Obituaries2017-03-17T11:40:28-05:00

Snyder, Walter Joseph “Wally”

Walter “Wally” Joseph Snyder, age 75 passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024.  Walter was formerly from Anoka, Inver Grove Heights, Lake St. Croix Beach, Afton, and Lake Vermilion Tower, MN. He started wintering in Alamo TX in 2006.

Walter was born on July 4, 1948. He was one of seven children of William and Bernadette (Bouley) Snyder.

Walter attended 1st-4th grades at St. Stephens School in Anoka, 5th-8th grades at Holy Trinity in So. St. Paul, 9th grade at St. John’s Prep in Collegeville, and 10th-12th grades at Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights.  In High School he performed in a play and played hockey.  After graduating High School, he attended TVI and received a two-year degree in technical drawing/drafting.  He worked for Univac and Wisemantel as a draftsman.  A friend, Dave, hired Wally as an electrical helper.  Dave introduced Wally to Gordy & Muriel Miller at the Saint Paul Yacht Club.  The Miller’s hired Wally as a harbor master who helped the dock boy. He also helped the Miller’s build a houseboat in 1971.  Capt. William Bowell offered Wally a job the spring of 1972 to work on his excursion boat (the Padelford).  Wally received his Coast Guard License for passenger vessels in July of 1972.  He became General Manager besides his Captain’s position for the company.  Not only did Wally work for the Padelford but relatives Connie, Shane, Amy and Gina held summer jobs (while they were going to college) Rick and Julie (as second jobs).  Wally did leave his position with the Padeford twice.  He resigned once to be a truck mechanic for Thell Oil.  He resigned the second time to work on tow boats for Pilot River Transportation, Inc. where he received his Coast Guard license for tow boats.  He spent a total of 19 years working on the Mississippi River.

Walter married the love of his life, Shirley Ruth Forester on November 26, 1977.   Wally resigned his position at the Padelford for the last time in 1990.   In 1990 Walter, Shirley and Paul Snyder incorporated Snyder Industries, Inc. and bought an existing custom built dock manufacturing company and barge service on Lake Vermilion.  They renamed the DBA name from Smith’s Landing to Eagle Docks.  The Snyder’s sold Eagle Docks in 2006 and retired.

Walter was an Honorary Life member of both the 3rd Degree (Council #3659) and 4th Degree (Msgr. Ravoux Assembly 529) of the Knights of Columbus.  He was a retired volunteer fireman and EMT of the Greenwood Township Fire Department on Lake Vermilion.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ruth Marie, parents William & Bernadette Snyder; and grandparents.  He is survived by his wife, Shirley; brothers David (Clarene), Paul, Rick (JoAnn), Alan (Cathy); sisters Mary Jo (Rick) Thormahlen, Julie Ann (Bob) Kienitz, many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am, Friday, May 3rd, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to Mass at church.

Dunn, Patrick Cletus

Age 60 of St. Paul

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 26, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Bob & Clare Dunn; brother, Bill. Survived by his daughter, Cassidy (Luke Wallace), and her mother, Julie; son, Jordan Kelliher; sisters, Kathy Finn, Colleen (Rich) Pfeffer, Rosemary Kinney, Terri Dunn; nephew, who was like a brother, Bobby (Lori) Finn; Goddaughter, Shawna (Dan) Terrell; nephews, Derrick (Jodie) Pfeffer, Luke (Sarah) Pfeffer, Jacob Kinney, Chase Unruh, Kyle Unruh, Connor Finn; nieces, Erin (Charlie) Ellison, Lindsey (Derek) Niebur, Addison Finn, as well as many other family and friends.

Patrick had a deep love for hockey, which he played and followed with great enthusiasm. He also enjoyed traveling, golfing, fishing, snowmobiling and playing on co-ed sporting teams; valuing the time spent with his friends over the activities themselves. His love for sports was incorporated into his time as a parent spending countless summers playing softball, basketball, tennis and riding bikes with his daughter. He loved being a dad and surprising his daughter with activities, from building a swimming pool and trampoline in the backyard to spontaneous vacations.

