Passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026. Preceded in death by son, Teddy. Survived by loving wife of 61 years, Kathryn; sons, Clay (Michelle) and Andy (Sarah); daughter, Kate; grandchildren, Brode, Kennedy, Aidan, Michael and William; also other family and friends.

Clayton was born in St. Paul, MN in 1938.  He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1962 and was the first generation of his family to graduate from college.  He received his master’s degree in business later in life which was an accomplishment he was particularly proud of.

Clayton devoted 50 years of his professional career to working in Human Resources, including more than 18 years for Lake Region Manufacturing.  He spent the final two years of his life at St. Therese in Woodbury, where he received exceptional care and made many new friends.

Clayton was an artist, collector and avid car enthusiast who loved to restore and show classic cars.  He also loved music, movies, and model trains.  He was a man of faith who enjoyed leading his family in dinner prayer.

A Gathering a Family and Friends will be held from 9 to 10:30 am Thursday, February 5th, with a 10:30 am Funeral Service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Interment to follow Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

August 29, 1933 – January 21, 2026  

Nancy Bünzli died peacefully in her home in Inver Grove Heights, MN on January 21, 2026.  

She is survived by children Ann, John, Jim, Peggy (spouse Alysha), and Bill (spouse Deborah); and grandchildren, Alex, Zoe, Beckett, Xavier, and Joshua “Moss”. Fred, her husband of 68 years, died in August 2025. 

Nancy was born in Louisville, KY in 1933 to Edith Timblin and Paul Hammond Ford. Her father managed large construction projects throughout the US, so growing up, Nancy and her family moved around the country. She recalls playing with the children of sharecroppers in Georgia, being at Fort Thomas when news of Pearl Harbor broke, and how, at the height of the depression, her father took a job clearing machinery at a factory overnight, (and, as he came home covered in machine grease, her mother would have him take off all his clothes on the porch).  The family lived in Kentucky, Ohio, and Georgia, where her father supervised the building of a prison. By the time Nancy was in college, they had settled in Garden City, New York.  

Nancy attended Pennsylvania College for Women (now Chatham University), spent a year studying at the Sorbonne in Paris, and earned a BA in French from Adelphi College. She was offered a fellowship to study at the Université de Bordeaux, but instead took a job teaching French at Stuart Hall, a women’s boarding school in Staunton, VA. It was around this time that, back in Garden City for the holidays, she met Fred (who, as the story goes, fell asleep next to her in church on Christmas Eve). They married in 1957 and began the series of adventures that would make up their almost 70 years together, travelling the world.  In the first 20 years of their marriage, they lived in eight different countries.  

In addition to being a homemaker for most of these years, she continued to teach French, English as a Second Language, and to substitute in numerous subjects. She also continued to study. At age 50, she earned an MA from Washington University in St. Louis. An avid reader and a true student of human nature, she also wrote prolifically. Recently, her book Vin Ordinaire, a chronicle of her life with Fred, was released. She had been working on the “sequel” up to the time of her death.  

In retirement, Nancy became “first mate” on a series of sailboats she and Fred owned. They sailed extensively along Florida’s gulf coast, often crossing from Pensacola to Clearwater overnight, and making a few harrowing trips across a major shipping lane to the Bahamas, just the two of them. During this time, they continued to visit their far-flung children and grandchildren. In recent years, they spent several months out of the year in Switzerland, a place Nancy came to think of as home.  

Friends and family will remember Nancy as a warm and loving person, someone who took an interest in everything and everyone around her. She lived her life embracing adventure, seeing the best in people, and making the most of the unexpected.  

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to one of the following: 

 Association for the Prevention of Torture: https://www.apt.ch/donate 

 Children’s Minnesota:  https://give.childrensmn.org/page/34886/donate/1 

 Timber Hills Education Assistance Scholarship Fund 

https://preshomes.org/give/#give-today  

Please specify: “PH Site/Location:”  Timber Hills  “My Gift is for:”  Educational Assistance 

Age 95, of Inver Grove Heights, passed away on December 26, 2025. Loving dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Survived by children Cindy (Terry Scott) Wiedewitsch, Cheryl (Paul) Golden, Jeff (Michele Gilb), Mark (Erin Hood); grandchildren Adam (Tannicha Vialva) & Peter Wiedewitsch, Sarah & Laura Scott, Carly & Griffin McKenzie, Kelcey Jo Gilb, Grace (Tom) Beissel, Michael (Bre Erickson) McKenzie; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Joe, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Preceded in death by wife, Marilyn, son-in-law Michael Wiedewitsch, twin brother Lyle, sisters Beth, Dorothy, Barb and Beverly. A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion Street, Hastings, MN, starting at 4pm with memorial service at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Simley High School IGH Best Foundation for the benefit of the “Leslie B. McKenzie Scholarship” www.ighbestfoundation.com or the Golden Harbor Association in Crosslake, MN.

