Judy Manz, a remarkable woman of 84 years from Inver Grove Heights, embarked on her eternal journey on January 13th, 2025, after courageously battling ALS.

Born to Lloyd and Elsie (Dorn) Stevens in Winona, Minnesota, Judy grew up with a strong sense of community and faith. She was a 1958 graduate of Winona High School.  She was married to Donald L. Manz at St. Matthew’s Evangelical Lutheran Church and celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary shortly before his passing in 2008.

Their lifelong love story started at the church’s roller-rink where they continued to volunteer after their marriage.

As a devoted wife and mother, Judy was a strong support to their young family as Don continued his education, becoming a high school teacher. A teaching opportunity moved the family to Inver Grove Heights where Judy’s warm nature and kindness quickly turned neighbors into lifelong friends.

During her 30-year tenure as an administrative assistant to the Simley Senior High School Assistant Principal, Judy worked tirelessly for the Inver Grove Heights School District 199, earning the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her dedication to her career was rivaled only by her passion for faith, which she nurtured as a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

Judy was an avid gardener and loved planting a colorful flower garden. She never turned down a trip to Gertens Nursery! Judy decorated beautiful and elaborate wedding and anniversary cakes for many family members over the years. She loved baking from her extensive recipe collection. She was famous for cutting every donut, piece of pie or cake in half, only to share another half! Judy’s zest for life took her on unforgettable journeys to Europe, Hawaii, and California, exploring new horizons with her cousins by her side. The Minnesota State Fair was an annual pilgrimage, and her enthusiasm for the Vikings was simply contagious.

Despite facing health challenges, including cancer and Stargardt Vision Disease, Judy’s indomitable spirit, beautiful smile, infectious laugh, and unwavering optimism inspired those around her. Her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched, a shining reminder of the power of love, faith, and resilience.

She is survived by many loved ones including her children, Dean (Theresa) Manz, Lori (Brian) Billmeyer, Lisa Sexton; grandchildren, Nicole (Jacob) Scissons, Luke (Karlye) Manz, Aaron Manz, Brandon (Madeline) Billmeyer, Travis (Briana) Billmeyer, Tanner Billmeyer, Stevie Lacher; great-grandchilden, Ava, William and Isaac Scissons, Tristen Wittmer, Avely and Piper Billmeyer; twin brother, Jim (Sandie) Stevens; brother, David (Sue) Stevens; sister-in-laws, Alice Stevens, Alice Stevens, Mary Stevens; former son-in-law, Joe Lacher; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong best friend Sandy Knopp.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years; twin infant girls, Cynthia and Deborah; her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Donna (Harold) Schuppenhauer; brothers, Allyn Stevens, Robert Stevens, Lynn Stevens; brother and sister-in-law, William (Eunice) Stevens; nieces, Louise Sexton, Sheryl Hayes, and Cynthia Fort.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 8^th starting at 2:00 pm, followed by prayer service at 4:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.

Judy requested memorials be directed to ALS Association or to National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota.

A special thank you to Three Links Care Center and Minnesota Hospice for their loving compassionate care of Judy.

Private interment will be held at a later date at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona, MN.

September 28, 1991 ~ January 14, 2025 

Preceded in death by step-brother, Nicolai Jensen; grandfathers, James Black and John Doom.

Survived by son, Jamison Alba, and his father, Jose Alba; parents, Karen and Kevin Jensen and Stan Oftedahl; brothers, Jarred Oftedahl and Dmitriy Jensen; grandmother, Ghislaine Black. 

Carly died peacefully, in her sleep, at age 33 after a long struggle to find her path in life. She was born in Denver, Colorado and learned to ski at age 2. She moved to MN at age 6, and went to Chaska High School. She ran cross country and played soccer, hockey and lacrosse and won an award for her art at the Lake Region Art Fair. After High school she attended Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah and skied and snowboarded every weekend. She had a son, Jamison who she adored and is now almost 6 years old. 

A Celebration of Life will be held 5:00 pm Wednesday, January 29^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. All are welcome who knew Carly.

Born January 30, 1962, died January 10, 2025. Age 62 of Perrysburg, OH passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2025.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Christine Jensen and his children, Morgan (Dana) Chambers and Cole (Kayleigh) Jensen. Also survived by his grandchildren, Killian, Silas, Lincoln, Bodie, Nora and his parents, Julian and Sharon Jensen of Fridley, MN as well as his sister, Tricia Jensen and his brother, Wayne (Margie) Jensen.

Preceded in death by his sister, RuthAnn.

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a dedicated employee of MHS as a supervisor for conveyor installation. He got to see all parts of the country as he worked on MHS projects. He was on his last job for MHS before retirement. He loved his dogs and his Harley. He wasn’t a great golfer but you wouldn’t want to face him over a pool table! Rest in peace, John.

In lieu of sending flowers please consider donating to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in his name.

Age 80 of South St. Paul.

Passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025.

Preceded in death by husband, Julian;

Survived by daughter, Christine (Bill) Brink; sons, John (Lucy), Jack (Kim) & Joseph (Tammy); 7 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; also many nieces & nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Friday, January 17^th, at Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. N., South St. Paul. Visitation 9:00 -11:00 am prior to Mass at church. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, So. St. Paul, MN.