Family meant everything to Patrick. As the youngest, Pat was blessed with four sisters, who held a special place in his heart. Their close-knit bond was evident to everyone, as he and his siblings never missed an opportunity to joke with one another. He also shared many adventures with his nephew Bobby, with whom he grew up alongside, creating a special connection. He spent his youth attending Harding High School on the eastside of Saint Paul, where he met many lifelong friends. He cherished every moment shared with loved ones, forming lasting memories.

One of Patrick’s greatest joys was making people laugh. His sense of humor was infectious, and he had a gift for bringing smiles to those around him. Patrick had a magnetic personality, everyone wanted to be around him because of his kindness, humor and ability to make friends with anyone.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday April 13th, at the Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St. W., St. Paul, with visitation from 10:00 am -11:00 am prior to service. Interment Calvary Cemetery, St. Paul. A Celebration luncheon will follow at Park Place, 200 Broadway Ave., St. Paul Park, MN.

 

 

 

 

Trossen, Cynthia Ann

Age 69 of Hastings, Minnesota

Cynthia left this world peacefully on March 28, 2024.

Cindy was born on December 23, 1954 on the naval base in Groton, CT.  She graduated from Anoka High School in 1972.  She spent most of her career as a trucking dispatcher in Minnesota and Wisconsin, most recently for Kane Transport, Inc. in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Cindy enjoyed outdoor activities, camping, fishing and relaxing by the campfire.  She loved spending time with her sons, grandchildren and sister and will be greatly missed by many.

Cindy is survived by her sons, David (Lisa) Kasel of Forest Lake, MN and Daniel Kasel of Inver Grove Heights, MN., her grandchildren, Kylie, Kayla, Andrew, Levi and Boston; great-grandson, Owen. She is also survived by her sister Carol (Rich) Best and brother, Mike (Simone) Trossen, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Trossen, sisters, Pam and Patty.

Memorial service 2:00pm Thursday, April 11th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights MN with a visitation 1:00-2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to a charity of your choice in Cindy’s name.

Peña, Esperanza

Age 94

Was born on June 23, 1929, in St. Paul, MN and passed away on March 29, 2024.  She is survived by son, Conrad Jr. (Christine); daughters, Ana (Ron), Donna (Pedro), Rebecca; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, several brothers & sisters. There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all. Funeral Service 11:00 am Friday April 5th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. with visitation from 10-11am prior to service. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery, Maplewood.

 

Besky, Lawrence Michael

Age 61 of St. Paul

Lawrence passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 10th, 2024. Survived by parents, Don and Caroline; siblings, James (Cathy), Michelle, Jason (Maija) and Heather Svenson (Mike); sons, Nick and Lawrence Jr. and their mother, Gina Ricci; grandchildren, Isabelle, Jonathan and Abby; many nephews and nieces. Preceded in death by grandparents, Gertie and Albert Hengel, Leah and Nick Besky.

Lawrence had a rich and blessed life. He was involved in the Boy Scouts, enjoyed camping, his trip to Philmont and playing in the Drum and Bugle Corps. He attended Johnson High School in Saint Paul and the University of Minnesota. Lawrence was a hard worker and held many jobs. Lawrence proudly served in the Army National Guard for 16 years including honors with the Army National Guard rifle team.

Lawrence loved working on classic cars. He restored, bought, sold, repaired and traded cars and car parts with many friends.

Lawrence was very close to his family. He enjoyed playing cards and games, going to church, watching movies, fishing with his dad, car shows including the Back to the 50’s at the fairgrounds, visiting the zoo, attending the MN State Fair, building model airplanes and cars, and listening to the Beach Boys. He loved and was proud of his sons, Nick and Lawrence Jr., and happy to be a grandpa to three beautiful grandchildren.

