Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 26, 2024. Preceded in death by parents, Albert & Catherine; brothers, James and Michael. Survived by loving wife of 60 years Judy; children, Clare (Dave) Pitera, Craig (Lisa), Paula (Gary) Dorner, Kevin (Salli) and Scott. Grandchildren; Dr. Morgan (Spence) Byer, Garrett (Ingrid), Joseph Dorner, Patrick, Gabrielle Pitera, Emily Dorner, Alixandra, Kaylie Dorner, Cavin Pitera, James, Timothy; sisters in law, Joann and Sandy and many other family and friends.

Al dearly loved his family. He also enjoyed reading, puzzles, and collecting coins. He was a faithful employee of 42 years at Cenex Harvest States. His service to the community of Inver Grove Heights and the Church of St. Patrick is widely known by many. He mentored youth both at the high school and vocational college level.

Mass of Christian burial 11:00 AM Monday, November 4th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:00 t0 11:00 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Guiding Star Wakota Life Care Center or St. Patrick’s Church.

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 27, 2024.

Preceded in death by parents, Orva & Henry; siblings, Carol (Pat) Shea, Ray, Roger, Loretta (Denny) Scanlon; and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Survived by loving wife of 59 years, Kathy; son, Richard (Packy); daughter, Sharon (Dan) Johnson; grandchildren, Rachel (Cody) Johnson, Peter Johnson, and Joshua Johnson; sister-in-law, Nori Weiss; brother-in-law, Brian (Mary) Scanlon; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved watching MN sports teams win (and lose). He also loved bowling!

Memorial service 4:00 pm Monday, November 4th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 3:00-4:00 pm prior to the service. Light snacks will be provided after the service. Private interment.

Age 69 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 27th, 2024 after 3½ year battle with cancer.

Preceded in death by parents, Martin and Rosemary.

Survived by loving wife of 41 years, Gail; daughter Vanessa (Tom) Sederstrom; son, Steve (Heather); grandchildren, Meyer & Evelyn; also other family and friends.

Don fought his cancer with all that he had. He never gave up. He was always the first person to help anyone with anything. He would refer to himself as Don the Giver. If you showed up at his house, he would be sure to offer you a glass of milk or some Mountain Dew Code Red. He loved music and shared that love with his granddaughters. He also loved history, especially anything about World War II.  He liked listening to the podcast, Vikings Purple Daily, even though he was a fair weather fan.

Thank you to Minnesota Oncology, Vascular and Interventional Experts and St Croix Hospice for taking such good care of him throughout his journey. He will be deeply missed.

Memorial service 11:00 am Saturday, November 9th, at Southside Baptist Church 5613 S. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:00 to 11:00 am prior to the service at church. Luncheon to follow.

Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.

Age 87

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 24, 2024. Preceded in death by husband, Junior Ogilvie; parents, Conrad and Bertha Schriever; siblings, Elfrieda, Lou, Cora, Alice, Glady, Grace and Victor.

Survived by children, Jeffrey (Lisa Hicks) Ogilvie, Robin Hale; grandchildren, Rachel (Dan) Dunnette, Jacob Ogilvie, Amy Hale; great-grandchildren, Cameron Dunnette, Colton Dunnette, Ellary Dunnette and Jamy Sherman; also other family and friends.

Graveside Service 2:00 pm Tuesday, October 29^th, Acacia Park Cemetery, 2151 Pilot Knob Rd., Mendota Heights.

Age 78 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends on October 9, 2024.

Joe loved life and by his own account he lived a good one. It was a life filled with family, friends, hobbies, and travels that gave him and those close to him decades of fond memories and good times. He loved dogs and it was not unusual to see him with two or three pups at his feet. Joe was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed numerous activities related to the great outdoors, including fishing, hunting, shooting (a hobby he shared with his father), fossil hunting, rockhounding, birdwatching, and astronomy to name a few. Joe also enjoyed sports and played baseball in high school for the South Saint Paul Packers and coached youth hockey.

Joe honorably served his country in the Vietnam War from 1964–1968 as a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class. His three tours of duty included stints on the USS Ticonderoga and USS Hancock. Upon discharge, Joe resided in San Diego and San Francisco before returning to Minnesota and putting down roots in Inver Grove Heights. During this time, he received his Associate Arts degree in mechanical engineering from Inver Hills Community College. He worked in this capacity for several Twin Cities companies including LiquiPack in St. Paul. At LiquiPack, he traveled around the globe and designed a company-sponsored boat for the Aquatennial’s popular annual milk carton boat race on Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. In 1991, Joe opened Outlaw’s RC World, a hobby shop, in Oakdale and later worked at Ace Hardware in Inver Grove during semi-retirement.

