister. They also walked the Holy Lands together. A lifelong traveler, Lee’s love for adventure took her around the world as the beloved “traveling Grandma,” often visiting family by plane, train, bus, or her trusty smart car.

A fiercely independent woman, Lee lived in her Inver Grove Heights home for over 50 years, a place she cherished. Known for her vibrant spirit, Lee was an entertainer at heart—sharing stories, telling jokes, and even performing with puppets. Her creativity knew no bounds—whether crafting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, painting, or rosemaling, she always had a project in the works. She filled her cherished home with books, tapes, and cassettes, ever eager to learn something new. Lee was also known for her baking, especially her famous “million-dollar” fudge, which she shared generously with loved ones.

Above all, Lee treasured her family. Affectionately called “Grandma Lee” by her 30 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and many more, she was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love for her family extended beyond bloodlines, as she deeply connected with her church family, her sisters’ families, and her many close friends. She was known for never forgetting birthdays or special events, always arriving with thoughtful gifts—her love language.

She had two happy places in life: her church and the hospital. She spent countless hours there, both as a dedicated nurse and a patient herself, undergoing 39 operations over the years. It is only fitting that she passed away peacefully, with a nurse holding her hand, in the very place she had so often found comfort.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Emmett and Ella Meyer, and her three sisters: Virginia Twite, Donna Wussow, and Marlene Lake. She is survived by her children, Debra (Michael) Hansen, James (Rene) Schwartz, Judith (Jeb) Clarin, Thomas Schwartz, and Andrea Gunderman, along with over 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lee’s legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Funeral Service 11:00AM Saturday, February 15th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation 10:00AM – 11:00AM prior to the service. 1:00PM Interment at Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN. Luncheon to follow. 

October 8, 1933 ~ January 30, 2025

Thomas Frank Richardson, born October 8, 1933, in Duluth, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, in West St. Paul at the age of 91. He was the son of Frederick Richardson and Sylvia (Hill) Grothe. Tom faced the loss of his father at a very young age and was lovingly raised by his mother in Gilbert, MN, who instilled strength and compassion in her three sons—values he carried throughout his life.

A proud alumnus of Gilbert High School, Tom was a member of the school’s 1951 basketball team that achieved the remarkable feat of winning the state championship his senior year. Cheering from the sidelines was his high school sweetheart, Donna Aho, a spirited basketball cheerleader who would later become his wife and lifelong partner. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in teaching from the University of Minnesota – Duluth, where he laid the groundwork for a life devoted to learning and hard work. Tom dedicated the early years of his career to teaching high school social studies and history, while also coaching baseball and basketball and serving as a driver’s education instructor, sharing his passion for knowledge and shaping the minds of countless students.

Moving his family down to the Twin Cities in 1968, he later transitioned to sales in the cement trade for Sheily Concrete.  He excelled in the industry and rose to become General Manager for the LaFarge Corporation, while continuing to educate and mentor many in the business. A visionary in his field, Tom founded the Minnesota Masonry Institute and the Iowa Masonry Institute in the early 70s. Though he officially retired in the mid-90s, he continued consulting until fully retiring in 2010.

Tom was married to Donna (Aho) Richardson for 69 cherished years until her passing in 2024. He was also preceded in death by their daughter Jill, and his brothers William “Bill” and Patrick “PJ” Richardson.

He is survived by his children: Michael (Sue), Steven, Laurie (Robert) Wing, and Scott (Beth   Anne), nieces and nephews, as well as his many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought him immense joy.

A devoted husband, loving father & grandfather, cherished son, brother, uncle, mentor, and friend to many, Tom leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hard work, and dedication. May his memory bring comfort to all who were lucky enough to know him.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Friday, April 4^th, at Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation 1-hour prior at church.  Luncheon to follow.  Private interment.

Age 89

Roger went into the presence of his Heavenly Father on January 28th, 2025.  Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Barbara; parents Lester and Mildred Jentink, and brother Warren.

Survived by his sons Craig (Kim), Glen, and Jay (Donna); grandchildren Nathanael, Karis, Jack, Jessica, and Jamie; great grandchildren Parker, Noelle, Greyson, and Hollis.

Roger and Barbara were married at Hayden Heights Baptist Church in November of 1957.

After graduating from Harding High School in St. Paul, Roger was a 42-year employee of 3M Company as a technical service specialist.  Roger was also an excellent picture framer and operated a picture framing business out of his home.

Roger was a veteran having served in the Army Reserves.  He did much of his training at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin.

Roger loved barbershop music and sang bass in a quartet with his three sons, as well as being a member of the Celebration Barbershop Chorus in Florida, where Barbara and he were snowbirds for 13 years.  He also sang in the church choir for many years.  Music was a big part of his life.

Roger had a love for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed making many trips to one of his favorite places, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

Roger was an avid reader and enjoyed playing tennis, watching Laurel and Hardy films, and playing with dogs.

Roger was a faithful husband, committed father, and a man who loved people.  Most importantly, he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Visitation at Riverview Baptist Church 14 Moreland Ave. E., West St. Paul, MN, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 9:30 AM, followed by a service at 11:00 AM.

Age 70 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away surrounded by loving family on February 5, 2025.

Survived by his Wife of 51 years, Debbie; Daughter, Amy (Rich) McDonald; Son, Jeff; Daughter, Kelly (Brent) Wasieleski; Grandchildren, Asher & Fiona McDonald, Brandon Watson & Rowan Wasieleski; Sister, Linda (Ron) Dawson; Brother, Cedric (Kim) Watson; other relatives & friends.

Let’s gather to honor and remember Wally, a remarkable man whose life was a testament to hard work, selflessness, and unwavering love for his family. As the eldest of three children, Wally took on the mantle of responsibility early in life, dedicating countless years to growing the family business. His tireless efforts not only ensured the success of the business but also served as a living legacy for his children, whom he trained with the same dedication and passion.

Wally was a man of many talents and a generous heart. Over the years, he became a trusted friend to many, always ready to lend a hand with appliance repairs or offer financial support to those in need. His selflessness knew no bounds, and his acts of kindness left an indelible mark on the lives of countless friends and acquaintances.

As a father, Wally was unparalleled. He instilled in his children the values of generosity, wise decision-making, and the importance of family. His guidance and love shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today. Summers were a special time for Wally and his family, filled with camping, traveling, fishing, and boating adventures that created cherished memories and strengthened their bond.

Wally’s love story with Debbie, his high school sweetheart, is one for the ages. They celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage, standing by each other’s side as friends, lovers, and business partners. Their enduring love and partnership were an inspiration to all who knew them.

Wally’s legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered as a hardworking business owner, a selfless friend, a devoted father, and a loving husband. His spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.

Gathering of Family and Friends 3:00 – 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Reception immediately following at Moose Lodge, 5927 Concord Blvd, South St. Paul, MN.