Age 86 of Welch, MN

Endearingly known as the proprietor for Hungry Point Inn Bed and Breakfast, Merriam came face-to-face with the Lord on January 7, 2026. Survived by sister, Judy Suelter; daughter, Cathy Chapman; son, Tom (Veronica); grandchildren, Katie, David, Sarah, Michael, Weston, Steven and Devin; great-grandchildren, Patrick, Claire, Emily, Gordon, Annie, Ellie, Cassidy and Freyja. Preceded in death by parents Clyde and Ione Kager; brothers, Timothy and Bud Kager.

Funeral Service, 1:00 PM Friday, January 16th, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 401 N. Bridge St., Cannon Falls, MN. Visitation ½ hour prior to service at church. Burial at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Sacred Heart, MN at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 17th, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Animal Arc in Hastings, MN.

Age 19 of Hopkins, MN

Skylar was tragically taken from us on January 3^rd, 2026.  She is preceded in death by her Papa Bill and many great grandparents.  She is survived by her parents, Chad (Katy) Kiehl, Rachel (Kemo) Henry; brother, Chaise; step-siblings, Taylor, Olivia, Jamal, Kamari & Jaylen; grandparents, Carol (Mark), Sharon, Bob, Pat and Virginia and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Skylar graduated from Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, MN in 2024.  Skylar loved to sing and was always humming some sort of tune. She also loved to immerse herself in a book and she enjoyed painting and camping as well.  She was a happy and bubbly light in this world.  She loved everyone and was always there to listen.  She will be missed by many, but never forgotten by all.

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation 1-hour prior at church.  Reception to follow at church.

Walter Stephen Judd, age 74, died January 4, 2026, in Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Walt was born on April 14,1951 in Fairbanks, Alaska to Herbert E. Judd and Joan B. Judd (nee Etienne), where Herb was stationed and served at the Eielson Air Force Base. His school days began at New Lothrop Elementary School and he later attended Corunna Junior High and Corunna High School. He graduated Valedictorian of his class in 1969. During his years in the rural Juddville area he developed his lifelong love of nature and his unending curiosity of the world around him, leading to his habit of gathering, displaying, drawing and recording his expanding world.

Those that knew him in his youth will remember his insect and rock collections, along with his pressed leaves and weather charts. They will recall his generous spirit and humble nature, as he shared his excitement around his discoveries. As the oldest grandchild, Walter’s younger cousins and siblings gravitated around him during family gatherings pleading for him to spin another of his creative adventure stories featuring all of them. Walter focused on Botany, the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants while attending Michigan State University graduating first in his class with a bachelor of natural science degree in botany in 1973 and he received the Earnest Bessey Award for distinguished scholastic achievement.

Walter married Beverly J. Gray from Owosso on August 12,1972 in Owosso, Michigan. The newlyweds moved into married housing on the Michigan State University campus, where Walt continued his education. He earned his master’s degree from MSU in 1974. The couple then moved to Boston, Massachusetts where Walt attended Harvard University earning his doctorate in 1978, specializing in the systematics and evolution of flowering plants. The University of Florida offered him a teaching position and he and Bev settled in Gainesville, Florida, where Walter earned his professorship and together they raised three children. He instilled his passion for the living world in his three children and loved to spend time camping with them at Anastasia Island. There they would often spend weekends catching fish and chasing ghost crabs, while playing in the cold water of the Atlantic. Walter was an educator at heart. During his career teaching and researching for the University of Florida Walt also conducted fieldwork in the southeastern United States, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He published or co-published hundreds of articles and papers, along with a textbook, while still prioritizing the education of the students in his classes. More information about the honors bestowed on Professor Judd during his 45 years at the University of Florida can be found on this Wikipedia page: https://enwikipedia.org>wiki>Walter_Stephen_Judd. He was best known for his Tropical Botany course which drew students from across the world and was held at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, as well as the Kampong in Miami, Florida. While living in Gainesville, Walter was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and was very active with their Sunday school programs. In addition, he was active and supported the Museum there.

After becoming a Professor Emeritus, Walt took on a project updating the plant data in the herbarium at the University of Florida. Afterwards he and his daughter, Cherith, moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, to be close to his son’s family. There Walt began attending the St. Paul United Methodist Church. He continued researching and co-publishing articles with colleagues about new discoveries in his field of study. He volunteered for the herbarium at the university there, along with writing updates on his Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach Textbook and Flora of Middle Earth book, which he co-authored with his son, Graham.