In 1984, Joe met Tina, his partner of more than 40 years, and David, their son, was born a couple of years later in 1986. Their house was home to many throughout their years together, including relatives, neighbors and friends, spanning generations young and old.

Joe never lost his sense of wonder and mischief, which would be on full display during the holiday season — much to the delight of the children (both young and old) in his life. We always knew the holiday season was upon us once he donned his “I Still Believe” sweatshirt. He had a generous heart and would spend days on end searching for the perfect gifts for the people in his life. One of his greatest joys was seeing their smiles and delight as they unwrapped their presents.

Joe meant so much to so many and took great pride in his role as a loving partner, father, uncle, brother, Obi, and friend to us all. He was our anchor and not a day will go by that he will not be missed. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Polakoski Sr. and Frances Polakoski, sister Judy Heiss, and brother Gary Polakoski. Left with hearts filled with cherished memories are his loving partner Tina, son David, sisters Laurie (Bob) Seaton and Marnee Sanders, sister-in-law Frances Trice (Donny Cheung), niece Tiffanea (Jeff) Mulder, numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and extended family, dear neighbors Norm and Ruth Henslin and John and Rayme Schlichenmeyer, and dear friends Nicole Clausen, Ed and Mike Pfluger, Greg Hakanson, Katie Kammerude, Julie Young, Valerie Zilka, Drew (Kayla), Greg (Kim) and Lloyd Rogers.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Friday, November 1 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation will start at 4:00 p.m. with a short service to follow at 6:00 p.m. officiated by Pastors Dennis and Jackie Durry. The service can be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/m24101468256585. Joe was never one for formality, so the family encourages you to wear your favorite sweatshirt, DnD cloak, jeans, or whatever you feel most comfortable in. Canine friends are welcome to attend the service. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, November 4 at 11:00 a.m.

We know that many of you have a favorite story or picture of Joe, and we would love to see them all. Please  share a memory of Joe or send a condolence to his family at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/twincities/obituary-funeralhome.aspx?fh=roberts-funeral-home&fhid=4291 .

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you take moment to get outside… take a walk, look for rocks, cast a line in your favorite pond, or consider a donation to the Animal Humane Society, Pheasants Forever, or Toys for Tots.

Age 68

Patricia (Patty) Morgan (Pep to family) was born on Nov. 8 1955 in Madelia, MN. She passed away on October 17, 2024 in St. Paul, MN.

Patricia was baptized and confirmed at Augustana Lutheran Church in St. James, MN. She graduated from St. James High School in 1974.

Patricia earned her AA degree in nursing from Dakota Wesleyan University, then bachelor’s degree in nursing and psychology from Augsburg College.  After completing schooling, she worked as a traveling nurse, working in the mountains of Colorado and Wyoming. Later, she cared for patients in nursing homes, then worked as a care manager for Health Partners.

Patricia loved traveling, whether it was to the water, mountains or on a cruise in Alaska or the tropics.  She especially loved the North Shore of Lake Superior. She also loved traveling to Arizona to visit her parents. Patricia enjoyed reading murder mysteries and romance novels. She enjoyed entertaining, decorating, baking and hosting family “Christmas in October”.

Preceded in death by parents, Garland & Kaethe Morgan; brother, Jeff. Survived by sister, Nancy Pollock; brother, John (Char); niece & nephew, Gus (Kayla) Pollock, Anna Smith (TJ Marquardt), step-niece and nephew Kayley Baird (Lexi Morley) and Andrew Johnson; great-nephews & great-niece, Max & Barrett Pollock, Victoria Smith.

Memorial Service 11:00 am Saturday, November 2nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to the service and luncheon to follow.  In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice Home, 2076 St. Anthony Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104.

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on October 17, 2024. Preceded in death parents, Violet (Sederstrom) Raessler & Gust Raessler. Survived by sister, Linnea “Naya” Raessler; special friends, Gina & Greg; also cousins and friends.

Florence will be remembered as a “one of a kind, unforgettable” person. She grew up in Muskegon Hts., MI and moved to the San Francisco Bay area in 1965 at the age of 21. She worked for Blue Shield near Fisherman’s Wharf and later at Vandenberg Air Force Base near Santa Maria, CA. Florence moved to Inver Grove Hts. in 1984, working for the V.A. and JC Penney.

Florence wishes were for no services to be held. Forever now at peace.

