Engel, Thomas C. “Big Tom”
Age 73 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away unexpectedly on August 21, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, Carl & Anna Engel; 7 siblings. Survived by loving wife of 32 years, Patty; son, Tom (Courtney); daughter, Alyssa (Nathan) Wise; grandsons, Thomas, Charlie, Chase & Warren; siblings, Arlene (Charlie) Kirk, Ron (Mary) Engel & Toni Engel; also many nieces, nephews & friends.
Tom was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota and was one of 12 siblings. Tom graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1967. Tom had different jobs throughout the years until in 1991 when he and his wife, Patty bought into the House of Coates, which he worked at and operated for 28 years.
Tom met his wife while working at Cenex in 1985. They welcomed their first child, Thomas in 1988. They were married on August 25th, 1990. In 1991, they had their second child, Alyssa. They spent the next 32 years happily married and building a wonderful life and family together. Big Tom was a family man; an incredible father and even better grandpa. Together Tom and Patty had four grandsons. Thomas (3), Charlie (3), Chase (1), and Warren (1). These four boys were the biggest blessings in Tom’s life. He was the best Papa to them and loved every minute he got with them. He loved to play, rock, and care for the kids. One of their favorite past times was going to see the animals down the road on his side by side.
Big Tom loved to be outside. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. One of the favorite times of the year for him was his deer opener up in Park Rapids, MN. The hunting trailer was started by his mom, and was a special place for his family where he and the boys have made many wonderful memories.
Tom loved to work in his yard. He especially enjoyed mowing his lawn and enjoying their deck and pool that he put so much work and love into.
Big Tom loved many and was loved by many. A man with the biggest heart, he was always willing to help someone in need or give to those who were wanting. He never wanted anything in return but friendship. He was the best kind of friend to have at your side, and he had many. He loved to spend time with his friends whether stopping in at random for visits, seeing them either at the House of Coates or at the Rosemount VFW, he was a very special person to so many.
Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. We will be forever grateful.
Memorial Service 11 AM Wednesday, August 31st, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9-11 AM prior to the service. Interment St. Agatha’s Cemetery, Vermillion. Celebration of life following at the House of Coates. Memorials preferred.
Bell, Ryan Patrick
Passed away on August 11, 2022.
What a gift we were given to have Ryan in our lives. It was a privilege and an honor to be his earthly family while he was on loan to us from heaven. His laugh would make your heart soar, his tears would crush your soul. Ryan taught us about innocence, uniqueness, acceptance, perseverance and determination. Most of all, he taught us about love. Love in its purest, most genuine and uncomplicated form. Ryan truly was our Silent Teacher (as named by his brother, Scott). To know Ryan, was to love Ryan, forever and always. He inspired us to complain less and appreciate more…to be a better version of ourselves. He is survived by his parents Ray and Nancy; siblings and nieces and nephews, Jim Bell (Dana) {Alexis, Blake}; Scott Bell (Kelli) {Ramsey Gus and Esme’; Brooks Welch (Heidi) {Reagan and McKenzie}; Meghann Welch (Chad Hanson). Thank you to our Meg who has been lovingly taking care of everything that needs to be done. Thank you to Ryan’s unwavering support team at Casey Court who have loved him with every ounce of their being. Thank you to Betsy, Karen, Galen Pate, Dr. Anthony Ferrara, Kathie Constance, Dorie Sweeney, Alex Buslee, nurses at Regions Hospital on 8th South. and our hospice team, Kim, Tom and Molly and so many many others. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Please have your “Ryan Stories” ready!! Memorials can be given to Living Well Disability Services, Casey Court, 1168 Northland Dr., Mendota Heights, MN, 55120
Sheila Kay Rucker (Zeilinger)
July 4, 1960 – August 8, 2022
Like a firework she was fierce and beautiful.
Shelia is survived by parents, James and Bonita Zeilinger,
Siblings Mike (Beth), Steve (Val), Marsha (Todd) Eichinger, and Anna (Sedny) Attia,
Children Crystal Ann (Paul) Smiskol, and Ashley (Dennis L’Heureux),
Beloved Grandchildren Stella L’Heureux and Jay Smiskol.
Preceded in death by two great loves Tom Rucker and Tim Kirschner.
She will be deeply missed by her daughters and grandchildren who brought her great joy.
A Celebration of Sheila’s life will be Thursday, August 25th, 4pm to 8pm.
American Legion Post #47, 50 Sibley St, Hastings, MN, 55033
Mohs, Janice J. “Blondie” (Nee Ackerman)
Age 88 of South St. Paul
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on August 8, 2022. Preceded in death by husband, Claude; son, James; daughter, Joyce; sisters & brother; best cat, Oliver. Survived by children, Joan (Fred) Schaeppi, Jeffrey (Kathlene), John (Andrea) & Jodell Sirek; son-in-law, Tim Nordby; grandchildren, Brian, Sarah, Heather (Toby), Zachary, Jesse, Sam, Amanda (Stephen), Jack, Ben, Jacob, Lauren & Avery; great-granddaughters, Cora & Magdalena; brother, Mike (Mary) Ackerman; also nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Blondie’s career spanned over 30 years with Bauer Floor Covering. She cherished the relationships she had with her family and friends. She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending time with Claude and family at Cokato Lake Campground. She also enjoyed being an active member in many social clubs throughout her life. Blondie’s smile and laughter and bubbly personality will be greatly missed by all. Visitation 4-7 PM Monday, August 15th, with a parish prayer service at 5:30 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, August 16th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street East, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
Ryder, Teresa M.