Age 63 of South Saint Paul. 

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 5th, 2025. Preceded in death by wife, Mary (nee Peterfeso); son, Joe; parents, Nick and Katie Esch; sisters, Cathy Newman and Chris Otto. Survived by son, James (Brittney) Esch; daughter, Jessie (Nick) Koehn; grandchildren, Lahna, Hendrik, Kolbie, Dayton, Maryek, Mayzie, and Kylo; brothers, Bill Esch and Bob “Sloan” (Mary) Esch; also many other family and friends.

Charles loved to go ice fishing 🎣 with his son, James and grandson, Hendrik. He loved eating the fresh caught fish and crab legs every chance he could. He drove semi-trucks for years. He would sometimes bring his rig home and let his kids climb up in and blow the loud horn. He chose to retire early and would spend much of his summers up at his place at Pathfinder Village. He enjoyed all the wild life that he would see come through like bear and deer. He loved feeding the deer with his grandkids. His lot there has been in our family since it opened. The entire family has some of the best memories up there.

He loved to watch the Waltons, soap operas and the Hallmark channel. He was a tough, Harley loving biker dude with a huge soft heart. He really enjoyed riding motorcycles with his brothers, listening to music, having bonfires, hanging out with friends, and going to concerts. Most of all, he loved his family and missed his wife, Mary Esch fiercely, who he met in grade school. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

Memorial Service 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 12th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation 1:00 to 2:00 pm, prior to the service. Private interment Acacia Park Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers memorial preferred to the family.

March 11, 1920 ~ December 29, 2024

Passed away peacefully during the Christmas season, at the remarkable age of 104.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald; her parents, John and Mary Burbach; and her sons, Donald and Dick.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter, Judy Neubauer; daughters-in-law, Doreen and Marilyn Carlson; and her cherished legacy of four generations of grandchildren.

Dorothy and Don built a loving home in Mendota Heights, where family was always at the heart of their lives. In 1970, they purchased a lake home on Rush lake. The Cabin became a gathering place filled with joy and laughter, creating lasting memories for generations to come.

Beautiful and strong, Dorothy’s spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. A small gathering will be held in March to celebrate her extraordinary life. We love you, Gram.

Memorial Service 11:00 am Tuesday, March 11^th Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights.  Interment Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother. Passed away surrounded by family and loved ones a week after her 81st birthday, on Friday, December 27^th, 2024, after battling cancer for eight months.

Esther is survived by her husband, Alan Filiau, and their fur baby, Duke; their children, Alan Michael Filiau and his wife, Karen Filiau, Scott Filiau and his wife, Jonna Filiau, Mark Filiau and his fiancé, Gayle Londo, Laura Tolley and her husband, Rob Tolley, and Timothy Filiau; grandchildren, Kaitlynn Olds, Davy Bonfiglio, Gracie Filiau, Audrey Filiau, Victoria Filiau, and Mikey Filiau; brother, Richard Sperry and his family.

Esther met her husband, Alan Filiau, while both were in the Navy, and married four months after the day they met. They lived a beautiful and wonderful 60 years together, enjoying belonging to both Eastern Star and Danish Lodge. Esther was a one of a kind gem and brightened rooms where ever she went while putting smiles on everyone’s faces who had the pleasure of meeting her. She is missed dearly especially during the holidays, with Christmas being her favorite.

Eastern Star Service 11:00 am Saturday, January 4^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, with visitation 1-hour prior.  Interment Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Age 78

Passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 28, 2024, after a battle with cancer.

Barbara was born on September 20, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to Michael and Rose Mauro.

She had a love of birds, and her family.

Barbara retired from a lifelong service in Corrections. Her passion was to treat others no matter the circumstances with love; and working at The Minnesota Dept. of Corrections in Stillwater, MN, fulfilled her service.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Brown Jr; daughter, Michele Marie Sebastiano; and son, Michael Joseph Sebastiano.

She is survived by brother, Gary Mauro; daughters, Lisa Gerten (Joe), Cheryse Brown, Jessica Charles (Dominique); daughter-in-law, Fiona Sebastiano; grandchildren, Jeremy (Rachell) Hank, Jacob, Joshua, Adriana, Mariah, Kendra, Alexis, Michael Jr, Guliahna, Giovanni, Giuseppe, Giadá; 9 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews, and their families.

Barbara will be especially remembered for her devotion to family.

Memorial Service 10:00 am Friday, January 3^rd, 2025 at River Heights Vineyard Church, 6070 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation 1-hour prior at church.  Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Age 59 of Eagan

Received her heavenly wings on December 17th, 2024. Preceded in death by father, Richard; brother, Robert; sister, Lynn; brother-in-law, Michael Somes. Survived by loving mother, Jane; siblings, Joan Somes, Carol (Aubrey) Schroeder, Deb, (Bob) Griffith, Tom, & Ken; nieces and nephews, Erin, Patrick, Lauren and Ryan; also many other family and friends. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held in the springtime.