Larson, Joan A. (née McCluskey)

Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights

Joan was born on May 14,1931 to Earl L. McCluskey and Marion A. (Neal) McCluskey. She passed away April 4, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. Joan grew up in St. Paul with her younger brother, Neal, graduated from Central High School and attended Macalister College. She met her husband Donald Larson at a college mixer and they were married May 18, 1951. They settled in Inver Grove Heights, MN where they raised their eight children. Joan was a loving wife and mom. She was a devoted Christian, was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout Den mother known to the neighborhood as “Den Mother Joan” and she was loved by all who knew her. She was also a member of PEO for over 70 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband Donald, her daughters Diane Michels and Kristen Larson as well as her parents and brother, Neal. Joan is survived by and will be missed by her children: Debbie Niolu (Tony), Barbara Kight (Wes), Thomas, (aka Sharkey) Larson (Melissa), Karen Close (Dan), Bill Larson (Shannon) Dave Larson (Kelly). Also surviving her are 14 grandchildren and four great grandchildren along with six nieces and many great nieces and nephews

Memorial Service 11:00 am Monday, April 24^th, at First Presbyterian Church, 535 20^th Ave. N, South St. Paul. Visitation 9-11 am prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

McDonald, Elaine Shirley (Brevik)

Age 87 of Rosemount

Passed away peacefully at home in Rosemount, MN at the age of 87.

Elaine is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, John, her parents and her sister.

Elaine is survived by her 12 children Steve, Diane, Chris, Dan, Bridget, Theresa, Jeanette, Irene, Martha, Kevin, Matt and Andy and their extended families. Fifty grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine is also survived by her brother, Ron Brevik, and sister, Ginger Ziesmer.

Elaine was born on December 5, 1935 in Minneapolis, MN to Wilbur and Virginia Brevik. She married her high school sweetheart, John McDonald in July of 1955. She graduated from Minneapolis General Hospital School of Nursing in 1957.

Her loved ones remember her for her love of family, friends, neighbors and everyone she met. She loved to sew, knit and crochet.

Visitation 4-7 pm Monday, April 10 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Mass of the Christian Burial 11:00am Tuesday, April 11 at St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan.

King, Diana Lee

Age 82

Passed away March 31^st in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Born in Elgin, IL in 1940 to Benjamin & Helen King. Diana graduated from Elgin High School in 1958 & Augustana College, Rock Island, IL in Medical Technology in 1962. She worked at Abbott and St. Joseph Hospitals in the Twin Cities. Diana is preceded in death by her parents and survived by her sister, Judith King Sorton (Alex) and brother, James King (Sherry).

Celebration of Life 11:00 am Thursday, April 27^th, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 Robert St. S., West St. Paul. Visitation 10-11 am prior to the service. Luncheon to follow service at church. Interment at a later date in Illinois.

Bevins, Grace Delores (Roberts)

Grace Delores (Roberts) Bevins passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 19, 2023. She was born May 21, 1927, in St. Paul, MN as the third child of William Nicolo and Julia Frances (Pinelli) Roberts, Grace was the only girl of eight after the passing of infant sister.

Growing up in the Frog town area with her 6 brothers she attended St. Agnes School where she was involved in Choir, Drum Core, Newspaper, Basketball, and many other activities. During her Junior year in high school, Grace was voted Homecoming Queen. Following her graduation in 1945, Grace began her career in the field of business.

In 1962, she married Robert William Bevins. From this union, Grace brought three children to the marriage, Robert brought four children to the marriage, and together they had two sons. With her family, she moved from the St. Paul area to Oakdale. In 1972, she then moved to Mahtomedi where she and Robert developed Bevins Lane on 10 acres they purchased in 1965.

Grace enjoyed gardening, bowling, softball, playing cards with friends and family such as Rummy 500, canasta, and poker, gin, and many others. She loved to travel when she could. She was a Cub Scout den mother for a couple of years. Over the years she loved hosting parties at home or at events.

