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

Scanlon, Evelyn M.

Age 100 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022. Preceded in death by husband, William. Survived by daughters, Diane Dorothy (Jim) & Maureen Twist (John); grandchildren, Dannielle Therrien (Luke), Allison Pavlish (Josh), Ashley Cole (Josh), Alexander Twist (Molly); great-grandchildren, Whittaker, Camden, Kelsie, Kenzie, Cecelia & Savannah; dear family of Roy Aschenbrener & very special friend Millie Mlinarevich. A Celebration of Life will be held 11am Saturday, April 29th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11am prior to the service. Private interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.

To, Peter Pitou

In Loving Memory of Peter Pitou To

May 15, 1953 ~ April 10, 2023

Peter Pitou To transitioned peacefully and surrounded by loved ones at 8:25 am, Monday the 10th of April 2023 at his home in Eagan, Minnesota at the age of 69.

Pitou was preceded in death by both of his parents Phan To, and Chom Toun. Pitou is survived by Sopheap To (sister) and Sina To (brother), his 3 children Angel To (Jackson, Nori), Zachari To (Charlie), and Sarina To (Tiana, Zachari). He is also survived by many other close family members and loved ones including: Melina To, Theng Ku and family, Danny Ung, Sokhannara Ung, Leo Ung, Sarin and Phally Yos, Savann Sath, Patricia To, Aleena To, Angie Thithavong, Sunnary Chum and the Kong Family.

Pitou’s family wishes to express our most sincere gratitude and appreciation for the many prayers, well wishes, and acts of kindness shown during Peter’s journey in illness and final days of transition.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family of Pitou are preferred.

Visitation will be at Roberts Funeral Home in Inver Grove Heights (8108 Barbara Ave E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077, United States) on Sunday the 16th of April 2023 from 12-5 pm. Monks Ceremony will be held on Monday at 10 am at Roberts Funeral Home, followed by the burial service at Pleasant View Memorial Gardens (400 MN-13 S. Burnsville, MN 55337 United States).

Repast to follow both visitation as well as burial at Melina To’s house: 4906 Rusten Rd. Eagan, MN 55122.

Pallbearers

Zach To

Sina To

Jackson Morris

Danny Ung

Leo Ung

Andrew Ung

Cedric Ung

Savann Sath

Aaron Robinson

 

Riebhoff, John A.

Age 85 of Inver Grove Heights

John passed away peacefully at his home on April 8th at the age of 85.  He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis; parents, John and Agnes Riebhoff, and two sisters, Janet Riebhoff and Judith Doll (Michael).

He is survived by his wife, Margie; daughter, Joanne Ohana (Moshe); grandchildren, Mario Borgerding (Anna) and Holly Balabanick (John); great-grandchildren, Joey, Charlize, Brady, and Miles; Sisters, Darlene Carlisle (Curt), Dianne “Buffy” Mobroten (Rich), and Rosemary Chavez (Frankie); many nieces and nephews; and his BEST friend, Kevin Boehmer.

John loved gardening, the outdoors and sunshine.  He enjoyed collecting, playing cards, and visiting with friends over a cup of coffee. He will be dearly missed.

Friends and family are invited to gather on Saturday, April 22nd, at 1:00 for the Internment at Prairie Oaks Memorial Eco Garden, located at 8225 Argenta Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

Franzwa, Melvin Anthony

Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed from this life and into the loving hands of our Lord on April 6, 2023. He is survived by 8 children: Pam (Don) Blomquist, Laura (Peter) Colton, Jackie (Doug) Moe, Linda (Bill) Schoettle, Amy (Rob) Larsen, Richard Franzwa, Ken (Angela) Franzwa, and David (Jenny) Franzwa. He also leaves behind 20 grandchildren, his brother Gene, and many friends — especially those from St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights and the Inver Glen Senior Community, where he’s lived since 2017.

Mel was born on Valentine’s Day, 1932 in St. Paul. He graduated from St. Agnes High School and then served his country in the Korean War as a Sergeant First Class in the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division.

Following his military service, Mel attended the University of St. Thomas where he majored in chemistry. He then began a rewarding 34-year career at Economics Laboratories (EL) where he started as a chemist, worked in new product development, supported the sales team, and retired as Director of Marketing.

He met Audrey Hoople in December of 1959 at EL’s company Christmas party, where she worked as a secretary and typist. They were married on October 1, 1960. Together, they bought a house in Inver Grove Heights and raised their children. They were lifelong members of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Community where Mel served on the parish council and helped establish Neighbors, Inc. in 1972, a food shelf serving Dakota County. Mel continued to support Neighbors, Inc. throughout his career and retirement, volunteering with them for more than 40 years.

Mel loved music, especially patriotic tunes and polkas. He learned to play the accordion as a young man and often played at family gatherings where he also showcased his famous “Mel’s Chili.”

Mel will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and his loving caregivers at Inver Glen.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights on Saturday, April 15 at noon with a visitation one hour prior to the service. A luncheon will follow. The family will then have a private burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Neighbors, Inc. or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Lethert, David “Dave”

Age 89 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away surrounded by family on April 7, 2023. Preceded in death by Margaret, his loving wife of 50 years. Survived by children, Patrick (Jennifer), William (Robyn), Mary “Molly”, Laurie (Tony) Kocanda; grandchildren, Caitriona, Cadence, Teige, Margaret, Sean & Wesley, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Dave was an avid fisherman, hunter, hobbyist and entrepreneur. He enjoyed his evening Manhattan and a good game of cribbage. He will be greatly missed.

Mass of Christian Burial 11am Thursday, April 13 at the Church of St. Peter, 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. Visitation 4-7pm Wednesday, April 12 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, also 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials preferred to St. Thomas Academy/Lethert Family Scholarship Fund.

Kettles, Patricia Lynn “Patty”

Age 49 of Vadnais Heights

Of Vadnais Heights, MN passed away at the age of 49 on March 28, 2023 at United Hospital. She was preceded in death by father, William Rooney; sister, Nancy Rooney; father-in-law, William and brother-in-law, William Kettles III. Patty is survived by loving husband, Blake; mother, Lucy Rooney; sister, Cheryl (Greg Stoffel) Bonderson; brothers, Bob (Bernie), Brian (Betsy Day), and Mike (Teresa) Rooney; mother-in-law, Patricia L. Kettles, sister-in-law, Barbara Bates; and many nieces and nephews.

Patty was born on May 4, 1973 in St. Paul, MN. She graduated from Henry Sibley HS, University of Minnesota and also earned her MBA from St. Thomas University. She was a Director at Baker Tilly. She enjoyed traveling, golfing and spending time with her family, friends and coworkers. She was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Services at Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole, W. St. Paul, on Friday, April 21. Visitation 11 AM – noon with Mass at 12 noon. Luncheon to follow. Private burial. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Animal Humane Society.

Larson, Joan A. (née McCluskey)

Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights

Joan was born on May 14,1931 to Earl L. McCluskey and Marion A. (Neal) McCluskey. She passed away April 4, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Joan grew up in St. Paul with her younger brother, Neal, graduated from Central High School and attended Macalister College. She met her husband Donald Larson at a college mixer and they were married May 18, 1951. They settled in Inver Grove Heights, MN where they raised their eight children. Joan was a loving wife and mom. She was a devoted Christian, was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Den mother known to the neighborhood as “Den Mother Joan” and she was loved by all who knew her. She was also a member of PEO for over 70 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her daughters Diane Michels and Kristen Larson as well as her parents and brother, Neal. Joan is survived by and will be missed by her children: Debbie Niolu (Tony), Barbara Kight (Wes), Thomas, (aka Sharkey) Larson (Melissa), Karen Close (Dan), Bill Larson (Shannon) Dave Larson (Kelly). Also surviving her are 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren along with six nieces and many great nieces and nephews

Memorial Service 11:00 am Monday, April 24th, at First Presbyterian Church, 535 20th Ave. N, South St. Paul. Visitation 9-11 am prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

McDonald, Elaine Shirley (Brevik)

Age 87 of Rosemount

Passed away peacefully at home in Rosemount, MN at the age of 87.

Elaine is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John, her parents and her sister.

Elaine is survived by her 12 children Steve, Diane, Chris, Dan, Bridget, Theresa, Jeanette, Irene, Martha, Kevin, Matt and Andy and their extended families.  Fifty grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Elaine is also survived by her brother, Ron Brevik, and sister, Ginger Ziesmer.

