Swanson, Ralph Leonard Jr.
Age 87 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully on February 8, 2023. Preceded in death by son, Kevin; grandson, Justin; parents, Ralph Sr. and Caroline; brother, Edward. Survived by loving wife of 62 years, Janice; daughter, Kari & Krista (Christopher) Anderson; grandchildren, Jordan, Brandon, Dustin, Dakota, and Jessica (Lars); great-grandson, Isaiah; also other family and friends. Ralph retired as a Chief Warrant Officer from the US Army National Guard. He loved his garden, was very active with the Boy Scouts of America and served as a trustee at Concordia Lutheran Church. Memorial Service 1 PM Saturday, February 11th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation one hour prior to the service. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Schoen, Marguerite “Marny” (Sievers)
Age 88, of Apple Valley
Passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2023, after a long journey from Alzheimer’s. Preceded in death by her loving husband and best friend, Robert Schoen; parents, Marguerite and Buerdett; brother, Farrell Sievers. Loved by sister, Beverly Sievers; 7 children, Roberta (Jim) Wood, Bernadette (Bob) Rooney, Jennifer Schoen, Sarah (Keith) Stadler, Amy (John) Schultz, Paul Schoen, and Joe (Kim) Schoen; grandchildren, Joshua (Erin) Schoen, Lee (Andy) Peterson, Matt Haus, Nicole (Jon) Reyer, Luke (Jessi) Haus, Katie Rooney, Eric Rooney, Megan Stadler, Zachary Schultz, Isaac Rooney, Alex Stadler, Kayla Schultz, Kyle Schultz, and Melissa Schultz; great granddaughters – Ella Peterson, Maddie Peterson, Tenley Reyer, Teagan Reyer, and London Haus; also many relatives and friends. Special thanks to the loving and caring staff at Ecumen-Centennial House and Ecuman Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM Friday, February 10th at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 22120 Denmark Ave, Farmington. Visitation Thursday, February 9th, from 4:00-7:00 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, 55077, and one hour before Mass at church.
Adrian, Joseph R.
Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 16, 2023. Preceded in death by parents, Mac & Alice; brothers, Cliff, Bob & Ron; sister, Maxine. Survived by loving wife of 45 years, Mary Lynn; children, Eric, Julie (Brian), Ryan (Amber), Mark (Kelly), Laura & Tom; grandchildren, Brooke, Everett, Alice, Clare, Rose, Mabel & Joseph; siblings, Rosie, Jenny, Geri Sullivan, Judy, Lucy Burger & Mike; also many other family & friends.
Joe Adrian was born in Forest Lake, Minnesota and grew up on a farm near Hastings, Minnesota with 10 siblings. As a kid, he lived a simple life. He had a lot of fun playing with his brothers and sisters, and swinging on ropes in the barn. He also enjoyed participating in 4H and playing on softball teams.
He graduated from Hastings High School in 1966 and soon after enlisted in the service. He served in the marines where he fought overseas in Vietnam. Joe was awarded a purple heart as well as a Commendation Medal. When he returned home from overseas, he went to the University of Minnesota and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business.
After college, Joe began working as a carpenter because he liked to work with his hands and wanted to build a home of his own. In the fall of 1975, Joe met Mary Lynn Stoffels at a dance at Withrows Ballroom. Joe thought Mary Lynn was the “funniest gal he’s ever met” and Mary Lynn was drawn to his beautiful blue eyes.They got married on April 22nd, 1977, and were blessed to start their family about a year later. After their first son Eric was born, they purchased 15 acres in Inver Grove Heights where Joe built a house. It is there where they raised 6 children Eric, Julie, Ryan, Mark, Laura and Tom and where he lived the rest of his life.
In his thirties Joe became a Realtor and began to invest in real estate. He enjoyed using his carpentry skills to fix-up properties and he liked working with tenants. Joe and Mary Lynn used the money made from rentals to send the 6 kids to college. Joe had a lot of hobbies and liked to stay active. The family went on several camping and canoeing adventures. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing cards, chess, hockey, and softball. Joe was the coach of the Eagan Knights of Columbus softball team for several years and a coveted shortstop in his younger years.
Joe remained active and adventurous, skiing and traveling well into his 70s. When he was 70, he was diagnosed with an aggressive stage IV cancer. He made significant shifts in his diet to support nourishment and vitality while consciously choosing to live each day to the fullest. Joe was a great inspiration to all of us during the last few years of his life. He infused his life with positivity, often speaking of his blessings. When Joe was asked recently what he loved most about his life, he said “helping people.” He died at the age of 74 in his home with his family.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, January 24th at St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass at church with lunch to follow. There will be an opportunity to share your favorite story about Joe at lunch. Interment St. Patrick’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Salvation Army.