Age 92 of Queen Creek, AZ

Passed away on October 11, 2024 at Sky Vista Care Center in Mesa, AZ. We’re confident she was met by those who went before her: parents Alois and Maria Petter; husband, Stefan; children, Anita (Zeik) and Steven. Paula will forever live in the hearts of those she left behind: children, Ingrid (Mike) Eckberg; son-in-law, John Zeik; daughter-in-law Pam Dubej; Tony (Luanne), Michael (Kim); 11 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren.

Paula came to the United States from Austria in the 1950s, where she and Stefan resided in the SSP and IGH areas. Paula was an avid gardener, loved to cook and bake. Family favorites were her German Potato Salad, Spaetzle, Beef Rolls, and the Christmas Cookies she baked for them every year.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday, November 2^nd, at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00 -11:00 am prior to Mass. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on October 17, 2024. She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Nancy Wagner, and stepfather Stanley Newel. She was survived by her loving husband Neil of 54 years; and her children, Lori Kaemmer and Craig (Beth) Walter; grandchildren, Molly (Daniel) Lyons, Max Walter, Joshua Kaemmer, Ryan Kaemmer and Ethan Kaemmer; sister, Jo (Mike) Lewis; nieces, Kim (Rod) Webb and Michelle (Greg) Lewis-Savino.

Gerri was a 1961 graduate of St. Paul Harding High School.  She graduated from Northwestern School of Nursing in Minneapolis in 1964. Gerri’s nursing career of thirty plus years encompassed different areas of nursing including gynecology and cardiology, however, psychiatric care was her favorite.  In her later nursing years, she changed her focus to teaching and educating. Gerri met her husband to be Neil in 1966 and they were married in 1970 at St. John’s Catholic Church in St. Paul, Minnesota.  They made their home in Inver Grove Heights for fifty plus years where they raised their two children.

Gerri was very enthusiastic about her relationship with God and was an active member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. She volunteered countless hours with choir, being eucharistic minister, a member of the ugly quilt club, member of the finance committee, and actively involved in fundraising for the new church.

Gerri retired in 1998 where she could spend more time on her interests and hobbies.  These included: being a member of the St. Paul Harding reunion committee, teaching adults how to read English, doing needle point, cross stitch, and sewing.  She also enjoyed cooking her favorite Italian dishes for her family, socializing with her friends, neighbors and family and especially her weeklong vacation at 8^th Crow Wing Lake.  The love that she had for her grandchildren was abundantly apparent by the various activities she shared with them and the joyous smile they brought to her face.

Gerri’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at St. Therese of Woodbury and St. Croix Hospice for their exceptional care.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, October 26^th at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association.

Age 94

Passed away peacefully, on October 17, 2024 at the villages of Lonsdale in Lonsdale MN, where he had been a resident since May 1, 2024.

Patrick was born on a farm in Hampton Township, MN on October 31, 1929, the son of Francis and Catherine (Glynn) Ryan. He later moved to Cannon Falls, where he attended school and graduated with the class of 1949. Patrick served in the US Army as an MP on active duty from 1949 to 1951 and in the Army Reserves from 1951 to 1956. He was a member of the 1952 Class A Amateur State Champion Cannon Falls Bears Baseball Team. Patrick worked as a general labor and was a proud member of LIUNA Laborers International Union of North America, Local Union #563. He moved to Apple Valley, MN, where he raised his three sons.

One of Patrick’s greatest passions was coaching his sons and hundreds of other young men in Apple Valley where he was known to be a firm but fair coach and earned the nickname Sarge. In 1983 as an assistant coach he helped lead Apple Valley’s 13-year-old Babe Ruth team to the state and regional championships and a trip to the Babe Ruth World Series. During his retirement years he was often a steady fixture in the bleachers of the local high school, college and town team baseball games. He will always be remembered for ending his phone calls with his signature words, “Be good.”.

He survived by his sons, William (Julie) of Lonsdale, Thomas (Jolynn) of Lakeville and Robert (Kara) of Elko New Market; sisters, Rose Maring of Kenyon, and DeDee (Ed) Erickson of Rosemont; grandchildren, Ellie (Ryan) Nichols, Jack, Cooper, Parker, Cullen, and Keegan great-grandson, Harlan; also many nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary (Dick) Daniels, Ellen (Fran) Gall and Margaret Ryan; brothers, Edward & James Ryan.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Friday, October 25^th, at the Church of St. Nicholas, 51 Church St., Elko New Market, MN, and can also be livestreamed at https://stncc.net/live-stream. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Pius Church Cemetery, Cannon Falls, MN.

Patrick was a generous man, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Samaritan’s Purse: https://www.samaritanspurse.org.