Age 70 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away surrounded by loving family on February 5, 2025.

Survived by his Wife of 51 years, Debbie; Daughter, Amy (Rich) McDonald; Son, Jeff; Daughter, Kelly (Brent) Wasieleski; Grandchildren, Asher & Fiona McDonald, Brandon Watson & Rowan Wasieleski; Sister, Linda (Ron) Dawson; Brother, Cedric (Kim) Watson; other relatives & friends.

Let’s gather to honor and remember Wally, a remarkable man whose life was a testament to hard work, selflessness, and unwavering love for his family. As the eldest of three children, Wally took on the mantle of responsibility early in life, dedicating countless years to growing the family business. His tireless efforts not only ensured the success of the business but also served as a living legacy for his children, whom he trained with the same dedication and passion.

Wally was a man of many talents and a generous heart. Over the years, he became a trusted friend to many, always ready to lend a hand with appliance repairs or offer financial support to those in need. His selflessness knew no bounds, and his acts of kindness left an indelible mark on the lives of countless friends and acquaintances.

As a father, Wally was unparalleled. He instilled in his children the values of generosity, wise decision-making, and the importance of family. His guidance and love shaped them into the remarkable individuals they are today. Summers were a special time for Wally and his family, filled with camping, traveling, fishing, and boating adventures that created cherished memories and strengthened their bond.

Wally’s love story with Debbie, his high school sweetheart, is one for the ages. They celebrated 51 wonderful years of marriage, standing by each other’s side as friends, lovers, and business partners. Their enduring love and partnership were an inspiration to all who knew them.

Wally’s legacy lives on through his family and the countless lives he touched. He will be remembered as a hardworking business owner, a selfless friend, a devoted father, and a loving husband. His spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.

Gathering of Family and Friends 3:00 – 5:00 pm on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Reception immediately following at Moose Lodge, 5927 Concord Blvd, South St. Paul, MN.

Age 95

Longtime Worthington, Minnesota resident.  Naomi passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025 in Inver Grove Heights.

Naomi was born to Wallace and Helen (Madson) Hutton, on February 4, 1929 in Harmony, MN. She and her siblings lived on a beautiful family farm along the Partridge Creek where the fields, hills and valleys inspired activities such as the ‘Bird and Bridge Club’ in search of the chosen bird of the day or just a day to fish.

Early in her life, Naomi found the joy of music – an accomplished pianist, vocalist, flutist and accompanist in her family’s home, church, school and community activities.

As a graduate of Harmony High School in 1947, she attended St. Olaf College and transferred to Luther College in Decorah, IA, where she remained active in the music program and completed her Bachelor of Arts-Education Degree in 1951. Shared love of music brought Naomi and Glenn K. together. The couple exchanged vows in the Ylvisaker Hall Chapel on the Luther College campus, August 3,1951.

Glenn and Naomi accepted teaching positions in Wadena, Minnesota where they started their family of four. In 1962, Glenn accepted the HS Band Director position in Worthington where Naomi’s love for family, friends, faith and music continued to grow.

Naomi resumed her teaching career and accepted a position in District #518 at Central Elementary School where she helped hundreds of students become better readers and mathematicians. She loved teaching with all the dedicated teachers and staff to promote learning.

Naomi was preceded in death by her husband Glenn, parents Helen and Wallace, along with family members: Peter, Barbara, Patricia, Harvey, Becky, Lyle, Ross, Richard, and grandson Jason.

Survived by Siblings: Donis McCallum, Dan (Arla) Hutton, Robert (Lynn) Hutton; Children Stuart (Young) Evensen, Mark Evensen, Randy (Paula) Evensen, Patti (Jerry) Goettsch; Grandchildren Kelley (Claire) Evensen, Paul Evensen, Matthew (Toni) Evensen, Hans (Merrisa) Evensen, Sam Evensen (Chloe Robinson), Rose Evensen (Denzell Oats), Peter Goettsch and Christian Goettsch; Great-grandchildren River, Soren, Tyrese, Charlotte, Skylar Jean, and Harmony.

Celebration of Naomi Jean Hutton Evensen will be in the spring.

