Age 91

Born 7-9-1932

Passed away peacefully after an aggressive battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones on January 17th, 2024. Survived by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie; children, CoLinda (Kevin) and Anthony (Jenny); grandchildren, Samantha (JD), Natalie & Emily; great-grandchildren, Gavin, Gabriella, Cruz & Jaidalynn.

Preceded in death by parents, Nelces & Hazella; brothers, John (Karen), Butch; sisters, Shirley (Dick) Pepin.

Born and raised in St. Paul, LeRoy was a devoted Catholic. He joined the military and served overseas in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was an avid State Fair fan and met the love of his life there, Marjorie. They married, traveled, and settled in South Saint Paul, where they built and raised their family.

LeRoy worked at the MN Zoo and retired from MN DOT. He loved to travel with the most wonderful woman in the world, Marjorie. His other favorite pastimes were summers at the cabin with family and tinkering around on different projects. Family was everything. Taking the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids to the MN State Fair, to attending sporting events and school activities, he was always there. LeRoy made a friend wherever he went. He had a story, a conversation, and usually a cup of coffee.

Visitation 4-7 pm on Sunday, January 28^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8180 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Monday, January 29^th at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street E, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 am prior to Mass at the church. Luncheon to follow. Burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Age 53 of Northfield

Passed away peacefully at home, on January 17, 2024.

Survived by her husband, Scott; two children, Cody and Kayla; mother, Linda (Dan) Williams; father, William Dillon; brothers, Jason (Tanya) Kesti, Shane (Crystal) Dillon; sister, Stacy (Keith) Horkey; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her brother, Rick; and father, Duane.

Brenda enjoyed woodworking, horses and being a mother.

Memorial Service 12 noon Tuesday, January 23^rd, 2024 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8180 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Visitation 10 am-noon prior to the service. Luncheon to follow at Drac’s Pub, 6710 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Hts.

Donna Mae Richardson (née Aho), 89, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away on January 11, 2024. She was born on March 18, 1934, in Gilbert, Minnesota. Donna was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and homemaker.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 69 years, Thomas and their children: Michael (Sue), Steve, Laurie (Robert) Wing, and Scott (Beth Anne). She is also survived by her brother Ken (Aho), sisters, Kathy (Gary) Beatty and Carol (Tom) Moore; grandchildren, Dominick (Erika), Ryan (Karen), Ashela (Eric), Emily, Joanna (Mike), Trevor, Michael, Shawna, Brittney (Max); great-grandchildren, Olivia, Madeline, Sofia, Kolton, Mateo; as well as a host of extended family and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred Aho and Bertha (Aho) Gundy, and her daughter, Jill.

Donna dedicated her life to her family by creating a loving home to gather, as she was a talented cook who took great pride in making sure her loved ones always had a place to get together.

In her free time, Donna enjoyed indulging in her favorite hobby of karaoke. Her love for music and performing at family gatherings brought joy to those around her. Donna’s performances were always met with applause and laughter. She also was an avid golfer, enjoying many years playing with her local women’s league.

The family would like to extend gratitude to Roberts Funeral Home for their assistance during this difficult time. Their professionalism and compassion have been invaluable.

We pray Donna Mae Richardson’s soul finds eternal peace, and may her memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

A funeral service to honor Donna’s life will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Heights. Visitation will begin at 12pm, followed by the service at 1pm. Family and friends are invited to join in Celebrating Donna’s Life and sharing cherished memories.

Memorials preferred in Donna’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Age 87, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Fran passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on January 14, 2024. Fran is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Nina Ryan of St. Paul; sister, Mary Jo Richardson of Shoreview. Survived by her husband of 65 years, Larry; daughters, Mary (Bill) Braddock of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kathleen (John) Fern of Dallas, Texas; grandchildren, Katie Braddock, Kelly (Tony) George, Justin and Megan Fern; great-grandchildren, Jayna and TJ George; brother, John (Marion) Ryan; nieces and nephews, Jim, Fran, Mike and Maureen. Also survived by other great nieces and family members.

