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

Marilyn S. Minea

Age 95 of Bayport, formerly of South St. Paul.

Passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, predeceased by husband of 66 years, Eugene; parents, Herbert and Sandra Miller, brothers Russell and Herbert, Jr., sister Shirley Hahn, and daughter-in-law Kim Minea.

Marilyn was a graduate of Mahtomedi High School, class of 1948. Marilyn married Eugene Minea on July 14, 1951 at the Presidio Army Base in San Francisco, California. Marilyn is survived by children, David, Diane Devereaux (Kevin), Michael (Bonnie Rohow), Mark (Jane Grundhoefer), Jeffrey (Sue), Janet, and Patrick (Amy); 20 grandchildren, Peter Minea, Andrew Minea, Kaitlyn Minea, Sarah Matthews, Maria Roeller, Paul Devereaux, Joseph Minea, Danielle Kuchenmeister, Michelle Johnson, Mark E. Minea, Daniel Minea, Steven Minea, Justin Minea, Melody Minea, Margeaux Allgaier, Alec Minea, Elena Holm, Eric Byerly, Max Minea, Abby Minea; 23 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation from 4:00-7:00 P.M., Monday, September 14 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights; Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 15 at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Avenue, West St. Paul. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Lakeview Hospice or the Pillars Hospice Home of Oakdale.

Erik Dennis Mortenson

Age 48 of South St. Paul,

Passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

If you knew Erik, you probably have a story about him. And if you didn’t know Erik yet, chances are he would have been your friend within about five minutes.

Erik grew up in Inver Grove Heights and graduated from Simley High School in 1996. In November of 1999, he met the love of his life, Haley, at the Wild Onion in St. Paul. The two quickly became inseparable and were later united in marriage in August 2005 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights. Their love story spanned nearly 27 years, including 21 blissful years of marriage.

Erik had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged. He could walk into a room not knowing a soul and leave having made a few new friends. His easy conversation, genuine kindness and ability to make people laugh brought people together. He made others feel comfortable, welcomed and valued—and that is something we will always remember about him.

Erik loved to have fun and rarely needed an excuse to do it. He loved playing golf and cards, especially Buck, and he was always up for whatever game his nieces and nephews wanted to play. Being the “funcle” was one of his favorite roles. He loved riding his Harley, fixing cars, hunting, fishing and cooking. He loved a good laugh, a good story and, of course, telling jokes.

More than anything, Erik was happiest when he was surrounded by people–making memories and sharing laughs. He brought energy and laughter wherever he went, and his absence leaves a hole that simply cannot be filled.

He leaves behind his awesome wife, Haley; parents, Keith and Ladana (Klassen) Mortenson; brothers, Jason, Luke and Brian Mortenson; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Kay and Gene Kubesh; sisters-in-law, Linsey Kubesh and Abby (Todd) Bell; brothers-in-law, Kent (Lisa) Donahue and Reid (Ashley) Kubesh; and adoring nieces and nephews: Avery, Teagan, Andrew, Olivia, Leighton, Asher, Alexis (Ben & Charlotte Beuning), Jett, Maya, Talen, Easton, Jordan (Nick, Addie & Cole Nicholas), Jake and Katie; along with many other family members and countless friends.

Erik was preceded in death by his grandparents, uncles and godfather.

While we wish we could have more time with him, we can be grateful for every laugh, every story and every treasured memory he gave us. He will be missed more than words can say. But knowing Erik, he’d probably tell us to quit being so serious, grab a drink, tell a good story and have some fun.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Avenue, Inver Grove Heights followed by a luncheon. Visitation will be held from 9:30–10:30 a.m. prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Susan C. Hocking

Susan C. Hocking, age 80, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 3, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce and Harold Sauer; her son, David; and her brother, Peter.

Susan is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, William Hocking; her son, Daniel (Nicole); her beloved granddaughters, Addison and Emerson, her “angels”; her sister, Deborah (Ron); her brother, Tim (Sue); and many loving nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 17th at 10:00 a.m. at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 South Robert Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.

 

Kathryn Ellen Benish

Kathy passed away peacefully at home on August 28, 2026. 

Preceded in death by her husband, Clayton; son, Teddy; and siblings,  Mary Baker and Teresa Kusterman.

Survived by her loving children, Clay (Michelle), Andy (Sarah), and Kate Condon; grandchildren, Brode, Kennedy, Aidan, Michael, and William; and siblings, Bill Conlan, Margaret Moser and Dan (Diane) Conlan.

