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

Keatts, William Francis

Age 82, of Burnsville.

The Keatts Family Patriarch passed away on 03/03/2023 peacefully at home surrounded by his large and loving family. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Beverly Ann, parents Durward & Mary Keatts, and sister Marie Mossi. Survived by adoring wife, Jean MacFarland; Keatts children: Andy & Debbie, Sean (Chris) & Sylvia, Colene & Steve Woog, and Brian & Cynda. Keatts grandchildren & great grandchildren: Denise & Mike Hazelton (children: Cohen, Finn, Remy), David & Haley Keatts (child: Noah), Jessica Keatts (child: Kade), Paige Keatts, Allie & Anna Woog, and Andrew Huss & Aiden Keatts. MacFarland Family: Tom, Jamie (Angela), Mary & Melissa (child: Thomas), Missy, Cole, Debbie, Courtney (John, Elijah, Lucas, Sasha), Stephanie (Nick & Maya), Kim (Brad), Joe (& family), Will (Ashley & Weston), Lani (Matthew), Peyton, & Anelia. Also survived by brother, Durward (Betty) Keatts, Bill & Enrie Traviss and many special friends. During retirement years, Bill provided dedicated leadership in numerous organizations that benefit the human family. Bill will be immensely missed for his dynamic inclusive personality that sustained his love, work and dedication for racial justice. He was an enthusiastic, loving & proud family man; a devote Christian, excellent mentor, and a collegiate weightlifting champion & lifelong exercise enthusiast who approached everyone and everything in life with a demeanor characteristic of his gentle soul. Bill’s passion for life and family will always remain with all those who knew him. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, March 9, 2023, 10:00AM at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 So. 8th St., Mpls. https://www.saintolaf.org/funerals with in-church visitation from 9:00 – 10:00AM. Lunch & gathering to occur at St. Olaf Catholic Church  immediately following service; followed by procession and burial at Hillside Cemetery, 2600 19th Ave. N.E., Mpls., MN. Memorials preferred to The Alzheimer’s Association, The American Cancer Society, and/or The Rabondo Community Project USA (www.rcpusa.org).

Huebscher, Kenneth J.

Of West St. Paul,

Passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023 following a hospitalization the week prior. Kenny will be remembered by his friends and family as a generous, giving and kind-hearted man, and by the love of his life, his partner Jeanne, as an angel and best friend, who was as constant as the North star. Kenny will be remembered for his deep and lifelong friendships, irrepressible sense of humor, passion for music, and his ever-present desire to be of service to others and his community.

Kenny was born in Inver Grove Heights and graduated from Simley High school in 1970 where he was in the National Honor Society, served as the vice president of his class, and played varsity football. He was a gifted guitarist who played in a number of bands and groups over the years, including Dark Horse, the TC4 and Boyd Butler. Most recently he played in Ken and Friends, lifting the spirits of countless people. Kenny was an unassuming, humble, man, who worked as a crew chief at Northwest Airlines, later Delta Airlines, making many buddies along the way, who appreciated his leadership style and quick wit.  He was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday school and played guitar in the gospel band.

Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris (Wille) Huebscher, and his beloved younger brother, Kim. He is survived by his dear Jeanne Thomas; his children, Jason (Amy) Boche, Holly-Anne, Christopher, Jeffrey (Cortney) Huebscher, and his grandchildren Allison, Joshua, and Cora. He’s also survived by his cherished siblings, Laurel, Lisa (Brad) Lojovich, Lance (Donna) and Kevin. Visitation Sunday, March 12 from 1:00-3:00pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Service to follow at 3:00pm and then a Celebration Lunch to follow services.

 

Coulomb, Mary Ellen “M.E.” (nee Wheatcroft)

Age 64

Loving mother of Cassandra (Trever Meier) Kottsick, Dylan (Brianna) Cole. Proud grandmother of Caitlin, Tyla, and Temperence. Beloved daughter of the late Arlene Smith and John Wheatcroft. Cherished sister of Doug (Lisette), and the late Dallas, and Bill (Laura).  Will be dearly missed by her many family, friends, and colleagues. Memorial Service 1 pm Wednesday, March 8th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights and also livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/6671644108. Visitation 12 noon – 1 pm prior to the service. A Celebration of Life will follow from 2-4 pm at Lucky’s 13, 1352 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Beyond Hospice.

 

 

Hammer, Deloris M.

Age 88

Longtime resident of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on February 15, 2023. Survived by sisters Jean & Ruth; children Bonnie, Michael & Nancy; grandsons Josh, Jeremy & Matt. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 11am- 1pm, Sunday, March 12th, at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church, 3239 70th St. Inver Grove Heights. Private interment.

