Age 69 of West St. Paul

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 7, 2024.

Preceded in death by parents, Charles and Helen. Survived by loving wife of 44 years, Colleen; children, Jess (Joseph) Staples, Joseph, Jillian (Mark) Kinzer & Jennifer; grandchildren, Jorie, J.J., Riley & Kyler; siblings, Jeanne (Howard) Franson, Jerri (Bob) Mahoney Troje, Jack (Donna), Joanne (Lou) Basile, Jim (Helen), Jeff (Lynn); also many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

Joe loved to be at the lake, fish, watch his grandkids play hockey, take the grandkids on pontoon rides, go to the state hockey tourney with his brother, play cribbage and spend time with his family.

Memorial Service 4 pm Sunday, February 25 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Visitation 2 – 4 pm. Gathering following at Tappers (upstairs), 879 Stryker Ave., St. Paul.

Age 90

Passed away peacefully on February 6, 2024.

Born in Hallock, Minnesota on June 30, 1933.

Married to Eva on February 16, 1956.  They would have been married 68 glorious years on February 16, 2024.

Preceded in death by son, Randall; grandson, Aaron; father, Peter; mother, Ellen.

In addition to his wife, Eva, Milo is also survived their children, Lori, Vicki, Debi (Brad Fleischauer); eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and sister, Elaine Renville.

Milo was an auto body man at Fury Motors in South St. Paul for thirty plus years.

Milo will always be remembered for his amazing tap knobs & beer can collections. His snarky sense of humor and pranks he played on people will be talked about forever.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Tuesday, February 13^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Age 85 of Saint Paul

01/31/1939-02/03/2024

Jeanne passed away after a valiant two-year battle with dementia.

Preceded in death by parents, Richard Merrill and Lilian Schmidt; sisters, Lois Jolly, Sally Eggers, Rita Mitchell, Ruthie Buecksler; brothers, Richard Eggers Jr., John Merrill, Twin Brother Jerry Merrill, Bill Merrill, Mark Merrill and Roger Merrill.

Survived by sisters, Mary Carlson, Julie (Donald) Boars, Margaret (Ronald) Engebretson, Monica (Gary) Wierzba;

Children, Jeff (Lois) Ambrus, Karen Dawson, Randy (Susan) Ambrus, Laurie (Mike) Christian, Howard (Brandy) Ambrus;

Grandchildren, Aaron (Katherine) Ambrus, Mariah (Nathan) Ostlie, Teresa (Josh) Berry, Nathan (Clarissa) Hernandez, Justin Ambrus (Jorine), Nicholas (Nicole) Ambrus, Ashley (Josh) Gerold, Sarah Christian, Katie Christian, Sean Christian, Alayna Hergins;

Great Grandchildren, Henry Ambrus, Silas Ambrus, Cora Ostlie, Kyle Ostlie, Lucas Berry, Zoey Berry, Elyana Hernandez, Lucy Belmares, Benjamin Ambrus, Lucas Ambrus, Lillian Gerold, Thomas Gerold.

Jeanne leaves behind a legacy along with extended family including nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jeanne enjoyed reading the Pioneer Press daily and was an avid reader. She was a faithful follower and loved listening to hymns, old country music, knitting, sewing, animals (cats and birds) and finding good deals around town. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends and love the independence she had with her scooter.

Our sincere thanks go out to Episcopal Church Homes – Isabella House and the Health Partners Hospice Team who cared for Jeanne.

Private viewing at 10am followed by visitation at 11am and Celebration of Life 12 noon Saturday February 17, 2024 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8180 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Luncheon to follow at the Veterans Community Center in Community Room 3.

Memorial donations can be directed to the Animal Humane Society https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/.

Age 84

Karen passed peacefully on January 28, 2024 from heart failure in the presence of loved ones after a short hospitalization. She suffered from declining memory over her last few years and lived in a memory care facility for the last year of her life.

Karen saw the world through the eyes of an artist and brought this vision to her richly atmospheric paintings and lush gardens. Both matched her complex personality, a mixture of intense emotion and meticulous precision. Karen spent countless hours creating her backyard utopia, a lavish expression of beauty and serenity.

Karen’s love for her family was consistent, fierce, and imbued with abundant humor. Along with serious life lessons about the necessity of hard work and lifelong curiosity, Karen also taught her children and grandchildren how to swear correctly (only to express frustration), the joys of schadenfreude, and how a responsible young mother might act with wild abandon to get a tattoo in an indiscreet location.