Lawrence was diagnosed with MS and battled this disease for 34 years. He enjoyed attending the MS Achievement Center Day program where he made many friends. He also spent many summers at MS Camp.

Lawrence was a faithful man, a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Saint Paul. We recently found a church home at Prince of Peace in Burnsville.

Lawrence was a resilient, strong, hardworking, faithful, funny and loving man.

We were blessed to be part of Lawrence’s life and he will be dearly missed.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Wednesday, March 27th at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Dr., Burnsville, MN with visitation from 10-11am prior to service. Luncheon to follow service at church.  Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Thank you to all the staff who provided loving care to Lawrence including Integrity Living Options Group Home, Eriksmoen Cottages Group Home, Ebenezer Ridges Care Center and Accent Care Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Fairview MS Achievement Center. Checks can be made out and mailed to:

University of Minnesota Foundation
P.O. Box 860266
Minneapolis, MN 55486-0266

In the memo line, write: Fairview Achievement Center #23692

Direct Link to make an on-line donation: Fairview MS Achievement Center Memorial

Johnson, Charles Mark

Age 87

Passed away on March 17, 2024 at the Trinity Care Center, Farmington, MN.

Charles was born on the Johnson Family Farm Kenyon, MN on February 13, 1937, the son of Joseph and Marie (Dale) Johnson. Charles was baptized and confirmed at Hegre Lutheran Church. On July 3, 1965. Charles married Joyce Ranum at Perry Lutheran Church, Daleyville, WS.

Charles attended the Skyberg Country School and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1955. He joined the University of Minnesota’s Navy ROTC program, graduating in 1959. Charles served his country as a career Marine Corp officer including two tours in Vietnam, 1st as the Commander of a 155mm Howitzer Battery in the Chu Li area. His 2nd tour he served as a press briefer for General Abrams (COMUSMACV) at the Military Headquarters in Saigon, Vietnam.  In the early 1970’s he teamed with a civilian historian and co-authored the book, “U.S. MARINES IN VIETNAM, The Landing and Build Up, 1965.”

Some of Lt/ Col Johnson’s personal medals/commendations include: Two Bronze Stars each with Combat “V”, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnam Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Expert Rifle and Pistol Badges. Charles retired from the Marine Corps in 1979.

Following his military retirement, Charles returned to Kenyon and farmed with his Dad and also worked as an electronics technician.  During his retirement years, Charles and Joyce spent their winters in the Kissimmee, Florida where he enjoyed golfing and working as a tax consultant for H&R Block.

He is survived by his son, James Charles (Betsy) of Brooksville, FL and daughter, Kari Joy (Stephen Winters) of Inver Grove Heights, MN.  He is also survived by his brother, Col. Richard Johnson USMC (Laura) of Red Wing, MN; sisters, Mary Stephenson (Glenn) of Solomons, MD and JoAnn Porter (Leonard) of Chesapeake, VA.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce; parents, Joseph and Marie; brother, James Paul; and brothers-in-law, Colonel Leonard Porter, USMC and 1st LT. Glenn Stephenson, USMC.

A joint Celebration of Life for both Charles and Joyce will be announced at a future date.

Rettinger, Paul

Age 83 of Lilydale, MN

Passed away March 15, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Cecelia Rettinger; brothers, Joe and George Rettinger; and sisters, Alice Pike and Mary Fasth. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dianne Rettinger; son, Greg Rettinger (Deborah); daughter, Stacie Rettinger; and 3 grandchildren, Libby, Emily, and Erica Rettinger.

Paul grew up in the town of Long Lake Minnesota and graduated from Orono High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1958. Paul served in the weather department at Anacostia Naval base in Washington D.C. and served until 1961. For most of his career, Paul was a route salesman, working for Stewart Sandwich, Frito Lay, and finally Old Dutch Foods where he worked until retirement. His faith was an important part of his life, and he served many years as an altar boy and attended daily Mass when he retired. An avid collector his entire life, Paul was passionate about his hobbies and interests, especially antique cars and all types of music. He also liked going to air shows, and was a member and volunteer for the Minnesota Air and Space Museum.