Deloris was a strong woman who knew her mind.  In the 1970’s, she worked at Northwest Airlines, in the flight kitchen.  She later did factory work, office work and assembly line work.  She loved to travel and especially loved going on cruises.

Deloris loved fishing.  She was a member of Women’s Angler of MN at one time.   She had a small light boat of her own that she would throw in the back of her car and head out to a local lake once in a while.

Deloris was excellent at sewing and made clothes for herself and others.  She made one quilt but it was so much work she decided one was enough.  She was proficient at crocheting, making a scarf a day in her later years.  Literally hundreds of her scarves were donated to Neighbors, Inc, and Hilltop Elementary.  They were also given out at Mt. Bethel’s “Trunk or Treat” event in October.

Deloris also loved playing card games and was a regular at the senior center in West St. Paul.  Even more than cards, her favorite game to play was Mahjong.  She started a Mahjong group at her church and enjoyed teaching others the game.  She was also an avid reader and enjoyed watching old game shows on the Game Show Network.

Deloris moved to New Perspective Senior Living in Eagan in 2021.   She was delighted to go on three fishing trips last year with New Perspective.  The family thanks the staff at New Perspective for their compassion and care of Deloris.

Rich, Kenneth Allen

Age 76 of Inver Grove Heights, formerly Minneapolis, MN

Ken passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 25, 2023.

Preceded in death by parents William Rich and Pearl Johnson Rich, and step-mother Bernice Rich. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Leota Enevoldsen Rich, children Andrea Winter (Eric) of Savage, Tony Rich (Michelle) of Cottage Grove; Grandchildren Wade, Nina, Garrett, and Avery; Brother Vernon Rich of Mesa Arizona. Step-family Barb (John) Mack, Kathy (Wally) Anderson, and John Gutwald, and many other family & friends.

Ken was born on April 6, 1946 to William and Pearl Rich in Minneapolis. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964 and went on to attend St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute and Dunwoody Institute. Ken served in the US Marine Corps from June 1966 – April 1969, including two tours in Vietnam. Ken married the love of his life Leota Enevoldsen on November 22, 1969 and they went on to have two children Andrea and Tony. Ken started his mechanic career at LaSalle Cartage in St. Paul and then spent twenty-one years at Northwest Airlines.

Ken was a “Jack of All Trades” and spent his life fixing things. He had an incredibly strong work ethic and was often heard saying “If you’re going to do it, do it right”. His proudest car restoration was a 1964 Jaguar XKE, that he rebuilt from the frame up.

Throughout his life, Ken encouraged and mentored others about his passions. He loved coaching youth baseball for Minnehaha Falls Athletic Club and he fulfilled a lifetime dream when he established a habitat for pheasants in Clark South Dakota. Ken and Leota spent many summers with good friends at on Elephant Lake and fishing in Canada.

Family and friends were everything to Ken. He was a proud Dad, Grandfather and Uncle.  Once a friend of Ken’s, you were a friend for life. He cherished these relationships and took extra effort to keep in touch. Whether it was an annual hunting or fishing trip, cruising a car show, or weekly coffee with the “boys”, Ken was the most loyal and committed friend.

Ken was best known for his smile.  He had a special gift of making those around him laugh and was known for his great sense of humor and entertaining stories. He made everyone feel included and he was always watching out for the underdog.

Ken was a great inspiration to all of us, especially during the last few years of his life. He infused his life with positivity and gratitude, grounded in his faith.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to:

Clark County Pro Pheasants

c/o Robert Steffen

100 4th Avenue Northwest, Clark SD 57225

Or

Good Shephard Lutheran Church

https://goodshepherdigh.com/giving/

Visitation Tuesday, March 7th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Service Wednesday, March 8th at 10:30 am at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:30-10:30 am prior to service at church. Celebration Lunch to follow services. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Aurelia

Edad 77 de Cottage Grove

Falleció después de una corta batalla con cáncer el 22 de Febrero del 2023. Fue esposa de Dario Melendez por 61 años, con el cual tuvieron 7 hijos (Anselmo, Josefa, Bernardo, Maria Teresa, Martina, Maria Felipa, y Maria Guadalupe). Fue abuelita de 21 nietos y 15 bisnietos.

Aurelia dedicó su vida a su familia. La recordaremos como la mejor esposa, mamá, abuelita, bisabuela, tía, hermana, prima, y suegra. Siempre fue muy cariñosa, graciosa, y siempre se preocupaba por todos.

Ella pasaba mucho de su tiempo con su familia, cosiendo, o jugando a la lotería y domino.

Roberts Funeral Home en Inver Grove Heights

El velorio será el 2 de Marzo a las 3pm hasta las 9pm.

Misa a las 9am el 3 de Marzo

Newport Cemetery

El cementerio a las 2pm el 3 de Marzo.