Walt is survived by his three children: Reuben E. (Tyler) Judd, Graham A. (Danielle) Judd, and Cherith A. Judd, three grandchildren, Nolan, Elsie, and Finn Judd, his sister Renee Webster, brother Randy (Marsha) Judd, sister Aileen (Dave) Robertson, brother-in-laws Don F. Gray, Fred (Mary Jo) Gray, sister-in-laws Ann (Rob) Dickinson, Roberta (Rich) Hamlin, Carol Graysmith, Kathleen (Mirza) Beg; many nieces, nephews, an uncle, aunts, cousins and other loving family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly, parents Herb and Joan Judd, nephew Scott Judd, and in-laws Don and Marie Gray.

A memorial service honoring Walter S. Judd was held at the St. Paul United Methodist Church on January 9, 2026. A celebration of his life is also planned later on April 1st at Trinity United Methodist in Gainesville, Florida. He will be remembered by family and friends with a graveside service this summer at Elmwood Cemetery in New Lothrop, Michigan near where he lived as a child.

Age 60

Passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Janet. Survived by father, John “Fran” and his wife, Char; siblings, Mike (Barb), Kevin (Rene), Mark (Beth), Michelle (John) McGrane, Kyle (Emily) and Kory (Katie); 7 nieces and nephews; 14 great-nieces and nephews all of who he dearly loved. Kenny was known to never forget anybody on their birthday. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:30 am with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:30 am Thursday, January 8^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Jonathan Burt Roth, age 83 of South St. Paul passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 30th, 2025.

Jonathan was born on January 14th, 1942, in Santa Rosa, California. In 1944, the Roth family moved to Texas. From an early age, Jonathan’s life was shaped by his Christian faith and a love of music. Musically gifted and mechanically minded, he went on to study music and engineering.

After moving to Minnesota in 1998, Jonathan remained active in the church, praising the Lord with his violin. He spent nearly two decades working at Blue Cross Blue Shield before his retirement. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoyed traveling and capturing memories through photography. A loving and reliable family man, Jonathan’s greatest joy in retirement was playing the role of grandpa.

Preceded in death by parents, Thomas & Maybelle Roth; sister, JoAnn Denney; brother, Tim Roth.

Survived by loving wife of 27 years, Shirley; children, Kathleen Roth, Rebecca Roth, Ryan (Sunita) Kelsey, Sean (Dana Banitt) Kelsey, Eric Kelsey, & Heather (Curtis) Johnsen; grandchildren, Taylor, Micayla, Oliver, Waylon, & one more on the way; several great-grandchildren; brothers Tom (Linda) Roth & Steve (Caroline) Roth; also many other relatives & friends.

Visitation 4:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, January 9th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Funeral Service 11:00 am Saturday, January 10th at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Hts., with visitation 1-hour prior at church. Service will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/QkLpy3LH2Qs. Interment Emanuel Church Cemetery.

Age 88 of Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home, on December 28^th, 2025. Preceded in death by wife, Marcille; son, Larry Plan; beloved dog, Storm. Survived by sons, Tim (Lori) and Tom; daughter, Sherry (Doug) Allen; seven grandchildren, Joe (Courtney), Steven, Jacob, Rachel (Nick), Danyelle, Katie (Tom) and Mitch; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan Plan (Ed Dodge); also many other loving family and friends.

Bob loved to attend his grandkids sporting events, travel and the farm where he raised his family.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Friday, January 2^nd, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 14385 Blaine Ave., Rosemount, MN. Visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am prior to the service at church. Interment St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, George and Evelyn Wilson; siblings, Linda, Tom, Sue, twin brother Jim, and Dave. Survived by loving husband of 25 years, Bob; daughters, Lisa (Jerry) Heroff, Jennifer (John) Stevensen–Waldo and Pam Salen; grandchildren, Ben, Aubrie, Madelynn, Joshua, Jacob, Gabriel, and Aaron; brother, Rick (Marie) Wilson; also many other family and friends.

Jane liked to be with family friends and her cats and dogs. We called her the dog whisperer. She was really good at racquetball and water skiing! She was a real estate agent for many years. Telling funny stories was her specialty! Mom loved her grandkids, pets and her cabin. She enjoyed talking with others and had the gift of gab. She loved Christmas and buying goofy gifts for us all. Her phone calls and emails, “Hi from mom, just checking in” will be missed dearly.  Mom loved to help, heal, and nurture all life. She was generous with her time and her gifts. She loved thrift shopping and finding treasures to make her home joyful and beautiful. She also loved making art and sharing her creations with loved ones. We have countless fond memories of her love. We will miss holding her hand and hearing her voice. She loved and is loved forever.

Memorial service 11:00 am Saturday, January 24^th, 2026 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.