Fran graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1954 and the College of St. Catherine in 1958, with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education. She was an active volunteer serving Catholic organizations such as Catholic Charities for many decades. An avid bridge player, Fran belonged to several groups and cherished the life-long friendships that developed while playing cards. Quiet and reserved, Fran was a woman of faith and integrity. She was a tireless caregiver who loved her family, friends, and community.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Monday, January 22, 2024 at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street E, Inver Grove Heights and will be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/7711537138. Visitation 10-11 am prior to Mass at the church. Luncheon to follow. Burial at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers, tribute donations can be made in her name to Catholic Charities.

Age 71

Sandra “Sam” Catherine Gundry was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She left this world peacefully on January 10, 2024 at age 71 after battling various illnesses.

Daughter of Don and Jo Senander, Sam was the eldest of 6, born on April 16, 1952 and would be followed by Suzie (Mike) White, Terry Senander, Patti (Dan) Moreseth, Kady Smith, and Kris Senander.

Sam was married to Jeff Gundry in 1974 and together they had three children, Jake (Brandy), Matt, and Dave (Alanna); and two grandchildren, Greta and August.

Sam was a talented baker and candy maker and loved many other arts like calligraphy, cake decorating, and cosmetology.  She was also a very proud Navy Wife, supporting Jeff and family during his 23 years of service.

And while the arts kept her busy, her true love was for the relationships she had with family, friends and coworkers.  Sam was second mom to many, always ready to give a helping hand and a big hug.

A visitation is scheduled for 10 am January 31st, 2024, with a funeral service at 11, and refreshments to follow at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Inver Grove Heights.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to your charity of choice.

Age 90 of Eagan, born in Rockford, Ill.

Passed away peacefully on Jan. 5, 2024 at White Pine Memory Care in Mendota Heights, MN.  Preceded in death by husband of 62 years, Marvin D. Gunderson; mother, Leona (VanSlyke) Hewett; father, Earl Hewett; brother, Clarence Hewett; sisters, Caroline and Alice.

Survived by loving children, Jeff (Janet), Lori (Mehl), Jack; Grandchildren Michael, Eric and Dan; Great grandchildren, Mason, James, Anders and Abigail.

Lois worked as a switchboard operator for Southern Bell in Rockford, Illinois, then moving to the Twin Cities in her 20’s after marrying Marv.  Her hobbies included singing with the Sweet Adeline’s, crocheting, reading, writing and loved chocolate!  She was employed with Cenex and retired from Thompson Reuter (West Publishing) Company.

Memorial Service 10:30 am Friday, Jan 19, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 Robert Street, WSP. Visitation 9:30 am prior to service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Age 93, formerly of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away quietly on Monday, January 8, 2024 at the Broadwell Senior Living Facility in Plymouth, MN. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph & Catherine (Feyen) Laska; beloved wife, Irene (Wenner) Laska; sisters, Katherine (Leroy) Holmes, Lucile (Orville) Faulk, Florence (Frederick) Oven, Elaine (Robert) Lynch, Laraine (John); brother, Bernard (Marian) Laska; sister-in-law, Evelyn (George) Warling; brothers-in-law, Lawrence Wenner, Louis Wenner, Roman Wenner, and Alvin Wenner. 

Survived by his loving family; sons, Jim (Betty) Laska, Leonard Laska and David (Meliene) Laska; grandsons, Anthony (Ali) Laska and Aaron Laska; granddaughter, Samantha Jo Laska; along with three great grandchildren, Amiyah, Alikai and Eli.

Dick was born, March 29, 1930 in St. Paul Minnesota. He served in the Army during the Korean Conflict from March 9, 1951 to March 3, 1953. On April 28, 1956, Dick married Irene Lucille Wenner at St. Michaels Catholic Church in West St. Paul Minnesota. They were long-time residents of Inver Grove Heights, and parishioners of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Dick enjoyed fishing and his annual deer hunting trip with his sons and friends. 

Visitation and Service will be at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, beginning at 9:30 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 AM.  Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights MN.  