 

Schaeffer, Mary Margaret

Age 89 of Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Preceded in death by husband, John; parents, George & Rose Powers; also many siblings. Survived by sons, Daniel (Denise) & John (Linda); daughter, Rosanne (Jim) Tursso; 7 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Renee (Bob) Kreitz; also other family and friends.

Mary always loved spending time with her family and friends.

Funeral Service 12 noon Saturday. March 4th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10 am – 12 noon prior to the service. Private Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Nauertz, Albert Carl “Big Al”

Age 73 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away February 20, 2023. Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Joanne; children Michael (Nancee), Kristine Muth, Matthew (Michelle) & Suzanne (David) Lathrop; grandchildren Andrew, Alysson, AshleeJo, Colin, Amber, Parker, Paige, Alexander, Brandon, Kyla, Brooke & Jack; great-granddaughter Leona; 2 brothers; 2 sisters.

Al graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in 1967 and proceeded to enlist in the U.S Army.  He proudly served as a sergeant during the Vietnam War, earning a Silver Star. Al graduated from St. Paul TVI as a diesel technician.  He retired from the United States Postal Service after 31 years as a diesel mechanic.

Family was everything to Al.  Nothing was more important to him. He was a proud Dad and Grandfather.  He loved to talk with his grandchildren and hear about their activities and successes.  Christmas was a special time for Al.  He insisted on the family gathering as a whole to celebrate together, and he always went overboard.

Al (Big Al to his friends) was a great friend.  He was the first guy to help out, no matter what, when, or where.  His friends were an extension of his family.  He had a special gift of making those around him laugh and was known for his great sense of humor and entertaining stories. As a mechanic, Al was a “car guy” .  He spent many weekends participating in car shows with his family and 1964 Chevelle. He would never pass up on a chance to talk about classic cars.

Visitation is from 4-7pm Wednesday, March 1st at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Funeral Service is 11:00 am Thursday, March 2nd with visitation from 10-11am prior to service, also at Roberts Funeral Home.  Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Special thanks from our family to all the physicians and health staff who cared for Al during his 6-year battle with cancer.

Krech, Stephen A.

Age 57 of Eagan

Passed away due to a snowmobile accident on the North Shore Trail on February 18, 2023. Preceded in death by parents, Orville & Dorothy; brother, Wally; brothers-in law, Randy Halvorson & Paul Josephson. Survived by loving wife of 30 years, Barbara; sons, Gustav & Joseph; siblings, Ruth (Mike) Degen, David (Yvette), Daniel, James (Lora), Patricia (John) Peterson, Janet Josephson, Mary (Thom) Schubbe; Virginia (Dan) Sullivan, Barbara (Steve) Sickler; father-in-law & mother-in-law, Aloyus & Arlene Halvorson; sisters-in-law, Kathy Krech, Nancy (Mark) Wagner & Marcy Halvorson; also many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

Steve was employed at Waterous Co. for 24 years where he was greatly respected by his colleagues and clients alike. Steve will be remembered as a loving father and spouse who always put his family first. He had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. He enjoyed traveling and RVing with his family and could be found riding a motorcycle, a snowmobile or a jet ski in his free time.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Monday, February 27th at the St. Joseph’s Church, 13900 Biscayne Ave. W. Rosemount. Visitation 2-5 pm Sunday, Feb. 26th with a time of sharing beginning at 4:30 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation also 10-11 am prior to Mass at church. Any donations received will be made to Steve’s favorite charity.

Eide Hermann, Penelope Rae “Penny”

Age 35 of Newport, formerly of Oakdale, Minnesota.

Preceded in death by grandparents and great grandparents. Survived by loving husband, Mike; parents, Kevin and Beverly Eide; in-laws, Larry and Ruth Hermann; brother-in-law, Alex (Jillian) Hermann, and many family members & friends.

Penny could often be found playing with her dogs, Mini & Tinkerbell; she had a knack for finding the perfect hats, sweaters & boots for them, as they were her cherished pets.  When not playing with her dogs, Penny could be found doing crafts- anything pink, camo, or with glitter was her jam.  Time spent listening to music, watching movies, going camping and sitting around a campfire with Mike & friends always made her smile.

Penny was most happy when she was with family and she had blossomed into an amazing caregiver, always ensuring that those around her were well cared for, especially her aunts & uncles.  With her gentle spirit, kind & bubbly personality, children would gravitate to Penny & she adored being around them.

Penny loved MN and it’s 4 seasons, summer being her favorite as she could wear her flip-flops, camp, fish and be outdoors with her dogs.  Second favorite season of the year was football season, where you would find Penny supporting her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers.

Funeral service 3:00 PM Friday, February 24th, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM prior to the service at the church. Private interment.