Age 95

Passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025. Born September 16, 1929 in St. Paul, MN, he attended Saint Agnes Grade and High Schools in St. Paul, and the Minneapolis School of Arts.  He served in a US Army anti-aircraft artillery unit from 1951-53 in occupied Germany post WW 2. He retired from the Burlington Northern Railway, and traveled extensively throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Mexico, and Africa. Also of note, was time spent in Hollywood where he assisted in a documentary film for the King of Siam (Thailand); escorted Audrey Hepburn at an Awards Ceremony; and visited with stars of the time like Liz Taylor and Ann Margret.

Preceded in death by his parents, Alphonse and Irene (Labelle) Thill and beloved dog, Puppy. He is survived by his loving brother, Richard (Judy) Thill; nephews, Steve (Deb) Thill, Jeff (Laura) Thill, Brian (Van) Thill; great-niece, Ashley (Joe) Armor; great-nephews, Tyler Thill, Scott Thill; and many wonderful friends. Many thanks to the caring staff at both Inver Glen Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice.

Visitation 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon Wednesday, February 12^th at Roberts Funeral and Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Born December 9, 1943 and passed away on February 4, 2025 at Woodlyn Heights in Inver Grove Heights.  Preceded in death by parents, Landon C. Fuller, Donna W. Fuller and brother, Paul Jay Haugen. Survived by brother, Landon (Lynn) Fuller, nephew and nieces.  Private interment.

March 24, 1937 ~ January 30, 2025

Kenneth Joseph McNamara of Rosemount and formerly of Inver Grove Heights passed away peacefully on January 30, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on March 24, 1937, in South Saint Paul, MN, Ken was the beloved son of Aloysius and Edith McNamara.

Ken shared a beautiful life with his loving wife, Alice Walsh McNamara, whom he married on January 18, 1958. Together, they built a family, raising four children: Randy (Debbie Ludwig) McNamara, Bruce (Joan) McNamara, Tammy (Mark) Greenlee, and Tonya (Craig) Dolezal. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Nick (Sarah) McNamara, Josh McNamara, Matt McNamara, Zach (Madeline) McNamara, Anna (Brian) Kowalzek, Colin (Brittany) Pampuch, Courtney (Shaine) Alexander, Kinsey Greenlee, Grant Greenlee, Cormac Dolezal, Regan Dolezal and Finnegan Dolezal, and was blessed with many great-grandchildren.

Ken proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954 to 1957 before dedicating 30 years to his businesses, McNamara Carpet Cleaning and McNamara Janitorial Service. His strong work ethic and commitment to serving his community were evident in all that he did.

A true Irishman at heart, he epitomized the merry and the melancholy of Ireland. Always quick with a joke and a hearty laugh, he was also known to tear up at Hallmark movies or any mention of struggle or sadness.  A die-hard Vikings fan, he spent countless Sundays coaching the team from his favorite chair. He made a great Grasshopper, was an infamously poor sport at board games, and had an unmatched ability to make those around him feel deeply loved.

Ken is survived by his loving sisters, Theresa (Herman) Todd, Beverly (Jack) White, Jean (Frank) Stickler, Margaret (Arthur) Roarke, and Donna (Loren) Flynn, Sister-in-Law Jeanne McNamara, along with many nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aloysius and Edith, his brother Richard, and his sister Mary (Jim) LeMay.

Ken will be fondly remembered for his kindness, dedication to his family, and unwavering sense of humor. His presence will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, at the Church of the Assumption (51 7th Street West, St. Paul, MN 55102). Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 13, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home (8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN) and one hour prior to Mass at the church.  A private interment will follow.  Memorials are preferred to the family.

Age 87 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Mark and Clara; husband, Jerry; son, Donny; sisters, Doris, Mary & Rita. Survived by children, Claire (Jeff) Olsen, Cathy (Steve) Patrow, Joan (Dave) Fischer, David Willer, Jane (Tom) Fischer; daughter-in-law, Mona Willer; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; also other family & friends.

Janice loved to read, scrapbook, garden, and entertain. Most importantly she loved spending time with family and friends.

Memorial Service 11 am Monday, February 3^rd, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave E, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 am prior to the service at church.  Luncheon to immediately follow. Private interment.

Special thanks to friends, family and caregivers that kept her happy, safe and comfortable.

Age 88 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

February 22, 1936 ~ January 22, 2025

It’s with great sadness that we share the loss of our mother and grandmother, Shirley Tresselt.