Mero, Thomas J.
Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully on January 8, 2023.
Preceded in death by parents, Gordon and Gertrude (Hall) Mero and brother, Tim Mero. Survived by loving wife of 66 years, Joan; three daughters, Pamela (Gary) Wolf, Michelle (Paul) Riedel and Karyn (Tim) Roszak; grandchildren, Aaron, Lauryn and Ryan Roszak, Daniel and Megan Wolf; sisters, Gerry (Don) Chapdelaine and Mary Mero; sister-in-law, Kathy Mero; also many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed the outdoors hunting, fishing and spending weekends each summer at Balsam Lake. As a veteran of the US Marine Corps, Tom served our country with honor in the Korean War. Tom had a rewarding career as a design engineer and retired from 3M in 1996.
Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave, West St. Paul, MN with visitation prior to the service at 10:00 am. Interment at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Inver Grove Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and can be made to Church of St. Joseph, West St. Paul, MN 55118 or Our Lady of the Lakes Church, PO Box 399, Balsam Lake, WI 54810 in his Memory.
Banaszewski, Florence A.
Age 92 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023.
Florence was born on July 14, 1930 in Vermillion, Minnesota to Nicholas and Anna (Kieffer) Girgen. She married Eugene “Gene” Banaszewski on May 30, 1956. Survived by sisters, Donna Mae Johnson & Lenora Banaszewski; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her husband, Eugene; parents, Nicholas & Anna (Girgen); 8 siblings, Sylvester Girgen, Lucille Neuman, Millie Lucius Langenfeld, Irene Miller, Bernice Olson, Mary Schiller, Betty Lencowski and Leo Girgen. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday, January, 17th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9-10 AM prior to Mass. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials to the Church of St. Patrick preferred.
Bonnie, MaryAnn (Ulrich)
Age 80 of Inver Grove Heights.
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on January 2, 2023, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Preceded in death by husband, Paul; brothers Richard Ulrich and Joseph Ulrich; bother-in-law Timothy Ryan. Survived by daughters, Paula (Gordy) Phillips, Barb (Karl) Luhr; son, John (Susan) Bonnie; grandchildren, Matthew (Alicia) Phillps, Christina (Stephen) Sjaaheim, Angela Phillips, Jeffrey (Cathleen) Luhr, Timothy (Anna) Luhr; great-grandchildren, Harper and Reagan Phillips, Maren Luhr and Max Luhr & baby boy Luhr; sisters, Betty Ryan & Patti (Mark) Bergman. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Friday, January 13th, at St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials; preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Marschall, Raymond “Ray” William
Of Inver Grove Heights, formerly of Shakopee
Died on January 3, 2023 at the age of 93. He is survived by loving wife, Elizabeth (Beth); step-son, Anthony White; step-daughter, Dawn Vorderbruggen Gaetke; five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by parents; brother, Vincent; sisters, Rita LaBash & sister, Esther Pink. Ray was ordained as a Catholic Priest on May 30, 1955 for the Archdiocese of St. Paul. He served the Archdiocese for 22 years as associate pastor in several parishes in the metro area and as pastor of St. Canice in Kilkenny, St. Mary’s in St. Paul, and St. Peter’s in Mendota. Ray worked for the St. Paul Schools for 16 years. He was a Third and Fourth Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, a Past Grand Knight of the Father Lucien Galtier Council 4184 of West St. Paul, and a Former District Deputy of District 2.”. Ray was very active in St. Patrick’s Church in Inver Grove, serving several years as chairman of the maintenance committee, two terms as parish trustee, was on the parish council, lector, and was a perpetual adorer. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon Thursday, January 12th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., IGH and can be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2269395003. Visitation 10am-12 Noon prior to Mass at the church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.
Hottz, Daiane
Daiane Hottz (39) passed away on December 30th, 2022 after four long months of cancer treatment. She was at the University of Minnesota Hospital and surrounded by her husband and family friends. She went peacefully.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dimitri von Ruckert and her two kids Vika Hottz von Ruckert (8) and Eli Hottz von Ruckert (21 months) as well as by her mother Delvina Ferreira Moura and younger sister Deborah Hottz.
