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

Maurice Paul Cook

Maurice Paul Cook, age 69, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2025.

Morry was born on November 18, 1956, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent his life rooted in the communities of St. Paul and later Inver Grove Heights, places that shaped him and where he built a life centered on hard work, family, and service to others. He was a graduate of Cretin High School (1974) and attended St. John’s University (1978).

Morry worked as a skilled bricklayer, a trade that reflected his strong work ethic and pride in craftsmanship. Beyond his profession, he devoted many years to serving as a Boy Scout Leader and Scout Master, where he made a lasting impact on countless young lives. Teaching values, outdoor skills, and responsibility was a role he took to heart, and he was deeply proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts.

As an outdoorsman, Morry found joy in fishing, hunting, shooting, and camping with his lifelong friends and family. He loved traveling the country in his Airstream trailer, finding adventure and joy in every family trip. Off the road, he was an avid reader and lifelong learner. These passions brought him peace, purpose, and memories made with those he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Marie Cook.

Morry is survived by his loving wife, Debra Cook; his children, Ben Cook (Lucia Ruff-Berganza), Emily Welbig (Nate), and Dan Cook (Allie Machacek); his cherished grandchildren, Rafael, Nico, Lewis, Samuel, Malia, and Audra; his father, Roger Cook and his wife, Janette; his siblings, Bridgette Startz (Robert), Gretchen Cook, and Christopher Cook (Howard Bell).  He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loving grandfather whose presence will be missed beyond measure.

Morry will be remembered for his steady presence, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy lives on through the wisdom he shared, the values he passed down, and the bricks he laid throughout the Twin Cities.

Visitation is Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Roberts Funeral Home at 8108 Barbara Ave.,  Inver Grove heights, MN from 3:00 to 6:00 PM with a rosary at 5:30 PM.  A Memorial Mass will be Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave, West St. Paul, MN 55118. Mass will also be livestreamed here: https://sjwsp.org/livestream-archives  A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Internment is at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave South, Mendota Heights, MN 55120.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Dakota County Library system.

Ronald Raymond Viner

Age 79 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025,

Preceded in death by parents, Alex and Arlene (Moberg) Viner. Survived by loving wife of 57 years, Sue; sons, Dan (Jennie) and Dennis; grandchildren, Alex (Mike), Trevor (Bethany), Riley (Matt) Felton, Michael (Alexa), Dominic (Abril), Carter, Brooke, Brady; 6 great-granddaughters; sister, Connie Frazer; brother, Jimmy (Jan) Viner.

Ron was a proud Navy Veteran. He owned and operated Regal Court as a barber in South St. Paul for many years. Ron started the SSP Youth Soccer Association in the 1970’s. He also refereed hockey and was involved in SSP Youth Hockey. Ron and wife Sue enjoyed many times on their Harley Davidson. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Gopher hockey fan. He will be remembered and missed by our family.

Memorial Service Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 6:00 pm with Visitation 4:00-6:00 pm prior to the service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Thank you to the staff at Inver Glen Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Ron. Ron will be buried privately with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

 

LaVonne Francis

LaVonne Francis, beloved mother, wife, elementary school teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 14, 2025, at the age of 61. Born on November 29, 1964, in Saint Paul, she dedicated her life to nurturing and inspiring those around her.

LaVonne is survived by her loving husband, Christopher Francis, and their three children: Lydia Francis (married to Andrew Haaheim), Joanie Francis (partner Joshua Lewis), and Jacob Francis (married to Jenny Francis). She is also survived by her parents, Jim and Elaine Guertin; brother, Jeff (Teresa) Guertin; and sister, Jacki (Jerry) Waltman.

A passionate educator, LaVonne profoundly impacted the lives of her students, sharing her love for learning and fostering a sense of curiosity in the classroom. Her dedication to her students and her ability to connect with others will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

In her free time, LaVonne enjoyed photography, collecting agates, walking her dogs, and relaxing at her beloved little red cabin. She cherished her relationships with family and friends and was known for her kindness, warmth, and generosity.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Saint John Vianney, located at 840 19th Ave N, South St. Paul, MN 55075. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will be held after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the South Saint Paul Educational Foundation in LaVonne’s honor.

LaVonne Francis will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched.

Donald A. Weigelt

Passed away peacefully Sunday, December 14, 2025 at the age of 97.

Survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty; son, Jeffrey (Kathy); daughter, Diane (Mike dec.); grandchildren, Kayla (Steve), Megan (C.T.), John (Anna), Amy (Jeremy); great grandchildren, Ava, Charlie, Ella, Lucy, Henry, Ruth, Clark, Bennett, Beau, Cayden, Cole; other relatives and friends. Private interment at Fort Snelling.

Gail K. Wold (Zinschlag)

Age 87 of West St. Paul.

Passed away December 14, 2025.

Gail lived a life full of faith, family, friends, music, and animals.

Survived by children, Janelle (Todd) Rau & Kevin (Jodi) Wold; grandchildren, Aaron (Kim), Emily (fiancé Jake), Griffin & Shiloh; great-grandchildren, Andrew & Daniel; brother-in-law, Paul (Linda) Wold; nephew, Andy; nieces, Julie & Mary.

Preceded in death by husband, Howie; parents, Gil & Ellen.

Gail was a ’56 graduate of Park High School, 70+ year church musician, 50+ year kids’ church choir director, and 45+ year volunteer at the MN Zoo.

Visitation 4:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, December 19th; 11:00 am Funeral Service Saturday, December 20th, with 10:00 am visitation prior to Funeral at church; luncheon to follow.  Visitations and funeral to take place at King of Kings Lutheran Church, 1583 Radio Dr., Woodbury.  Funeral Service can also be viewed via livestream at: https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-service-for-gail-k-wold-udaw3o0kceqitipuqyzl

Interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis, following the luncheon. 