After Bob’s death in 1980, she remained in Mahtomedi for another 43 years spending the last 21 years as a resident of Briar Cliff Manor where it seemed to be the right fit for her. Besides being involved in many activities and committees, she developed many friendships which she cherished throughout her years there. During this time, she occasionally traveled with her sister-in-law, Bernice Roberts. She was an active member at St. Jude Church where she organized their card club as well as other activities.

Grace was preceded in death by one sister; Marianne Roberts who died in infancy, 1937. Parents: William Nicolo and Julia Frances Roberts; husband: Robert William Bevins; five brothers: William Michael, Bernard Joseph, Richard Francis, Anthony Kenneth, and Joseph Raymond Roberts.

Grace is survived by children; David Anger, Diane, Darlene Anger, William (Joni Marty) Bevins, Joseph (Karen) Bevins. Stepchildren: Jean Peterson (Gary), Robert (Jan) Bevins, Wanda Pederson, and James (Cheryl) Bevins. One brother; Thomas Ambrose (Betty) Roberts. Sisters-in-laws: Eileen (Barthel) Roberts, Lisa (Montecalvo) Roberts, Annette (Johnson) Roberts, Donna (Bevins) Eklund, and Doris (Bevins) Mercier. Fourteen grandchildren and step-grandchildren: Melissa (Robin Reed) Bevins, Joella (David) Brown, Mitchell Bevins, Mackenzie Bevins, Brandon (Dani) Bevins, Austin Bevins, Tony (Linda) Peterson, Mike (Stacey) Peterson, Tammy (Terry) Cuhel, Jeff Bevins, Adam (Tina) Bevins, Eric Pederson, Jamey (Stacey) Bevins, Nessa Bevins; twenty great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

October of 2022, she moved back into the family home which was designed by and built for her by her husband and family. This move allowed her to spend her final months in familiar surroundings. We have many memories of Grace; she will be greatly missed.

Visitation 4-7 pm Friday, April 14th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 am Saturday, April 15th, at St. Jude of the Lake, 700 Mahtomedi Ave., Mahtomedi, MN, With visitation 10:30-11:30 am prior to Mass. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery held at a later date. Memorials preferred to St. Jude of the Lake Church or St Jude’s Children’s Research.

Trucker, James Lyle

Age 87 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away on March 26, 2023.

Preceded in death by the mother of his children, Margaret Watson; parents, Lyle and Gladys Trucker. Survived by his 3 children, Robert Michael Trucker, Janet Marie Trucker-Miawotoe (Felix), and Daniel James Trucker (Penny); grandchildren, Alyssa Miawotoe, Margaret and Owen Trucker, Brady and Hayley Binnebose; sister, Donna (Trucker) Vasiliades (Demetri); niece, Anne Vasiliades-Endres (Scott and daughter Codie); nephew, Michael Vasiliades (Melissa and son Easton) and many other nieces and nephews on Margaret’s side of the family.

im was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Lyle and Gladys Trucker on September 3rd, 1935. He graduated from Southwest High School in 1953. Jim attended the University of Minnesota and graduated from Dunwoody Technical Institute in 1960.

James married Margaret Watson on July 25th, 1959, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and had three children, Robert, Janet and Daniel. Jim worked as an estimator and project manager for Axel Omen Concrete and Masonry after his studies at Dunwoody. He moved on and eventually worked for Sheehy Construction Company where he worked his way up from estimator/project manager to Vice President of Operations. He managed projects all over the country including the construction of the Federal Court House in Des Moines, IA and the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. In 1975, after 15 years working at Sheehy, Jim and Cy Sheehy formed the partnership of a new business venture, Trucker Sheehy Constructors, Inc. Trucker Sheehy was a very successful general contracting and real estate development firm and was at one time, considered one of the fastest growing firms of it’s type in Minnesota. There were offices in Minneapolis, MN, Denver, CO and Des Moines, IA and at its height, Trucker Sheehy employed over 600 office staff and trades people. Jim took tremendous pride in his business and his employees. In fact, Trucker Sheehy was the launching pad for a number of employees who eventually went on to own and operate their own successful General Contracting and Subcontracting firms in Minnesota. Jim took particular pride in the personal attention he paid to both clients and employees’ development. At its pinnacle, Jim personally reviewed and signed every employee’s paycheck, by hand, each week.