Daiane was born in Nova Friburgo, Brazil, on August 23rd 1983. Daughter of persimmon farmers Antonio Octavio Hottz and Delvina Ferreira Moura. She was a farm girl in all aspects, always working hard and never complaining of challenges. She loved nature, especially plants and because of that she got her degree in Agronomy in 2008 from the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil. During her time at the university, she met her sweetheart and future husband Dimitri who was a grad student then. Daiane was 19 and Dimitri 21 when they started dating in 2003. They have stayed together ever since. In 2006 they both decided to come to the University of Minnesota as exchange students. Dimitri got a position at the University soon after. Daiane had to return to Brazil for a year in 2008 to finish her degree and returned in 2009 for their wedding at the Court House in downtown Saint Paul. They lived in different addresses in Saint Paul through the years until their move to Inver Grove Heights in 2019. Their first daughter, Vika, was born in 2014 and they also had their son, Eli, which was born in 2021.
Daiane finished her MBA at the Metropolitan State University in 2015 and worked in several companies throughout the Twin Cities over the years. She was very dedicated, honest and hard-working but also sweet and easy to get along with her coworkers.
Daiane had a chance to make a trip to Brazil in September of 2022 taking along her husband and the two kids. That turned out as a great opportunity to see family and friends one last time which we are all are very thankful for.
Upon her return from Brazil, Daiane was diagnosed with an acute form of brain cancer and fought it fiercely for 4 months until the end.
Daiane was a positive thinking, hand working and loving mother and wife. She has always put everyone’s needs ahead of her own. She will always be remembered by her family and the many friends she had here which helped make Minnesota her home for the past 16 years.
Daiane’s family is very thankful for the continuous support of friends and family either by providing meals, helping with the kids or donating at their GoFundMe page.
Daiane’s life will be celebrated at the Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel, located at 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN – 55077, on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. All are welcome!
Swanson, Mary Ellen
Age 76, of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Was a caring wife, stepmother, step-grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. She passed away peacefully on December 27, 2022 after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.Mary was born in Warren, MN on February 26, 1946 to Allard and Isabelle Swanson. Mary grew up in Argyle, MN where she attended Saint Rose of Lima Catholic School and graduated from Argyle High School in 1963.After graduation, Mary attended Thief River Falls Technical School where she earned her Business/Accounting Degree. Mary then started her first job as an accountant for the Minnesota Department of Transportation. She continued to work at MNDOT for her entire 44-year career.Together for almost 50 years, Mary married the love of her life Tommie Milton, Sr. in 2007. Making their home in Inver Grove Heights, Mary and Tommie were actively involved in their church. Mary supported numerous organizations helping veterans, animals and people in need. Mary’s favorite past times included cooking, baking, entertaining friends and family, attending plays, crafting and playing cards.Mary never missed bringing a plate of cookies or brownies to an appointment. The medical staff always looked forward to seeing her smiling face and being the recipients of her amazing baked goods!Mary had many friends and was well known for her kindness, generosity, and for making this world a better place! Mary will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by everyone who knew her.Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Allard and Isabelle Swanson; step-daughter, Almarie Walker; aunts, uncles and cousins.Mary is survived by her husband, Tommie Milton, Sr.; sisters, Susan Hjelle (Mason) and Kay Lagred (Marlon); stepchildren, Schannell Milton, Tommie Milton, Jr., Randy Milton, Troy Milton; many cousins, nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren; step-great-grandchildren and her beloved dog Bella.A funeral service for Mary Ellen Swanson will be held at Saint Stanislaus Church, 398 Superior Street, Saint Paul, MN on January 12, 2023 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be one hour prior to service.Lunch will be served at Digidio’s Restaurant after the service.
Inurnment will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Argyle, MN at a later date.In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mary’s name to one of Mary’s favorite charities: Animal Humane Society and Wounded Warriors.
Bina, Garnet
At age 86,
Garnet passed away peacefully, December 19, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Vera Lueck; brothers, Lloyd and Gerald. Survived by husband, Robert; sister, Kathleen Schmidt; children, Timothy (Bobbi) Bina and Julie (Dan) Franklin; grandchildren, Robert Alex Bina (Megan Rundell), Ashly Eicher (Ryan Nickolaus), Mary Franklin, John Franklin, Ken Franklin, George Franklin; great-grandchildren, Xavier Olson and Jack Nickolaus. Garnet was born and raised near Sparta, Wisconsin and graduated from Sparta High School in 1954. Married for 66 years. Retired from 3M. She loved polka dancing, square dancing, traveling, assisted at the Czechoslovak Genealogy Society International conferences, coordinated the church ushers, attended Red Hat luncheons, planned the neighborhood National Night Out and organized class reunions. Garnet donated her body to the University of Minnesota Medical School research program. Special thanks to the St. Croix Hospice team. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sat., January 21st at St. Patrick’s Church, with visitation from 10a-11:00a and Mass at 11:00 am followed by lunch in the church hall. Garnet loved bright clothing (especially purple), so please wear colorful attire. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 3535 72nd St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076.