She was a pioneer of sorts, earning a Pre-Med Bachelor’s degree when it was more difficult for women to do so, and spending several decades in a successful career as a manager in a traditionally male-dominated technical field.

Karen is survived by her devoted life partner of over forty years, Randy Teare, her children Laura Bradford (Jerry), Karl Bradford (Kristen), and Sarah Franssen (Michael), along with five adored grandchildren: Cassandra, Robyn, Elaina, Theo, and Lydia, and two great-grandchildren, Ava Grace and Lily.

A private family memorial is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the World Wildlife Fund in honor of Karen’s deep appreciation for the natural world.

Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 3, 2024. Preceded in death by father, Alvin Torgerson; nephew, Ezra Branvold; brother-in-law, Rodney Zimmerman. Survived by loving husband of 55 years, Robert; mother, Beverly Torgerson; son, Brent (Mary Dvorak); siblings, Diane (Tom) Sawyer, Gary (Jane) Torgerson, Richard (Lora) Torgerson, Pamela (Tripp) Snyder, Cathy (Dennis) Bibeau; also many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

Aside from being a histologist at St. Paul Ramsey and Bethesda Hospital, Sharon enjoyed time with her family, gardening, her flowers, dancing, arts and crafts, sewing, and shopping with her mother. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or to Cerenity, Humboldt.

Visitation 1:00-4:00 pm Saturday, February 10^th, with a Funeral Service beginning at 2:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Age 42

Passed away on January 29, 2024. Preceded in death by grandpa, Herb Davis; dad, Skip Hassel. Survived by mom, Pat Hassel; sister, Laura (Brian) Plantenberg; grandma, Mary Ann Davis; kids, Hannah and Jess Binsfeld and Aiden Hassel (mom, Tashia Lean); nephew, Thomas Plantenberg; many aunts, uncles and cousins and girlfriend, Laura Casland. Jeff was a gentle and loving soul who could win you over with little more than a playful smirk. He loved to cook and greatly enjoyed the time he spent working at Shamrocks and Louis. He was also proud to call St. Paul his home and was as true of a Minnesota Vikings fan as they come. Jeff fought a long and courageous battle with his traumatic brain injury, beating the odds at every turn. We want to extend a special ‘thank you’ to the angels at North Ridge Health and Rehab where he lived over the last 6.5 years – he adored his family that was created there.

Visitation 4:00 – 7:00 pm Monday, February 5th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights with a time of sharing at 6:00 pm. Graveside Service 11:00 am Tuesday, February 6th, 2024 at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, with lunch to follow.

Every season, Jeff believed it would be the year the Vikings would take things all the way to the Super Bowl. We ask that you help celebrate Jeff’s life by wearing your purple and gold Vikings gear to the visitation.

Herman Lee Jackson passed away suddenly on Jan 27.

Preceded in death by his father, Herman Lee Jackson Sr. Survived mother, Lucy Jaunester Davis; stepmother, Gloria Lawler; two sisters, Debra Jackson, Theresa Jackson; two nieces, Greshonda Phillips, Felicia Alowonle; Nephew, Herman J. Jackson. Herman also leaves behind a fiancé; 2 children; 2 aunts, Atlean and Gladys; uncle, Sammy Cain; and a host of cousins, family and friends that loved him. He was charming, kind, loved to smile and liked basketball. Herman will truly be missed and forever in our hearts.

Memorial Service 1:00 pm Wednesday, February 7^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN.  Visitation 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm prior to the service.

Age 88, Formerly of Mendota Heights, MN

Passed away peacefully on January 23, 2024.

Preceded in death by parents Edwin & Fern; siblings Audrey, Vaughn & Jeannette; niece Linda.

Survived by husband of 64+ years, Al; children Karen (Skip), Kenneth (Nancy), Keith (Rhonda), Karl (Chelly); grandchildren Andy (Shannon), Jeff (Kathleen), Dale (Sydney), Katlin (Brandon), Teresa, Shannon (Ryan), Jeremy (Amina); great-grandchildren Hendrix, Everett, Kennedy, Elin; extended family, nieces, nephews and friends.

Janice loved to quilt, read, travel and spend time with family & friends. Jan was also very charitable and believed in service to others. She donated Blood (had at least two 5-gallon pins), Quilted at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul and Burnsville Community Center, as well as donating her time at Neighbors Clothes Closet in South St. Paul. She will be missed by many!

Memorial Service 11 am Tuesday, January 30^th, 2024 at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 So. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Hts. Visitation prior to service at 10 am followed by a light lunch and Interment at Acacia Park Cemetery.