She was to celebrate her 89th birthday in one month to the day. Married to Richard William Tresselt for 70 years. Survived by her sons and their spouses, Rick (Barb) and Shawn (Sandra). And enjoyed her two granddaughters, Ari and Kaylè (Rick & Barb). And welcomed Joshua Brown (Kaylè) into the family.

Also survived by sister, Sheila Francis; brothers Melcum (Bucky) & Melvin Nielson.

Proceeded in death by mother, Clara; father, Jacob; brothers, Merl and Marvin. Loved by nieces and nephews from the Nielson, Tresselt, Francis, Hoffman and Paulson families.

Shirley graduated from River Falls High School in 1954.

Second oldest child, behind Merl, of Clara and Jacob Nielson.

Being the oldest daughter she helped raise her younger siblings. Three brothers and a sister. The younger children grew to know her as “Mother Superior”.

At the age of thirteen she walked down the road to work for neighbor whose wife was having a baby. Shirley would cook, clean and serve the farm hands until she was a junior. When she went to stay with an Aunt Emma in St. Paul, Clara’s sister. There she would get a taste of the big city working at the Golden Rule. She returned to River Falls to finish out her Junior and Senior years. In 1953 she met a sailor Richard Tresselt through an old boyfriend Earl Francis. Richard and Shirley hit it off and were married in 1954. They started out living and working at the Tresselt farm. Their first son, Ricky, soon arrived in 1956. She and Richard wanted something different in life so the idea of moving to Miami FL for Airplane Maintenance school was hatched. There Shirley would work at a local department store. And where she and Richard would drive cars for an auto dealer filming commercials for some extra money.

After Richard graduated from mechanic’s school they returned to River Falls. To help his bother Bob with the farm until Richard found a job with Northwest Orient Airlines. They bought a home in Inver Grove Heights in 1959. Where they were part of the founding members of Mount Bethel Church. Shirley would find work for various companies near home. Until 1966 when their second son was born, Shawn. Shirley was then a stay at home Mom raising her two boys and selling Tupperware. In the early 70’s Shirley entered real estate classes at Inver Hills Junior College getting her realtors license. She worked as an agent for Lentch Realty. She got involved with Toast Mistress where she honed her skills. She also found herself involved in the local AFS foreign exchange student program, the churches bible camps, the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and local or state politics. She would travel to Korea to bring adopted babies back to new homes. During this time, they bought property in the Danbury WI area where they built a cabin and enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

Then the couple retired in 1994 wanting to travel around the country working in state parks as host and reacquainting themselves with relatives and making new friends. Shirley also got involved with the Minnesota Historical Society and the Kinnickinnic (Church) Historical Assoc.

When their health came into in question and got to be too much when Shirley needed a pacemaker, they decided to stay home. She liked to do crossword puzzles when not playing cards at the veteran’s center and the church and her scrapbooking with her Niece Terri Letourneau.

It was a diagnosis with cognitive impairment and Richard’s health that in 2023 they moved to Inver Glen Senior apartments where their health was looked after. In a short time, her health was plagued by dementia and circulatory issues. She passed in her sleep January 22.

Private family interment at Greenwood Cemetery, River Falls, Wisconsin.

Shirley’s Celebration of Life to be planned sometime this coming spring.

Age 27 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away suddenly of natural causes on January 21, 2025.

Preceded in death by grandmother, Kathleen Smith & great-grandmother, Lucille Pollnow.

Survived by beloved husband, Austin; loving parents, David & Nicole Smith; treasured older sister of Courtney & Dominic; doting grandparents, Kathleen & O. Paul Asleson, Daniel Smith; aunts & uncles, Steven (Jami) Smith, Tony Smith, Erin (Brian) Olson, Paul (Brooke) Asleson; niece, Aria Rasmussen; cousins, Ian (Katie) Smith, Sabrina Smith, Grace & Jack Asleson, Nicholas & Benjamin Olson; cherished dog Mocha: also many dear friends.