A lifelong Minnesotan, Kathy was born in St. Paul in 1944 and built a life centered around family, hard work, and simple joys. As an entrepreneur, she successfully owned and operated her own business in clinical management and billing. She valued her independence and spent her final years in Inver Grove Heights, enjoying the closeness and everyday moments with those she cherished most.

Above all, Kathy’s greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She cherished creating memories with them, frequently over a box of Legos or while hosting family gatherings. When she wasn’t spending time with family, you could often find her reading a good book, hunting for treasures at local garage sales or enjoying a day at the casino.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 9:00 to 10:30 am Tuesday, September 8th, with a 10:30 am Funeral Service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights with a luncheon reception afterward.

 

Patricia Lee Mack

Pat Mack passed away at her Inver Grove Heights home at age 92 on August 26, 2026.

Pat was born and raised in Park Rapids, MN to Urban and Inez (Klicker) Mack as the only daughter among six sons.  Pat completed her high school graduation in St. Paul, MN and continued her education at Normandale Community College.

Pat enjoyed a varied career including working at Rosemount Engineering where she had a chance to examine some moon rocks, at Prudential Insurance, and at Hilton, among others.

Pat was fun loving and known for her witty sense of humor.  She loved fishing, woodworking, playing games, travel, winters in Florida, and time with family and friends.

Pat was preceded in death by: her parents; brothers Urban Mack Jr, Ernest Mack Sr, Jack Mack, Richard Mack, Gerald Mack, and Lawrence Mack; sisters-in-law Helen Mack, Genevieve Mack, Lavon Mack, and JoAnn Mack; niece Jenny Lee Warne; nephews Danny Mack and Johnnie Mack; step-niece Jody Jackson; and step-nephew Tom Osking. She is survived by: nieces Sharon Condiff, Janet Robertson, Jodi Mack, JoAnn Blanchard, and Leanda Cheney; nephews KayWayne Mack, Richard Mack, Patrick Mack, and Ernest Mack Jr; step-niece Jackie Osking; step-nephew Tim Osking; many great nieces and nephews; her longtime friend, Hedy Sue Woog; and the second family Pat found in the extended Woog family.

A celebration of Pat’s life will be held 4:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, September 9th, with visitation 4:00-6:00 pm and a 6:00 pm memorial service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN.

In memory of Patricia Mack memorials are preferred to the Shriners Hospital, Attn: Shriners Children’s, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394.

Kim Zemke

Age 70 of Eagan.

Passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 23, 2026.

Kim was born on April 12th, 1956 in Rochester, MN to Harold and Vivian Luther.

She graduated from Winona State University in 1979 with a degree in nursing.  She received her MA in Nursing from the University of Minnesota and her MA in organizational management from Concordia University.  She successfully defended her PhD in social and administrative pharmacy in July 2013.

Kim’s dedication to the wellness of others took her to many heights professionally.  In 1986, while working for the Federal prison system, Kim established the conditioning education system to ensure all medical professionals were credentialed with a sustainable infrastructure for inspection.

During the 1990’s, Kim led a specialized team of cardiology nurses in an effort to impact patient care in closer cooperation with surgeons while maximizing nursing exposure and influence.  This venture led to the physician extenders and physician assistant positions that The Mayo Clinic adopted.

Kim was also instrumental in bringing Mayo Clinic Health System to Faribault, MN in 1995.  She worked with every aspect of the project, from contracts to architectural design, to take a flat piece of land to a profitable clinic, with 14 doctors and a major laboratory, in 3 short years.

Personally, Kim led a life full of faith, love, family and service to others.

She and Dave Zemke married on May 20, 1989.  Their family was formed with Kim’s son Adam Reeves and a daughter Ashley, born in 1991

During their life together Kim served as the Chair of the Board of Education for Trinity Lone Oak Church (2004-2007).  She also went on to serve as Care Giver Support Group Leader and President of the Congregation for two terms at Emmanuel Lutheran Church beginning in 2014.

Kim is preceded in death by her parents, Harold & Vivian Luther; brother, Dennis Luther.  She is survived by Dave, her loving husband of 37 years; son, Adam Reeves; daughter Ashley (Will) Vance-Bryan; grandchildren Elsa, Aubrey, Bennett (Adam), Kyle and Samantha (Ashley); brothers, Jeff (Robin) Luther and Marc (Deb) Luther.  She also leaves countless friends and extended family who will miss her dearly. Though she is no longer with us, Kim’s memory will live on through the people she loved, the memories she created and the many lives she impacted and made brighter simply by being part of their journey.

Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, September 19th at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Heights with a visitation preceding the service beginning at 9:00 am.  (AKA the church will be open two hours before the service)

In lieu of flowers, please honor Kim in the quest to fight and find a cure for Alzheimer’s via the Alzheimer’s Association.

Marian J. Baskerville

Age 98 1/2

Marian passed away on August 22, 2026.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 57 years, John.

Marian is survived by her children, John (Marilyn), Joan (Kevin), Jan (Cheryl), Joel (Jackie); 11 Grandchildren; 15 Great grandchildren; Granddogger, Poppy; cherished sister, Lois; and many nieces and nephews.

Marian lived almost her whole life in Inver Grove Heights, spending the last 5 years in Lakeville at Highview Hills Assisted Living.

She enjoyed birdwatching, casino excursions, playing cards, bingo and bowled into her mid-eighties. She was a “people person” and loved just getting to know you.

Marian was a great Mom and an even greater Grandma and will be remembered and loved by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am Monday, August 31st, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076 with visitation 1-hour prior at church.  Luncheon to follow.  Interment Acacia Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Our heartfelt thanks to MN Hospice and Highview Hills RA staff who have touched our hearts with their gifts of compassion, patience, kindness and love in their care of Marian and her family.

Pamela Lienke (Olson)

Pam passed away on August 19, 2026, from natural causes. No public services planned. Memorials should be sent to St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Bloomington (1701 W. Old Shakopee Rd., Bloomington, MN 55431) or Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP, 9600 Aldrich Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55420).

Patricia M. Gitzen (née Scheuble)

Age 95 of South Saint Paul.

Passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, with family by her side. Preceded in death by husband, Gene; brother, Bud; sister, Karen. Survived by daughter, Mary Jo (David) Ehnstrom; grandson, Dan (Kelsey) Ehnstrom; beautiful great-granddaughter, Emma Ehnstrom; sister-in-law, Barb Scheuble.

Patricia’s wishes were for no services to be held.

James R. Stickler

Age 91

James died peacefully at home on August 20, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born to Frank and Evelyn Stickler in St Paul on August 21, 1934. He was the second of five boys and grew up on St Paul’s West Side. Jim attended St Matthew’s School and spent his summers working on a farm in Mahnomen MN from ages 11-14. Later, he attended Humboldt High School where he met his future wife, Shirley. During his high school years, he set pins at a local bowling alley and hitchhiked to Le Sueur MN to work at the Green Giant Company. After graduating from high school, Jim joined the US Army. He was stationed in Germany and after his honorable discharge, he traveled Europe before returning home to St Paul. Jim worked as an optician but later decided that was not a good career for him and became a plumber. On April 7, 1956, he married Shirley Witt. They raised 4 children in West St Paul. Jim worked as a plumber for over 30 years and then retired after his wife passed away. Jim was a hard-working man. The family was active in their church and spent summer weekends at their Rush Lake cabin that Jim built. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman, and he spent many seasons with his brothers at a log cabin in northern Minnesota that they built together. In retirement, Jim continued to stay busy with numerous hobbies and physical activities. He even joined a bike and ski club which is how he met Ginny, on a bike trail. For the next 23 years, they biked Minnesota trails, traveled and enjoyed each other’s company. Bicycling became his favorite activity, biking an average of 40 miles on a regular bases and for many years, up to 80 miles on his birthdays just to say he could! In the summer of 2025, he moved from his townhouse to senior living. Jim lived in independent living until the very end. Thank you to the staff at Inver Glen Senior Living for their kindness and making the last year of his life enjoyable.

Jim was a friend to many. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley of 37 years; special friend, Ginny Seals; brothers, John Stickler and Joseph Stickler; sister-in-law, Barbara Stickler. Survived by children, Tracey (Lyle) Huisinga, Nancey (Kevin) Quinn, Julie (Barry) Greive, and Jim (Melanie) Stickler; grandchildren, Joanne (Dave) Ericson, Dale (Caryn) Huisinga, Bailey Quinn, Shaun Quinn, Allison Stickler, Jessica (Jake) Hladik and Jackie Stickler; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom (Anne) Stickler and Frank (Jean) Stickler; sister-in-law, Beverly Stickler.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 1st, at 10:30am with service to follow at 12:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. A gathering of family and friends will follow the service. Private Interment at Fort Snelling. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.