Jim served in the Air Force from 1953 to 1957 and was a veteran of the Korean War. He was stationed in Plattsburg, NY. and served as the Staff Sargent and a member of the ground crew on the B-47, Nuclear Bomber.

One of Jim’s greatest interests and joys included aviation where he earned his private pilots license in 1991. He enjoyed many solo flights and terrified his children on a few small group flights. From an early age, Jim took a great interest in travel, spending a summer in his late teens in Uppsala Sweden. In a student exchange program with his dear friend Bengt Mattsson, James worked on their family farm and enjoyed an amazing experience. The prior year, Bengt had visited Jim and his family in Minnesota for a summer to experience the American way of life. In later years, Jim and Bengt along with their wives and significant others continued their relationship with reciprocating visits with each other. He served as an early officer for MIDA, the Minnesota Industrial Development Association. But Jim took greatest pride in his family, and grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Margaret Watson and his parents, Lyle and Gladys Trucker.

James is survived by his 3 children, Robert Michael Trucker, Janet Marie Trucker-Miawotoe (Felix), and Daniel James Trucker (Penny), grandchildren, Alyssa Miawotoe, Margaret and Owen Trucker, Brady and Hayley Binnebose, his sister Donna (Trucker) Vasiliades (Demetri), niece Anne Vasiliades-Endres (Scott and daughter Codie) and nephew Michael Vasiliades (Melissa and son Easton) and many other loving nieces and nephews on Margaret’s side of the family.

Pallbearers will be Robert Trucker, Daniel Trucker, Darrell Dansvy, Felix Miawote, and David McGowan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Twin Cities PBS 172 East 4th Street St. Paul, MN 55101.

The Trucker Family wishes to extend our sincerest thanks and gratitude to all those who cared for our father over the years, especially those in the last months of his life.

Jim had a very special friend, Joan Madison, who we all grew to love and respect. Joanie and Jim enjoyed many years of close friendship together. Whether it was dancing together in the kitchen, traveling to Sweden and around the States or just going out for dinner, they truly enjoyed each other for many years! I am very grateful to Joanie for all she did to take such wonderful care of our father and can never show her enough how much we love her and appreciate her.

The Trucker Family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to all those who cared for our father over the years, especially those in the last months of his life. We would especially like to thank Dad’s companion and dear friend, Joan Madison for her ongoing love and care she gave Jim. For more details about Jim and his life, please visit Robert Trucker’s Facebook page!

Visitation (meet and greet) will be held at 9:00am on Friday, March 31, 2023, at The Church of the Assumption, 51 7th St W, St Paul, MN 55102, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am led by Father Paul Treacy. The burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Twin Cities PBS 172 East 4^th Street St. Paul, MN 55101.

Tschida, (Murray), Joan

Age 93 of Lakeland, MN

Passed away peacefully on March 24, 2023. Preceded in death by husbands, George Murray & Victor Tschida; brother, Robert Green; step-children, Victor Tschida, Robert Tschida, Patty Jo Sagerer. Survived by niece, Sherry Green; nephew, Guy Green; step-sons, Dennis (Denise) & Thomas (Melissa) Tschida; many grandchildren, great- grandchildren & great-great-grandchildren. Visitation 4-7 pm Thursday, March 30^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Mass of Christian Burial 9:00 am Friday, March 31^st at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church 408 3rd St N, South St Paul, MN. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN. Memorials preferred to Health Partners Hospice.