Miranda grew up in Inver Grove Heights. She attended Holy Trinity Catholic School (pre-K through 8th grade) and South St. Paul High School (class of 2015). She was a 13 year Girl Scout and Key Club President.
Miranda had a radiant personality and her smile lit up the room. She was a generous friend to many and she loved her family with all of her heart. Known for her ability to come up with creative games to entertain her younger cousins (Saran Wrap balls, scavenger hunts, silly kids Olympics, tie dye shirts, etc), Miranda was inventive at “bringing the fun” to every family function.
Miranda loved Christmas mornings, getting her nails done, shopping, traveling (especially in the Outer Banks!) and spending time at the cabin with her extended family. She eagerly volunteered to dog sit whenever asked, loved to babysit for her friends, and enjoyed diamond art and needle point.
Miranda was proud to work at Securian Financial the past three years as a customer operations senior specialist. She also decorated cakes at the Inver Grove Dairy Queen, where she had worked since high school.
Miranda married the love of her life, Austin, in October 2024, and after a brief honeymoon, Miranda and Austin began to establish a home in St. Paul. They had 13 short weeks of joy together before her life was shockingly cut short by a medical emergency during a sudden illness.
Miranda was the center of our lives and we are devastated by her loss. We love her beyond measure and will carry her heart in ours forever. God bless our sweet girl!

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Thursday, January 30^th, at Church of the St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to Mass at the church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Inver Grove Heights. Memorials preferred to the family.

Age 38 of Eagan

On January 20th, 2025, Stephanie Lortie (née Roos) passed away at her home in Eagan, MN.

Stephanie Jean Roos was born July 8th, 1986 in St. Cloud, MN to Steve and Kathy Roos of Annandale, MN. The youngest of three sisters and a multi-sport athlete, Stephanie graduated Kimball Schools co-valedictorian in 2005 and then earned a degree in construction engineering at North Dakota State University in 2009. It was at an open-house there that she met Luke Lortie. The two started dating in their final year of college and were married on October 5th, 2013 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota, MN. After the birth of their first child, Jacob, in 2017, Stephanie made the decision to give up her engineering career. She was overjoyed to be a mother, and her gratitude only grew as she and Luke went on to have three more children: Vincent (2019), Maria (2022), and Louise (2024).

Stephanie embraced life in this new role wholeheartedly and as the years went by, gained an ever-widening circle of friends for herself and her family through her participation in countless social groups and activities – early on there was daily Mass at St. Peter’s; then various mothers associations including St. John Neumann’s, Eagan MOMS, and a spiritual-reading group called Magdalene Moms; later a TEAM of Our Lady with Luke and several other married couples; and later still Corpus Christi Homeschool Co-op, Hidden Life Library, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at both St. Peter’s and Holy Trinity. And as outgoing as she was, Stephanie poured even more into her home-life with Luke and the kids: she nourished her family daily with healthy, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks and always encouraged outdoor time, insisting like the true Minnesotan she was, “You need fresh air everyday, no matter how cold it is – just dress properly!” She delighted in reading, playing games, and experiencing nature with her children and as they grew older, she took on even more by opting to homeschool them as well.  Everyone who knew Stephanie recognized this devotion to her husband, “the love of her life,” and their kids, “each one a miracle.”

Stephanie will also be remembered for her zealous gardening, even in the midst of pregnancy aches and postpartum recovery, and for her impressive collection of indoor plants; for her excitement over new recipes and for the difficult diet changes she made with such good humor; for her continual pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness in all spheres of life, and for her drive to share whatever she found in that pursuit with others – after going out of her way to thank whoever happened to help her find it of course!

“She always made time to keep in touch,” “she had such a pure heart,” “she was so close to God” – these are the kind of oft-repeated praises one hears from Stephanie’s friends and family.

None of us will ever forget Stephanie’s wonderful presence in a room: she exuded unique candor, gratitude, humility, and joy. Nor could we possibly forget what we always felt underneath all those qualities  – her passionate love for God. Luke recalls how her deeper conversion began shortly after their marriage in 2013: “Almost 4 years of infertility was a cross that brought Stephanie closer to Our Lord.” Following a series of spiritual consolations and her consecration to the Mother of God in 2016, Stephanie had a profound experience of seemingly miraculous physical healing; she attributed it to Our Lady, conceived Jacob not long later, and never again ‘looked back from the plow’ but dove ever deeper into the faith. Her favorite prayers became the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Angelus, which she prayed three times a day every day and replaced with singing the Regina Caeli during Eastertide. She also loved the Holy Rosary and prayed that most days too. As we mourn this loss, which came so much sooner than anyone but God anticipated, we can turn to these prayers as a means of continuing to be with Stephanie even now and of supporting those she cherished most in this life.