Visitation is 4-7 pm Monday, March 25th at Roberts Funeral Home 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Hts.  Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 am Tuesday, March 26th at Church of St. Peter, 1405 Hwy 13, Mendota, MN with visitation from 10-11am prior to service. Mass of Christian Burial will also be available via livestream on the Church of St. Peter’s youtube page.  Interment 11:00 am Thursday, March 28th Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Pechmann, Daniel John

Cherished son and brother was taken from us too soon at the age of 54 from natural causes on Sunday, March 10th, 2024.

Preceded in death by grandparents, John & Evelyn Mutch and Joseph & Dorothy Pechmann.  Survived by parents, Gary & Jeannie; brothers, Gary Jr., Tim (Holly) and sister, Sandra Green; nephews, Jonah Green, Brady & Brandon Pechmann; niece, Allison Pechmann; and many other family and friends.

Dan was blessed with a loving nature, generous smile, infectious laugh and a quick wit that could always be counted on to provide a humorous one-liner in any group conversation.  Dan loved being with his family and enjoyed animals, collectibles, comic books, Doctor Who, and various projects.

Dan made a lasting impact on many family and friends while growing up in Highland Park.  Dan attended Highland Catholic and later Highland Park High School and graduated from TVI in St.Paul.  He went on to work for the University of Minnesota and various other jobs.  Despite limited means, Dan was always extremely generous with whatever he had and enjoyed giving to others.

Dan will be dearly missed by anyone who knew or met him.  We love you Dan.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 am Friday, March 22nd with visitation one-hour prior.  Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2055 Bohland Ave., St. Paul.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Gibbons, Louis E.

Age 80 of Eagan, MN.

Passed away at home March 4th, 2024 with his family by his side. Born February 7th, 1944 in Pittston, PA. Son of the late James and Helen Kaminski Gibbons of Jenkins Township. Also preceded in death by brother John Gibbons.

Louis graduated from Jenkins Township High School in 1961. He then entered the US Army, serving from 1961 to 1964. He worked for the National Airline before joining NW Orient Airlines in 1966 then retiring in April 2007 after 40 ½ years.

He is survived by wife the former Judith Anne Healey; step sons, Joseph Sciandra of Pittston, PA, John Scheiderich of Bloomington, MN, Lawrence Scheiderich and wife, Cortissa, of Nashville, TN; grandchildren, Zoe, Brinley, Hezekiah, Jeremiah and Nathanial Scheiderich, also Nikki and David Sciandra; brothers, James Gibbons and wife, Dolly; also other extended family and friends.

Louis had a large loving extended family in MN. He was a generous, devoted husband and father. We will miss him very much.

Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Thursday, March 21st at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Rd, Eagan. There will be a one hour viewing from 9 – 10 am. Louis will be laid to rest Friday, March 22nd at 11 am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to American Cancer Society.

Svihel, David “Libby”

Age 68 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away on March 9, 2024. Preceded in death by father, Clarence. Survived by loving wife, Shari; mother, LaRue; sisters, Noreen (Gary) Berg & Mary (Tom) Richardson; brother, Pete (Kathy); niece, Dawn; nephew, Chris; other family & friends. Dave was a longtime employee of Schanno Transportation and Thermo King. He had a passion for building and racing hot rods and really loved his family Farmstead. He took a dilapidated farm and turned it into an amazing place to live.  He enjoyed working with his hands in the wood shop and fabricating parts in the metal shop.  He enjoyed golf carts rides around the property and on the paths he created in the woods. As well as all kinds of fun around the “brainerd trailer”.  He built multiple hot rods which he won many awards for and took great pleasure in showing them at various car shows. A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Sunday, March 17 with a time of sharing beginning at 4:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. Memorials preferred to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.