Memorials preferred.

Linda LaPointe Dahl

Age 59 of Eagan.

Passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 8, 2025, after a two-year battle with cancer. Preceded in death by father, Nick; grandparents, Ed and Irene Weber & Gerard and Berniece LaPointe. Survived by loving husband of 38 years, Michael; daughter, Rebecca (Thomas); grandchildren, Lydia and William; son, Evan (Bailey); mother, Sharon; siblings, Barbara (Parker), Scott (Cindy) & Katie (Ed); lifelong best friend, Jennifer; also other family and friends. Memorial Service 11:00 am Friday, December 12th, at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, 115 Crusader Ave., West St. Paul, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to donor’s choice.

Gordon Harold Johnson

Gordon Harold Johnson passed away on December 3, 2025.

He was born to Harold and Rose (Andersen) Johnson on March 10, 1930 in Minneapolis, MN.

Gordie was a graduate of Washburn High School and attended Gustavus Adolphus College where he played on the tennis team and participated in the concert band and orchestra. He later enrolled in and graduated from-the MN School of Business. 

During the Korean War, Gordie served in the US Navy.

He was an active sports participant whether it was coaching ball games for his children, bowling, golfing, fishing or playing tennis. He was a boy scout leader and an Eagle Scout advisor. 

Gordie retired from Lutheran Social Service as their purchasing and property manager in 1993. 

He was a member of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church. 

Gordie is survived by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Lynn; grandchildren, Tawnya, Tony (Alyssa) and Ashley (David); great grandchildren, Triston, Jake, Abel, Talon, Ella and Natalie and great-great-granddaughter, Havanna. He is further survived by his sister, Emilie; brother in law, Brian (Robbi) Conant; nephews, John and BJ; nieces, Cheryl and Erin and their families. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kirk and great-niece, Alana.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Wednesday, December 10th, at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 S. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service at church. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.

Claudia M. Hecimovich

Age 73 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025.

Preceded in death by husband, Michael Hecimovich; son, Corey Hecimovich; parents, Elmer and Mary Lehmann; sister, Elizabeth Orchard; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael and Phyllis Hecimovich.

Survived by son, Aaron Hecimovich; daughters, Leah (Luke) Seidl and Noel (Dan Lick); grandchildren, Zach (Nikki), Kainen, Casey, and Gracen; great granddaughter, Athena; sister, Geraldine Ford; best of friends, Elaine (Bob) Ellert; the extended Hecimovich, Lehmann and Huls families; also so many friends and other relatives that have a special place in her heart.

Claudia’s best memories were entertaining Family and Friends.  The back yard pool was a favorite place for a quick pop in happy hour to a weekend of fun.  She was the ULTIMATE HOST!  

From Europe to the states, she loved to travel. Mothers Camp, Madden’s, Eddy’s, casino trips and ventures to the farm in St. Wendel will never be forgotten.

But her most proud trips would be taken up north on Mille Lacs at Izatys with her kids and generations to follow.  Bayview, golf cart rides, poolside, the launch and dad’s favorite the 14th hole!  

Soar high with your angels!  We love you! 

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Saturday, December 13th, with a time of sharing beginning at 12:15 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Francis “Tim” Roszak

Devoted husband, father and grandfather, age 85, of South Saint Paul MN, passed away peacefully December 1, 2025.

He was preceded in death by parents, Francis “Boots” and Marie Roszak, sister, Linda Roszak Elliot.

He’s survived by loving wife of 61 years, Norma Roszak; children, Tim (Karyn) Roszak, DeAnne (John) Bennett, Bob (Shelly, deceased) Roszak, and Bill (Margaret) Roszak; ten grandchildren, Aaron, Lauryn, and Ryan Roszak, Abbie (Mack) Wenberg and Natalie Bennett, Abby (Patrick) Reynolds and Tory Roszak (Gabe), and Annie, Jake, and Sara Roszak; great-grandson, Bryson Reynolds; and niece Sylvie Thome, as well as many other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He enjoyed the outdoors. Especially duck hunting at “Camp Canvasback”, where he loved to mow the lawn and tell tall tales. Cars, beautiful clothes, and music were his passions. He spent hours coaching the MN Twins from his living room chair. As a veteran of the US Navy, Tim served our country with honor. Tim had a rewarding career as a carpenter and retired from the profession in 2000.

Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am Thursday, December 11th at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1154 Seminole Ave., West St Paul, MN 55118. Visitation 10:00 am – 11:00 am prior to Mass at church.

Tim will be privately interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery with honors.

Adria Helen Smentek

Age 75 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away peacefully on November 30, 2025.

Born May 1, 1950, in Saint Paul, MN.  Lifelong resident of Inver Grove Heights and longtime employee of District 199.

Preceded in death by parents, Leonard & Helen Waldock.

Survived by loving husband of 53 years, Larry; children, Jeff (Kirstin), Joe (Katie), Amy (Matt) Klein & Jed (Michelle); grandchildren, Jeffrey, Liam, Nora, Zoey, Henry, Allie, Kellan, Mairin, Molly & Kaden; sister, Helen Waldock; nephews, Patrick & Cody; also other family & friends.

Adria loved to be with her family.  She loved being “Nana” to her ten grandkids. She loved nature, especially the loons and lady slippers up north.  She loved staying busy – always multi-tasking with crocheting, knitting, needlepoint.  She loved reading.  She loved working with kids, reaching out when someone needed a little bit more – love, attention, care.  Adria loved unconditionally.

Visitation Open House on Saturday, December 6th from 10:00 am-12:00 noon at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Interment Saint Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Inver Grove Heights at a later date.