Age 83 of Inver Grove Heights

Victor, a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, passed away on January 2, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Ted & Lillian Sobaskie. Survived by loving wife, Jeannie; sons, Bradley (Mary) & Tony (Deb); sister, Pat (Bruce) Krech; brother, Larry (Leslie) Sobaskie; step-children, Julie (Chad) Kim, Jackie (Terry) Schuster, Jennifer Poole; grandchildren, Audrey, Levi, Nick, Sam, Sydnie, Sarah, Madelyn, Olivia, Zach, Eli, Ashton & Mason; great-grandchildren, Brooklyn & Beckett; also many other family and friends.

Being a Marine was ingrained in Vic’s being through and through.  Always kind to others in friendship, mentorship and charitable giving, and always neat and tidy with his appearance, not a hair out of place.  

While in the service, a sneak inspection was conducted in the barracks, but even with no forewarning, Vic’s locker was squared away and immaculate.  The high rank officer asked how he pressed his pants with a smart crease in them– and Vic told the officer that he put the pant legs under his mattress.  The officer said, “I’m sending you to Embassy School”, which is where servicemen would hone their skills, etiquette and social manners.  This was just part of what gave Vic his special character. 

After serving in the Marines in the 1960’s, Vic became a barber in South St. Paul.  A barber so beloved by his clientele they would line up to see him, even leaving other barbers’ chairs empty.  In the late 1970’s Vic stepped into a sales role with a glass company before becoming one of the founding partners of City Auto Glass in St. Paul in 1990.  His career was yet another stage where Vic built trusted partnerships and lifelong friendships.

To say that Vic was an avid golfer would be an understatement.  Being a longtime member of Southview, he enjoyed golfing with friends and his family, and meeting new people on and off the course. 

 He also loved going to Florida to extend his golf season, enjoy his daily pool time and hit his favorite restaurants.  His #1 spot was Doc’s Beach House in Bonita where he could savor their fabulous pizza and take in the beautiful beach sunsets. 

 Vic was a great storyteller, always sharing quips about the good old days in South St. Paul and things that happened at the stockyards, as well as funny golf stories and pranks amongst friends.  He was always engaging people with his entertaining tales and his enchanting smile. 

Vic was a loving husband, family man and a great friend to many.

He was a Marine – “The Few, The Proud, The Marines”

“Semper Fi” – Always Faithful

A Celebration of Vic’s Life will be 3-7 pm on Thursday, January 18^th at Southview Country Club, 239 Mendota Road, West St. Paul. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Tunnels for Towers Foundation.

Age 43 of Apple Valley, MN.

Passed away on January 1st 2024.

Dan was born in Taipei, Taiwan on March 18th 1980. He spent much of his childhood between Taiwan and California. He graduated from Los Alamitos High School, then attended University of Southern California for undergrad, and University of Washington in Seattle for graduate school. During graduate school he took a summer off to work at Glacier National Park as a Red Bus driver and he met his wife, Christy. They married in 2007 in Green Bay, WI.

After working for Rasmussen College in Minneapolis, MN he changed jobs to work for UMA, where he spent the last 7 years happily working with his wonderful colleagues.

Dan was a proud father to his beautiful sons, Calvin (12) and Elliot (10) and cared very deeply for all of the family dogs through the years. He enjoyed hiking, board games, movies, Legos, and trying new foods. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and his devotion to his family.

In addition to his wife and kids, he is survived by his mother, Ruth; father, Joseph; brother, Andrew; also many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life beginning at 11:00 am on May 11th at the Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center in the Spring Lake Park Reserve, 8395 127th Street East, Hastings, MN 55033.

Donations can be made to either the Glacier National Park Foundation or Friends of the Mississippi River.

Age 35 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2024. Preceded in death by father, Michael; grandparents, Edward Masloski, Paul and Karen Schmidt; uncle, Mark Masloski. Survived by mother, Cheryl (Tad); brother, Jesse (Gena); grandma, Sharon Masloski; nephews, Archer & Wesley; also many aunts, uncles, cousins & friends.  A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7 pm Monday, January 8^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights.