December 15, 1940 – April 4, 2026

Gary Joseph Pechmann, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and dedicated public servant, passed away after a 5-year battle with colon cancer peacefully at his home on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 85 years old.

Born on December 15, 1940, in North St. Paul, Gary was the son of Dorothy and Joe Pechmann. He grew up in the tight-knit community of North St. Paul, attending St. Peter’s Grade School alongside his brother, Robert. Gary’s pursuit of education and his commitment to the well-being of his community began early. After attending St. Thomas University, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Public Health. Ever a lifelong learner, Gary returned to the classroom at the age of 50, earning his Master’s degree in Public Administration from Hamline University.

In 1967, Gary married the love of his life, Jeannie Mutch. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage built on a foundation of deep affection and shared adventures.

Gary dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to the St. Paul Health Department. As a key figure in the department, he oversaw restaurant inspections throughout the city and managed dangerous dog hearings, tasks he performed with a characteristic blend of fairness and commitment to public safety.

Outside of his career, Gary was a man of many passions. He found great joy in the simple pleasures of life, from family vacations to Duluth, Brainerd, and the Wisconsin Dells, to his intricate hobbies at home. He was an avid woodworker, maintained beautiful aquariums, and spent countless hours perfecting his model train sets. In his retirement, Gary and Jeannie enjoyed numerous cruises and their frequent “treasure hunts” at garage sales, Goodwill, and his favorite stop, Menards.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannie; his children, Gary Jr., Tim (Holly), and Sandra; his four grandchildren, Brady, Jonah, Brandon, and Allison; and his sister, Susan Pechmann. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel, with whom he is now reunited.

Gary will be remembered for his endless supply of repetitive jokes, his infectious laugh, his dedication to his city, and, above all, his unwavering love for his family.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Wednesday, April 15, 2026 with Visitation 9:30 am-11:00 am at Lumen Christi Catholic Community, 2055 Bohland Ave., St. Paul. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Memorials preferred to Lumen Christi Catholic Community.

Age 81 of West St. Paul, formerly of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026.

Orell Pieper was born on February 21, 1945, to Arnold Anton Pieper and Myrtle Lenore (Prestegord) Pieper in St. Paul, Minnesota. He joined siblings Merriell, Lyle, and Carole. He was baptized on March 18, 1945, at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church, Eagan, and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Evangelical Lutheran Church in South St. Paul. He grew up in South St. Paul and attended Central Elementary School and South St. Paul Junior and Senior High School.

He also attended night classes at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul.  After marriage, he lived in South Saint Paul, Inver Grove Heights, and West St. Paul.

On completion of high school, Orell worked about a year at West Publishing and then enlisted in the U. S. Army. While stationed in Germany, he worked in the office of the Commanding Officer and later supervised a section of Personnel. Once he completed his military service, he went back to West Publishing and worked in several various departments. He spent the majority of his career in the Accounts, Advertising, and Marketing departments.

Orell always felt blessed that he met Cindy, the love of his life, so early in his life. They first started dating when he was a Senior in high school. There was a hiatus due to military service, but they were married October 6, 1968, about a year after his honorable discharge. They shared many good times together and supported each other in the hard times. Orell and Cindy were blessed with four beautiful children–Jeremy (1970), Jessica (1974), Jenae (1980), and Jameson (1987–adopted in 1990). Both Orell and Cindy enjoyed and appreciated being a part of their children’s lives and sharing their faith with them.

Orell enjoyed most sports, playing on various football, golf, and softball teams.  He served as Commissioner of all five of West Publishing’s golf leagues for ten years. He managed to get two holes-in-one during his lifetime. He also coached many youth teams in T-ball, softball, baseball, and basketball.

At Emanuel Lutheran Evangelical Church (later named Crown of Life) he served on the Board of Full-time Education, Board of Elders, Project ’93, the Riverview Cemetery Board, and the Long-Range Planning Committee.  On the Church Council he served as Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairman.  He was very proud when the congregation approved this draft to establish the “Endowment Fund” and to be elected Co-Chairman of the new Crown of Life Church along with his good friend, Dave Sorgatz who had been Chairman of Trinity Lutheran Church before the merger with Emanuel.

Orell was also involved with St. Croix Lutheran High School (Academy) which all of his children attended. He helped to facilitate the purchase of the building on Oakdale and pitched in to make it ready to open. After Jeremy died in a car accident in 1987, Orell started an endowment called the Jeremy Ryan Pieper Scholarship Fund which has given many students help with tuition.

Orell also served on the Board of Regents and coached basketball at St. Croix.

Orell is preceded in death by son, Jeremy Ryan; parents, Arnold & Myrtle; brother, Merriell.

Besides his wife, Orell is survived by his children, Jessica Biggar-Larson (Chris), Jenae Vieregge (Brian), Jameson Pieper (Angel); Grandchildren include Cami, Noah, Max, Jack, Savannah, Jacob, Maverick, Evan, Khaylin, Taylor, and Bella. He is also survived by brother, Lyle Pieper (Ardis); sister, Carole Wencel (LaMoyne), sister-in-law, Denise Pieper; brothers-in-law, Doug Stoerzinger (Kathleen) and Charles Stoerzinger (Rose) and many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives.

Orell loved, enjoyed, and was very proud of his grandchildren. He tried to share his tickling and teasing equally.  Some took it better than others, but not one could escape it completely. May they all continue to grow in their faith in Jesus Christ and set their goals high in life.

On Monday, April 6, Orell took the hand of his risen Savior Jesus Christ and went to heaven to join his son Jeremy, friends Dave Sorgatz, and Jim Haberkorn, his parents, and all the saints who have gone before him.

Memorial Service 11:30 AM Monday, April 20th at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave W, West St. Paul, Visitation 10-11:30 AM prior to the service. Interment Riverview Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Crown of Life Lutheran Church School or St. Croix Lutheran Academy (Jeremy Ryan Pieper Scholarship Fund).

Age 82, of South St. Paul.

Beloved Mother and Grandmother

Passed away on April 3, 2026. Preceded in death by husband, Roger; parents, George & Adeline Kryzer; sister, Leita Antonson. Survived by children, Brad (Chandra), Jennifer (Mac) Noland, Todd (Shelly) and Michael (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Sam, Griffin, Ella, Cam, Chase, Nate, Ryan, Haley, Jacob and Addie; sister, Vickie (Michael) Beberg; brothers, George II (GayeLee) & Mark (Bonnie) Kryzer; brother-in-law, Jim Antonson; in-laws, nieces, nephews, loving relatives and friends.

Dianne resided in South Saint Paul with her late husband Roger and was married for over 55 years.  Dianne held various positions over her lifetime; payroll, property manager and community volunteer.  As a devoted mother of four, Dianne considered motherhood as her most meaningful achievement.  She found joy in cooking and baking for both family and friends.  Dianne also enjoyed entertaining, playing cards, vacationing and shopping with her daughter, sister and niece.  Dianne was a steady and principled soul, positive and trustworthy, believer, caring, hard working, and more often than probable … lucky, lucky.

Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 AM Monday, April 13th, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. N., South St. Paul. Visitation two hours prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial preferred to Alz.org.

Kathy Huber, age 78, of Inver Grove Heights died March 31, 2026, at St John’s Hospital after battling many serious medical conditions.

Kathy was born June 1, 1947, in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She graduated from Harding High School in 1965 and married her sweetheart Dick Huber the same year. She worked for many years as a waitress at the Copper Dome Restaurant and lovingly did childcare for her three grandchildren for many years. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, her kitties, watching the MN Wild, Twins and Vikings, and an occasional casino run.

She was preceded in death by parents, Richard and Lillian Scanlon; husband, Richard (Dick) Huber; infant son, Johnny; siblings, Richard (Delores) Scanlon, John (Maxine) Scanlon, Sharon (Don) Mortenson, Brian Scanlon, Dennis (Loretta) Scanlon, Patrick Scanlon, and Lenore Weiss and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She is survived by son, Richard (Packy) Huber; daughter, Sharon (Dan) Johnson; grandchildren, Rachel (Cody) Johnson, Peter Johnson, and Joshua Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Kathy will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her love for everyone was unconditional and she demonstrated her love for others in all that she did. She was a beacon of light who will now be shining brightly in heaven with Jesus, her husband and all the family and friends who were there waiting for her.

Memorial service 12:00 pm Saturday, April 25th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 11:00-12:00 pm prior to the service. Light lunch will be provided after the service. Private interment.

Joan M. Gallagher, affectionately known as “Jowan,” passed away on Good Friday, April 3rd, at the age of 93. Born on October 23, 1932, in St. Paul, Jowan grew up in the Ames Place/White Bear Avenue area and was a proud 1950 graduate of Harding High School. Following her marriage to John “Hoot” Bernard Gallagher, the couple settled in Inver Grove Heights, where they became lifelong pillars of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and raised their seven children.

Music was the heartbeat of Jowan’s life. She began singing in her church’s junior choir at age 14 and lent her voice to at least one choir for nearly seven decades, finally retiring her hymnal at age 83. Beyond her music, she was the epitome of a selfless mother. Whether it was a school concert, a play, or a sporting event, Jowan was always in the stands—often the loudest one there, cheering or ringing a cowbell even as her youngest children played softball well into their 30s.

Jowan possessed a fabulously sarcastic, self-deprecating wit that made her a favorite among her grandchildren, and the friends of her children. She loved teaching her kids/grandkids the finer points of poker (usually before they were ten) and taking trips to Como Zoo to see the gorillas. When she wasn’t being a “Super Mom,” she found her escape in Saturday night poker games with her siblings at a smoke-filled kitchen table. She also loved bingo—starting on Thursday nights in the St. Patrick’s basement and, later, on cherished trips to Las Vegas. Professionally, she was very proud of her years spent working for the Minnesota Education Association (MEA) from age 50 until her retirement.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mae and Ernest Bollmann; siblings, Bette, Bob, Marcella, Dave, Paul, Ted, and Audrey; children, Shawn and Barbara; and granddaughter, Sheena. She is survived by her children Scott Gallagher, Sheila (Kevin) Dewitt, Diane (Eugene) Maus, Molly (Paul) Wagner, and Monica (Tim) Sturm; her brother Leonard Bollmann; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She leaves behind a legacy of laughter, music, and fiercely loyal love.

Mass of Christian Burial 12:00 pm Thursday, April 9th, with visitation one hour prior to Mass at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Age 75 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on April 3,2026.

Preceded in death by parents, Edwin and Fern; brother, Richard; brothers-in-law, David and Tim.

Survived by loving wife of 54 years, Nancy; daughter, Tanya Johnson; grandchildren, Tyler Johnson and Allie Fischer; sisters, Debbie (Arnie), Nellie, Rae, Patty, and Tammy (Joe); brothers, Robert (Donna) and Peter (Tracy); aunt, Linda; sister-in-law, Mary; also many nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Monday April 13^th, at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 749 6th Ave. S., South Saint Paul. Visitation 10 – 11 AM prior to Mass. Interment St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery, Hastings.

12/14/1930 – 03/30/2026

Eileen passed away at home on March 30, 2026, at age 95. She was preceded in death by her husband Dennis; her parents, Arnold and Verena Willenbring; sisters, Lucinda Meierhofer and Lillian Arnold; and brother, Dennis Willenbring. She is survived by daughters, Carol Anne (John) Wall and Kathryn Weiss; son, David Weiss; grandsons, Corey and Aaron Weiss; granddaughters, Sarah (Ari) Ramirez and Rachel Wall.

Eileen was born on December 14, 1930, and grew up in the little central Minnesota town of Richmond (previously Torah). Her grandfather John Willenbring was talented with all things mechanical, running a watch shop and a mechanical shop, over which Eileen lived as a young child. She was proud of her grandpa’s role keeping the church tower clock accurate and og his ability to tune a piano by ear. Her father Arnold Willenbring inherited the mechanical touch, and had several patents filed during his life. Her father’s sister Clara and brother Leo inherited the musical talent, and Eileen developed a lifelong love of music, both played and sung, from her aunt and uncle.

As did many of Eileen’s contemporaries at the time, she moved to the Twin Cities to find work while also returning home on weekends to socialize. It was through her sister Lillian and that circle of friends that she met her husband Dennis Weiss, who also hailed from central Minnesota (Grove City). They married on May 26, 1956, and a year later moved to a house on Bilbuck Lane (now Upper 73rd Street in Inver Grove Heights) – the same home in which she died nearly 70 years later.

Eileen had attended business school to be an administrative assistant. She started her career at Honeywell (part of the wire desk), left to have children, then returned to work when her youngest was in school. She worked at GNB (formerly in Mendota Heights) as an executive assistant until retiring in 1987. While working, Eileen juggled her work, her children and her home but found time at night to play the piano and sometimes sing along. This soundtrack is a bedtime memory that her children cherish.

Music was Eileen’s joy and ministry. With her free time, particularly after retirement, she sang and played handbells for many years in various church and volunteer choirs. A member of the Church of Saint Patrick since first built on 72nd Street, she was a member of the “Resurrection Choir” that sang at other’s funerals, and of the Adult Choir, and for nearly 15 years the Handbell Choir. Eileen was also a member of the Divine Redeemer Auxiliary Girl Singers (DRAGS), later the Music Makers when Divine Redeemer Hospital ceased operations. The group traveled to various nursing homes, entertaining residents.

From a young age, Eileen loved pets, especially but not exclusively cats. In her last 9 years, after the passing of her husband Dennis, Eileen’s rescue cat Eddie was her constant companion and comfort.

Mass of Christian Burial 11AM Saturday, April 11th at the Church of St. Patrick 3535 72nd St., Inver Gove Heights. Visitation one hour prior to Mass. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away unexpectedly on March 24, 2026.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Stan and Laverne Peterson, and three sisters.

Bonnie is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Jim; her sons, Dan (Shelley) and Mike (Kristi); her cherished grandchildren, Collin, Kylie, Makayla, and Braeden; her brothers, Kevin and Daryl; and many other family members and dear friends.

Bonnie was a woman whose life was rooted in love, generosity, and deep devotion to her family. She spent her life working in the family business, where she managed the office and dedicated herself with the same care, commitment, and pride that she brought to every part of her life. She found her greatest joy in the time spent with those she loved most. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart—she treasured every moment with them, whether it was playing games, celebrating milestones, or simply being together. They were a constant source of pride and happiness in her life.

She had a giving spirit that touched everyone around her. Bonnie freely gave her time and energy to helping others, especially through tutoring, teaching and her involvement with the church. She had a natural ability to connect, encourage, and uplift, and she made a lasting difference in the lives of those she helped. Her kindness, patience, and willingness to give of herself never went unnoticed.

Bonnie will also be remembered for her infectious laugh, one that could light up a room and bring a smile to anyone who heard it. It was a reflection of her joyful spirit and the warmth she carried with her wherever she went.

Bonnie loved to spend time with family, create meaningful connections, and be there for others whenever they needed her. She will be remembered for her warm heart, her steady presence, and the way she made people feel cared for and supported.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 11th, at St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church, 4455 S. Robert Trail, Eagan, with visitation from 10:00–11:00 AM prior to Mass. Private interment.

Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in all who knew her.

Age 97, formerly of Inver Grove Heights,

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 25, 2026, while in the care of Beyond Hospice at The Pillars.

Virgil was born on April 23, 1928, in Holdingford, MN, to Henry and Eleanor Sandkamp. As a young child, his family moved to a farm in Grey Cloud Township, where he grew up alongside his 11 brothers and sisters. A graduate of Park High School, Virgil was captain of the football team and a standout track athlete. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Thomas and went on to attend medical school at St. Louis University where he met a beautiful nursing student named Joan who became his beloved wife on August 25, 1956.

Following their wedding, Virgil served as a Major and physician in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Minnesota for a 39-year career in family medicine in South St. Paul.

Together, Virgil and Joan raised 8 children over the course of their nearly 70 year marriage and spent 60 years at their small farm in Inver Grove Heights. Virgil shared his love of the outdoors with his children teaching them how to farm and garden while on his favorite John Deere tractor. He also passed on his love of horseback riding, skiing, fishing and cheering on the Johnnies and the Fighting Irish during college football season. He was an avid reader who loved to share his favorite books with family. A new book was always a perfect gift for him. He had an immense talent for fixing anything from a child’s toy to a broken arm. In retirement, he immersed himself in woodworking, crafting bamboo canes and unique styled end tables, and even making rosaries from hay baling twine. In later years, he and Joan cherished winters in Tucson, Arizona where they lived next door to their daughter Kathy and her family.

Deeply committed to his community, Virgil gave his time, energy and expertise to numerous causes important to him. He served as a team physician for South St. Paul High School, volunteered for years with Joan at the Wakota Life Care Center, gave his support and time to the clergy and the Church of St. Patrick, and cared for countless neighbors and families. He was proud to say that he delivered the first, hundredth and the thousandth baby at Divine Redeemer Hospital.

His long and well-lived life was a testament to his strength after surviving childhood tuberculosis. He loved his whole family and dedicated his life to them. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children, Terese (John) Shearer, Kathy (Greg) Harris, Anthony (Marlene), Andy (Victoria), Rose (Dave) Vierling, Amy (Jeff) Stariha and Joseph (Takako), his 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Elaine Simone, Mary Jane (Mike)Pisano, Joann Hinz and John (Pat).

He is welcomed to heavenly life by those loved ones preceded in death, his daughter Mary; his parents, Henry and Eleanor; his brothers, Leo, Werner Bernie and Alan Gene, and his sisters, Marcia Ell, Carol Devereaux, Helen Jansen and Norma Koenigs.

A visitation will be held at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights, from 6:00–8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31st. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, on Wednesday, April 1st. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with Mass at 11:00 AM. Mass will also be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26031960642710. A luncheon at the church and burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery will follow.

Age 92, of Oakdale, Minnesota

Passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Southview Acres Care Center, she passed away with her loving daughter Carol and son-in-law Tom by her side.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter; her son, Michael; her grandparents; her parents, Dorothy and Robert Lane; and her husbands, Lloyd Jensen and Charles Weisner.

Pat is survived by her twin daughters, Carol (Tom) Wilson and Cheryl (Pete) Hanzlik; her grandchildren, Christopher, Andrea (Adam), Katie (Louis), and Justin; and her great-grandchildren, Landon, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Rory. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Rose Brown, along with many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Pat was born on January 6, 1934, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Dorothy and Robert Lane. She proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where she was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, and worked as a teletype operator at the Pentagon. She was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Pat enjoyed traveling and taking day trips, as well as watching her favorite soap opera, game shows, reading, playing bingo and loved to eat chocolate. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to weekend visits and loved her phone calls, where she could catch up on what everyone was up to—hearing about their days, their activities, and all the little things going on in their lives. Those moments meant so much to her.  She also treasured taco lunch dates with her oldest grandson, Christopher, and visits from her special nurse, Chey, who took such wonderful care of her at home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Transitional Care Unit on the first floor at Southview Acres Care Center for their compassionate care, as well as to the Hospice of the Midwest team for their support.

Private family interment with cemetery honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, April 6th, 2026.