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 12^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd 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.

Daiane Hottz (39) passed away on December 30^th, 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 23^rd 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 7^th, 2023 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. All are welcome!

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.

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 21^st 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.

Age 71 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away unexpectedly on November 29, 2022. Preceded in death by wife, Karyn; parents, Arnold & Gertrude. Survived by sister, Marlene Moser; brother, Arden; also many nieces, nephews & friends. Arlen loved being outside, working in the yard & fishing. Memorial Service 11 AM Saturday, January 21^st Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave W, West St. Paul, Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service. Interment Riverview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Crown of Life Church.

Age 36

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday 12/16/22.  Born April 26, 1986, in Brazil.  Survived by parents, Robert and Celia Miller; brothers, Jay (Wendie Sederstrom) and Jon Miller; nephews, Leo Miller, Lukas Miller-Sederstrom; niece, Annika Miller.  Although she could not walk, talk, or communicate, she touched the lives of many.  Wake at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN  55077, Wednesday 12/28/22 5:00pm-7:00pm.  Visitation 1 hour prior to Funeral Service, and Mass of Christian Burial 11:00am on Thursday 12/29/22 at the Catholic Church of Guardian Angels, 8260 4^th Street North, Oakdale, MN  55128.  Interment Guardian Angels Church Cemetery.  Funeral Luncheon to follow Services.

Age 86

Passed away peacefully on December 15, 2022. Barbara was born on August 14, 1936 to Joseph and Lucy Kostecky in Minneapolis, MN. Preceded in death by her husband, Willard; daughter, Mary; brother, David (Kostecky); sister, Phyllis (Pierce). Survived by her son, Gregory; grandchildren, Katerina, Alyssa, and Steven (Lehrman); brother, Daniel (Kostecky); sister, Gretchen (Morris); numerous nephews and nieces. Barbara graduated Willow River High School in 1954. She worked at the Willow River Correctional Camp for 13 years before marrying and starting her family. Barbara was guided in life by her deep Catholic faith and unselfish commitment to serve others. She was a stalwart volunteer for the Northern Pine Girl Scout Council, initially as a patrol leader to eventually serving on the council board. Proud of her Bohemian heritage, she was a life member and served as Secretary of the Western Fraternal Lodge Association in Willow River. She was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Moose Lake, MN and St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Sandstone, MN, teaching CCD classes and serving as a Eucharistic Minister among countless other activities. Special thank you to her sister, Gretchen, nephew Tom Jr., and niece Maryanne for their dedicated care and support. Visitation 2-3 PM on Monday, December 19^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN with funeral mass to follow at 3 pm. Burial at 10 am on Tuesday, December 20^that Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Minneapolis.

In loving memory of Rose La Placa Empting (nee Moretti)

Rose died peacefully and surrounded by family on December 11, 2022 and is now at rest.

Rose was born in Bronx, New York to Guarino and Angelina, and spent her first 63 years in New Jersey, living a one-of-a-kind life. She attended St. Elizabeth’s Catholic School for 12 years, followed by studies in Fashion Design at Finch College in Manhattan. After becoming a widow at the age of 33 years with seven young children to care for, Mom put her fashion-sense to practical use, going into New York City’s garment district to supply her in-home clothing store, outfitting many with her well-known style and elegance. In 1992 she moved to Minnesota to be closer to family, adapting to her new home with her classic strong spirit and resilience.  Over the years to follow, Rose also spent time living in Florida and Texas, each state being special to her in its own way.

Rose had a passion for living her life and enjoyed many interests including golf, the Jersey shore, fashion, crocheting, travel, family, and food. She never feared to “do it her way,” and many people, young and old, looked to her for guidance and advice in doing the same. She was an independent, strong woman who endured many hardships and overcame, always relying on her faith in God to see her through.

Rose is survived by her four daughters, Donna Patterson (John), Susan Puttrich (Fred), Rosemary Ballerino (Carl), and Lisa Kamp (Paul);  her cherished sisters, Marie Palmeri and Angela Marrocco; 21 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.  Rose is preceded in death by her parents, Guarino and Angelina Moretti; her husband, Dominick La Placa; her children, Helen Jean, Angela, and Peter; her grandson, Peter Frances; her husband, Bill Empting.

A memorial service will be held at Roberts Funeral Home in Inver Grove Heights on Saturday, December 17^th at 10:00 am. Rose will be interred to her final resting place in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hackensack, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alz.org/research or to World Central Kitchen at http://www.wck.org 

Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away December 13^th, 2022 in St. Paul, MN. She was born in Springfield, MN, on September 2, 1948 to Otto and Mary Ann (Solyntjes) Weber.  She was baptized, confirmed and married at St Mathias Catholic Church, Wanda, MN, graduating with the Wabasso High School class of ’66.  After graduation she worked for 2 years at the Wanda State Bank.

On Nov.23, 1968 she married Cletus Hoffmann, and to that marriage were born 3 children: Lisa, Jeffrey, and Craig.  In 1975, the family moved to Scobey, Montana, where she resided until retiring and moving back to Minnesota in 2014 to be close to family.

In 1977, Barb and Clete opened and operated Creations Unlimited, an Arts & Crafts Store, which also included imprinted apparel.   They offered many art classes and opportunities to learn while perfecting her own artistic and crafting abilities.  She was also a part-time bartender at MJ’s Bar as well as at Banjo’s 109 in Scobey.  In 2002, she closed the business to assume her 12 year position as Deputy Daniels County Treasurer.

She was an active member of the Prairie Art Club and helped organize and promote the many Art Shows in Scobey.  She enjoyed playing all sorts of cards and games with family or friends and was also very active in her church and community.  She believed in the saying, “Bloom where you are planted”, striving to make the best of life where ever God placed her. She has shown this through a lifetime of close relationships including, most recently, in her senior apartment Carmon Court.

Barb is survived by her children; Lisa Foister,(Brookneal ,VA), Jeffrey Hoffmann (Minneapolis), and Craig (Kim) Hoffmann, Minneapolis, Granddaughters; Briannon Foister, and Nivya Hoffmann.  Also surviving are sisters; Patricia Story (Lynn), Joan Boyle (Richard), Karen Weber, Sisters-in-law; Marcella Gengler and Lorraine Wagner; Tim and Erin Whitlow and their extended family, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cletus, her parents and grandparents, brothers; Richard (Dick) Weber, Dennis (Snap) Weber, sister; Kathleen Johnson, and grandson; Kyle Foister.  Also preceding her in death are in-laws; Martha (Remiger) Weber, Jim Boyle, Verdie Johnson, Joe and Mary Hoffmann, Sylvester (Marion) Hoffmann, Leonard (Bootsie) Hoffmann, Louis Hoffmann, Alvina (Melvin) Remiger, Lucy (Norbert) Bernardy, Bernard Wagner, Cyril Gengler and Special Friend, Gene Whitlow.

Funeral Service will be held on April 14^th, 2023 at 11am at Roberts Funeral Chapel, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights and can be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/1835181352. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Funeral Service, April 15th, 2023 at 11 am at St. Mathias Catholic Church, Wanda, MN. Private Interment following service. Lunch to follow at Wanda Legion.