Age 77 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on August 26, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, Jerome & Lemerne. Survived by loving wife of 41 years, Ginny; children, Russell, Kipp (Dana), Vicki (T.J.) Lucas; grandchildren & great-grandchildren; brothers, David, Paul & Charlie; also many other relatives & friends.

Bob’s mother died when he was a child and his father was in the military stationed over seas so he lived with his grandmother until she died. Then he went to live with his aunt Judy. He moved to Minneapolis at the age of 16 to live on his own.

Bob started his career at Univac where he stayed for over a decade and then eventually went into industrial sales for Kar Products and Windsor for the remainder of his career. Along the way, he became a machinist, he was a regular guest speaker at Dakota County Tech, learned refrigerator repair, air conditioner repair, and classic car repair. He was particularly good at fixing his ’79 Dodge truck. A familiar sight while camping was the whole family fixing the truck so he could get home again.  He was a jack of all trades and could fix almost anything, although sometimes it was with duct tape and a prayer.

Bob loved to fish, hunt and camp. He told us the secret to catching fish is to call the fish by saying, “Here fishy, fishy.” He would usually embellish on how large of fish he caught. He also really enjoyed spending time at Treasure Island.

Memorial Service 11 AM Thursday, September 8^th, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70^th St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9-11 AM prior to the service. Interment Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Age 81, of Inver Grove Heights, MN

A special message from Gary to everyone who knew him, “One of my goals in life was to make everyone happy. Through my journey I found a treasure of happiness that was made possible through the friendships that were formed with each of you. The good spirit brought us together and I thank you for your friendship.”

 Born in Milwaukee, WI on July 22, 1941, Gary was an avid archer with a passion for hunting and the great outdoors. It was a hobby that led to an adventurous career in pest control that lasted for more than 60 years.  Also known as Bugs or Bugman, Gary was a kind, generous, quick-witted, and humorous man who loved to make people laugh. He was also an amazing story teller who loved sharing funny stories of the industry he so loved, his passion for hunting and the people whose lives he touched.

 As owner/operator of Gary’s Pest Control, a company that he and his wife Carole formed in 1971, they were among early pioneers in the local twin cities Pest Control industry. Former president and life-long member of the Minnesota Pest Management Association, Gary was legendary in his field.  He likened pest control to his passion for hunting because pest control operators must learn and understand the nature of their prey.

 Founding father, president, and club member of Kaposia Archers, Gary was a champion and true sportsman in every sense of the word.  With an aim as keen as an eagle’s eye and as swift and true as the arrow flies, he was a man who shared his passion with everyone he knew.  He’ll be remembered by generations of family, friends and neighborhood kids alike, as the man who taught them to hunt and to shoot, to take a walk in the woods, respect nature, be kind, always enjoy a good laugh and surround yourself with good friends.

 Following a courageous battle with neuroendocrine cancer, Gary peacefully entered the happy hunting grounds on Saturday, August 27th, 2022 with family by his side. He touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed.

 Preceded in death by wife (Carole), his parents (Gary and Lillian), sisters (Garolyn Robens and Vicky Yost).  Survived by loving partner and best friend of over 18 years, Lola Royer, brother Denny (Sue), daughter Stephanie Franciscus (Scott Marshall), son Lance (Patrice), son Gary Jr. (Giuffridu), Grandchildren (Christina, Josh, Stephan, Jerod and Garret) and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us for a celebration of life gathering on Thursday, September 1st between 4:00 – 8:00 PM.  Sharing of memories at 7 PM.

 Memorials preferred to your local food shelf.

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 25^th, 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 31^st, 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.

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 8^th 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

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

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 15^th,  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 16^th, 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.

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.

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 20^th at Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 7160 South Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights.

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.

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 9^th 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.