May she rest in peace, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Stephanie is survived by her loving husband, Luke; children, Jacob, Vincent, Maria, and Louise; parents, Steve and Kathy; sisters, Angie (Daniel) Geiser, Anne (Kyle) Schmitz; nieces and nephews, Stephen, Molly, Jazlyn, Caden, Addison, Zander, and Brooklyn; godparents, Teresa and Rodger Carlson; and cousins, Jeremy, Adam, Ryan, Alison, Amanda, Todd, Marc, Jason, Mandy, Megan, and Tony; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lyle and Jodi Lortie; sister-in-law, Sara (Josh) Peterson; special family friend, Shane Richau.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Monday, January 27^th at St. Augustine Oratory, 408 Third St. N., South Saint Paul, MN 55075. Visitation 3:00 – 6:00 pm Sunday, January 26^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN, and 1 hour prior to Mass at St. Augustine Oratory. Interment at Church of St. Peter Cemetery, 1390 State Hwy 13, Mendota, MN.  Reception at Church of St. Peter’s Heritage Center, 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota, MN, to follow interment.

Judy Manz, a remarkable woman of 84 years from Inver Grove Heights, embarked on her eternal journey on January 13th, 2025, after courageously battling ALS.

Born to Lloyd and Elsie (Dorn) Stevens in Winona, Minnesota, Judy grew up with a strong sense of community and faith. She was a 1958 graduate of Winona High School.  She was married to Donald L. Manz at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing in 2008.

Their lifelong love story started at the church’s roller-rink where they continued to volunteer after their marriage.

As a devoted wife and mother, Judy was a strong support to their young family as Don continued his education, becoming a high school teacher. A teaching opportunity moved the family to Inver Grove Heights where Judy’s warm nature and kindness quickly turned neighbors into lifelong friends.

During her 30-year tenure as an administrative assistant to the Simley Senior High School Assistant Principal, Judy worked tirelessly for the Inver Grove Heights School District 199, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her dedication to her career was rivaled only by her passion for faith, which she nurtured as a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Judy was an avid gardener and loved planting a colorful flower garden. She never turned down a trip to Gertens Nursery! Judy decorated beautiful and elaborate wedding and anniversary cakes for many family members over the years. She loved baking from her extensive recipe collection. She was famous for cutting every donut, piece of pie or cake in half, only to share another half! Judy’s zest for life took her on unforgettable journeys to Europe, Hawaii, and California, exploring new horizons with her cousins by her side. The Minnesota State Fair was an annual pilgrimage, and her enthusiasm for the Vikings was simply contagious.

Despite facing health challenges, including cancer and Stargardt Vision Disease, Judy’s indomitable spirit, beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering optimism inspired those around her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, a shining reminder of the power of love, faith, and resilience.

She is survived by many loved ones including her children, Dean (Theresa) Manz, Lori (Brian) Billmeyer, Lisa Sexton; grandchildren, Nicole (Jacob) Scissons, Luke (Karlye) Manz, Aaron Manz, Brandon (Madeline) Billmeyer, Travis (Briana) Billmeyer, Tanner Billmeyer, Stevie Lacher; great-grandchilden, Ava, William and Isaac Scissons, Tristen Wittmer, Avely and Piper Billmeyer; twin brother, Jim (Sandie) Stevens; brother, David (Sue) Stevens; sister-in-laws, Alice Stevens, Alice Stevens, Mary Stevens; former son-in-law, Joe Lacher; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong best friend Sandy Knopp.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years; twin infant girls, Cynthia and Deborah; her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Donna (Harold) Schuppenhauer; brothers, Allyn Stevens, Robert Stevens, Lynn Stevens; brother and sister-in-law, William (Eunice) Stevens; nieces, Louise Sexton, Sheryl Hayes, and Cynthia Fort.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 8^th starting at 2:00 pm, followed by prayer service at 4:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

Judy requested memorials be directed to ALS Association or to National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.

A special thank you to Three Links Care Center and Minnesota Hospice for their loving compassionate care of Judy.

Private interment will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.