Elaine was born on December 5, 1935 in Minneapolis, MN to Wilbur and Virginia Brevik.  She married her high school sweetheart, John McDonald in July of 1955. She graduated from Minneapolis General Hospital School of Nursing in 1957.

Her loved ones remember her for her love of family, friends, neighbors and everyone she met.  She loved to sew, knit and crochet.

Visitation 4-7 pm Monday, April 10 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Mass of the Christian Burial 11:00am Tuesday, April 11 at St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan.

King, Diana Lee

Age 82

Passed away March 31st in Inver Grove Heights, MN.  Born in Elgin, IL in 1940 to Benjamin & Helen King.  Diana graduated from Elgin High School in 1958 & Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in Medical Technology in 1962.  She worked at Abbott and St. Joseph Hospitals in the Twin Cities.  Diana is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her sister, Judith King Sorton (Alex) and brother, James King (Sherry).

Celebration of Life 11:00 am Thursday, April 27th, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 Robert St. S., West St. Paul. Visitation 10-11 am prior to the service. Luncheon to follow service at church.  Interment at a later date in Illinois.

Bevins, Grace Delores (Roberts)

Grace Delores (Roberts) Bevins passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 19, 2023. She was born May 21, 1927, in St. Paul, MN as the third child of William Nicolo and Julia Frances (Pinelli) Roberts, Grace was the only girl of eight after the passing of infant sister.

Growing up in the Frog town area with her 6 brothers she attended St. Agnes School where she was involved in Choir, Drum Core, Newspaper, Basketball, and many other activities. During her Junior year in high school, Grace was voted Homecoming Queen. Following her graduation in 1945, Grace began her career in the field of business.

In 1962, she married Robert William Bevins. From this union, Grace brought three children to the marriage, Robert brought four children to the marriage, and together they had two sons. With her family, she moved from the St. Paul area to Oakdale. In 1972, she then moved to Mahtomedi where she and Robert developed Bevins Lane on 10 acres they purchased in 1965.

Grace enjoyed gardening, bowling, softball, playing cards with friends and family such as Rummy 500, canasta, and poker, gin, and many others. She loved to travel when she could. She was a Cub Scout den mother for a couple of years. Over the years she loved hosting parties at home or at events.

After Bob’s death in 1980, she remained in Mahtomedi for another 43 years spending the last 21 years as a resident of Briar Cliff Manor where it seemed to be the right fit for her. Besides being involved in many activities and committees, she developed many friendships which she cherished throughout her years there. During this time, she occasionally traveled with her sister-in-law, Bernice Roberts. She was an active member at St. Jude Church where she organized their card club as well as other activities.

Grace was preceded in death by one sister; Marianne Roberts who died in infancy, 1937. Parents: William Nicolo and Julia Frances Roberts; husband: Robert William Bevins; five brothers: William Michael, Bernard Joseph, Richard Francis, Anthony Kenneth, and Joseph Raymond Roberts.

Grace is survived by children; David Anger, Diane, Darlene Anger, William (Joni Marty) Bevins, Joseph (Karen) Bevins. Stepchildren: Jean Peterson (Gary), Robert (Jan) Bevins, Wanda Pederson, and James (Cheryl) Bevins. One brother; Thomas Ambrose (Betty) Roberts. Sisters-in-laws: Eileen (Barthel) Roberts, Lisa (Montecalvo) Roberts, Annette (Johnson) Roberts, Donna (Bevins) Eklund, and Doris (Bevins) Mercier. Fourteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Melissa (Robin Reed) Bevins, Joella (David) Brown, Mitchell Bevins, Mackenzie Bevins, Brandon (Dani) Bevins, Austin Bevins, Tony (Linda) Peterson, Mike (Stacey) Peterson, Tammy (Terry) Cuhel, Jeff Bevins, Adam (Tina) Bevins, Eric Pederson, Jamey (Stacey) Bevins, Nessa Bevins; twenty great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

October of 2022, she moved back into the family home which was designed by and built for her by her husband and family. This move allowed her to spend her final months in familiar surroundings. We have many memories of Grace; she will be greatly missed.

Visitation 4-7 pm Friday, April 14th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Saturday, April 15th, at St. Jude of the Lake, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi, MN, With visitation 10:30-11:30 am prior to Mass. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery held at a later date. Memorials preferred to St. Jude of the Lake Church or St Jude’s Children’s Research.