Age 53 of Rosemount
Formerly of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away on August 5, 2022. Preceded in death by mother, Maureen Beltz. Survived by loving husband, Jeff; daughters, Kenna & Kally. Per Teresa’s wishes, no services are being held.
Ebensteiner, Karl E. “Korky”
Age 63 of Inver Grove Heights
Formerly of South St. Paul
Called home peacefully surrounded by wife, Trisha, and sister-in-law, Tracy, at his side. Preceded in death by mother, Shirley Ebensteiner; brother, Keith Ebensteiner; mother-in-law, Sonja Buckman. Survived by loving wife of 33 years, Trisha (Buckman); brother, Kurt Ebensteiner; sister, Lynn Ebensteiner; nieces & nephews, Troy Ebensteiner (Christine) [Mikayla & Jacob], Adam (Risa) [Viola, Sebastian & Nova], Jessica (Ebensteiner) Ruppert (Harley) [Silas]; father-in-law, Jim Buckman; brother-in-law, Ron Buckman (Susie) [Tyler & Mira]; sister-in-law, Tracy (Robert) Buford, [Kiara [Londyn & D’Starr], Devante Buford, Jada Buford (Rodney Jones)] also other family & friends.
Korky grew up in South St. Paul where he graduated from South St. Paul high school in 1977. He attended the University of MN to study PreMed, in hopes of applying to Medical school one day. However, all that changed on St. Patty’s Day 1984 when he met the love of his life, Miss Trisha Buckman, and the dream of one day being a Doctor didn’t seem as important.
His love for the outdoors took him in another direction when he found a career working for the City of Inver Grove Heights, first in the Parks Department then working his way up to a position with the Utilities (Water Department). Trish and Korky established their roots in Inver Grove when they bought their house where they raised 3 dogs-Shamus, Roscoe and Sawyer. For 24 years they maintained an open door policy to anyone needing refuge helping at least a dozen people who lived with them over the years.
Korky retired in 2018 and was officially diagnosed with Dementia after being hospitalized in Jan of 2022. He spent 5 weeks in the hospital before being admitted to a nursing home in St. Paul where he spent the final 5 months of his life, unfortunately on a rapid decline.
Although in the end the disease overshadowed the awesome person Korky was, the many family and friends will never forget his smile and kindness he shared; no one more than his loving wife. Korky was the love of her life but more so, he loved her more than life itself and that will be his legacy.
One of Korky’s favorite things in life, was spending time with his Nephews Devante and Tyler; cheering on the Vikings. Whether it was on trips to training camp or game day, they were always pumped and showing their purple pride. So, in honor of his love for the Vikings, feel free to wear your purple & gold attire and Yes even your Vikings gear!!!
Visitation 10 – 11 am, Memorial Service at 11 am with luncheon to follow on Saturday, August 20th at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 South Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights.
Lau, Jean Evelyn
Age 77 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully on August 3, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, George & Verona Roseen; brothers, Tom & Mike; sister, Sharon. Survived by son, David (Terri); grandchildren, Nick & Raylin; great-grandchildren, Gabe & Ella; sisters, Barb & Lolly (Jeff). Jean retired after 31 years as a dedicated employee of Pearson Candy. Celebration of Life to be planned for a later date.
Grimsrud, Antionette “Toni” P.
Age 67 of South St. Paul
Passed away suddenly on August 2, 2022 due to cardiac arrest. Preceded in death by parents, Harold & Mary Harris. Survived by loving husband, Roy; children, Marci, Kristen Pierce, Kenneth Pierce & Nicole Pierce (Brad); grandchildren, Jamie, Alana, Kayla; brothers, Martin Harris & Fred (Vi) Harris; also nieces, nephews & friends. Memorial Service 2 PM Tuesday, August 9th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1-2 PM prior to the Service. Luncheon to follow at The Moose Lodge #1088, 5927 Concord Boulevard East, Inver Grove Heights. Memorials preferred to The Moose Lodge #1088.
Novotny, Evelyn E.
Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on July 29, 2022. Preceded in death by son, Richard “Rick”. Survived by loving husband of 68 years, Richard; daughter, Debora; son, Mike (Lisa); grandchildren, Lea (Brian) Schmidt, Jenny (Jerod) Mclain, Josh (Renee) Novotny, Billy Simones & Morgan Novotny; also great-grandchildren, sisters, nieces, nephews & friends. Evelyn was a longtime cook for IDS 199. She loved to dance, garden & travel. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Thursday, August 4th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10 – 11 AM prior to the Mass at church. Interment at St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.
Monson, Robert G.
Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away on July 28, 2022.
Per Bob’s wishes, no services are being held.