Memorials appreciated Neighbors Clothes Closet www.neighborsmn.org/donate, Trinity Care Center https://fhs.sfhs.org, Amazing Grace Lutheran Church https://aglcigh.org.

Age 80, of Inver Grove Heights and Minnetonka, MN

Bruce passed peacefully at home, on December 5, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer.  Survived by Solveig (Overvold) Bentson, wife of 25 years; brother Charles A. Bentson (who died January 19, 2024); son Kelly, (Chrissy) Oachs (Kelly died suddenly on Dec. 14, 2023); stepdaughter Allison (Dean) Gabbert; three grandchildren (Ben & Max Gabbert and Emily Oachs) sisters and brothers-in-law:  Helen Lindlauf, Phil (Vicki) Overvold, Ardis (Randall) Libak, Elizabeth (James) Berg; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceded in death by:  mother, Bernice “Bea” (Wallien) Bentson, father Harold B. Bentson, brothers and sisters, Gerald (Carolyn) Bentson and Donny Bentson, Cozette Bentson and Barbara Bevey, brothers-in-law, Verdell E. Hage, Jerry R. Hage and David B. Overvold.

Bruce was born in Montevideo, MN, March 11, 1943, the youngest of six children.  During high school, he and his mom moved to St Paul, MN, where he joined the Army National Guard and began his years of employment at:  Great Northern Railroad; Burlington Northern Railroad; Ramsey Co. Sheriff’s Office; Ford Motor Company; and Department of Human Services at the State of MN from 1981 – 2006.  Bruce and Solveig married in June 1998 and both retired in 2006.  Bruce loved retirement. His favorite “fun-things-to-do” were:  golfing, karaoke, golfing! He especially loved the winter get-away golf trips in AZ. Vacations to visit out-of-state family were also important.  Bruce enjoyed making people laugh, singing at church and karaoke events, volunteering either at Neighbors, Inc, or at his church.  When the grandkids arrived, life got even more fun. He introduced them all to karaoke. Bruce’s most recent passion was singing with a Seniors group called Alive & Kickin’ with weekly rehearsals, a big show for the public each June, and smaller performances during the year in various Minnesota communities.  We miss you Bruce/Brucie/Gramps/Grandpa/Uncle/Friend.

A service celebrating the life of Bruce will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Hts., MN and will be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4865628410. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church.

Interment will be in August 2024 at North Prairie Cemetery in rural Velva, ND.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Neighbors, Inc. in So. St. Paul, or Alive & Kickin’ or donor’s choice.

Age 38

Inver Grove Heights, MN

Lissa passed away peacefully at her home on January 20, 2024, surrounded by her family.  At a very early age, Lissa developed a unique ability to develop and nurture strong friendships that she carried through to all phases of her life – often being the common thread bringing others together. First with teammates of the various sports teams that she excelled on through high school as well as with other classmates at Simley High School, and then while at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, her talent for developing long-lasting friendships was unmatched.  After graduating college, she began her career with the City of Inver Grove Heights where she used her sense of humor and outgoing personality to serve the residents of Inver Grove Heights and develop genuine, caring relationships with co-workers not often found in the workplace.  Her greatest relationships were formed with her family – first as a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, and cousin, and then as a loving wife, mother, and aunt.  She enjoyed nothing more than being a mom to her children, Henry (8) and Charlotte (6) and passing on to them so many of her best qualities.

Lissa was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Phyllis Smyth and Thomas and Margaret Blum; uncle and aunt, Thomas and Judy Blum, and uncle Dan Machacek.  She is survived by her husband, Brett; children, Henry and Charlotte; parents, Barb and Tim Biljan and Terry Blum and Mary Bang; sister, Megan Blum; nephew and niece, Easton and Beckett; best friend Danielle Fox, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, close friends, and extended family.  Although her time on Earth was shorter than anyone hoped or planned, she lived a full life with a positive impact on so many that will carry on for lifetimes over.

A gathering is planned from 12:00pm-3:00pm on Thursday, January 25^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue in Inver Grove Heights followed by a Celebration of Life from 4:30pm-7:00pm at The Croatian Hall, 445 2^nd Avenue S. in South St. Paul.  There will be a private internment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the in-home care team at Our Lady of Peace Hospice – especially her nurse, Suzanne, which through their support allowed Lissa to remain in her home comfortably surrounded by family and friends during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be directed to Lissa’s Legacy fund or to Our Lady of Peace Hospice.