Olson, Lois Kathleen (Anderson)

Lois was born on 12/2/1938 in Belgrade, MN. She passed away peacefully on 3/4/2023 surrounded by her family. She was 84. She married Charles E. Olson (Starbuck, MN) on 5/24/1958. She was a life-long member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Inver Grove Heights, MN, where she and Charles raised five children.

Lois had a love for science and worked as a paraprofessional in the Science Department at Simley Senior High School for over 20 years. She loved putting together science labs, working with individual students on projects, and making popcorn for her student service as a treat after collecting pond water and scrubbing glassware.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Chet and Mildred “Babe” Anderson; brother, Merlin. Survived by husband Charles E.; children, Cynthia (Scott) Welsh, Joan (Patrick) Siedow, Paula Bastian, Ross (Amie) Olson, and Melissa (Amanda Cerne) Olson; 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joyce Boss, Owen Anderson, Eileen (Jack) Stern; half-brother, Don (Norma) Knutson; also many friends.

Lois’s Celebration of Life is on Wednesday, April 5^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights, MN, 55076. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, followed by services at 11:00 AM. The service will also be livestreamed at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/2960941897 Lunch will be provided at the church afterwards.

Pfeffer, Dale Carmen

Age 67,

A beloved husband, father, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on March 21st, 2023, leaving a profound sense of loss in the hearts of all who knew him. Dale was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, to Elda and Norbert Pfeffer on February 3rd, 1956.Dale dedicated his career to working at Ace Blacktop for over 40 years. He was admired for his dedication and strong work ethic. He will be remembered as an avid outdoorsman with a love for hunting and skiing. He was a basketball enthusiast, golfer and jack of all trades. As a man of few words and many talents he was also known for his warm and welcoming hugs which became his trademark.Dale is survived by his devoted spouse, Pam Pfeffer, and their two daughters, Carissa Cruz and Kaitlin Pfeffer. His family, friends, and coworkers will gather to pay their respects and celebrate his life at a viewing and service on Sunday, March 26th. The viewing will begin at 2 pm, followed by the service at 4 pm, both held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, located at 7600 Cahill Ave E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. the service can be live streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/9691693480Dale’s memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed. His warm and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched during his lifetime.

Rest in peace, Dale Carmen Pfeffer.

Nitti, Paris “Perry”

Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Son, Brother and Friend,

Passed away February 13, 2023, at age 66 after a brief courageous battle with cancer. Perry is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janice (Dwuznik); 2 sons, Eric (Laura) and Matthew (Brinn); Papa Perry to five grandchildren, Marissa, Amelia, Grady, Noel and Julia; also survived by his parents, Richard and Marilyn; siblings, Bobijean (Tom) Quinlan and Melissa (Steve) Flaherty; brother-in-law, Joseph Dwuznik; sisters-in-law, Kathy (Thomas) Ward and Jane (Pasquale) Mancini; many nieces and nephews. Perry loved his family, spending time at the lake, woodworking, cooking, Sous vide, grilling, smoking food and having the latest cooking spices, rubs and gadgets. Perry was a 37- year member of Local 49 Operating Engineers. A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, at Mancini’s Char House, 531 7th St. W., St. Paul, MN 55102. Family will greet friends from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation or your charity of choice. Thank you to Minnesota Oncology and Hospice of the Midwest.

Milton, Tommie

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights, Born June, 2, 1940 in Belzoni, Mississippi.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2023. Preceded in death by loving wife, Mary; daughter, Almarie Walker; parents, Harrison & Lula Milton; siblings. Survived by children, Schannell Milton, Tommie Milton, Jr., Randy Milton, Troy Milton and family dog, Bella; grandchildren & great grandchildren; sisters-in law, Susan (Mason) Hjelle & Kay (Marion) Lagred & their children and grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.

Tommie loved spending time with his wife who was his best friend, along with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, his in-laws and friends. Tommie retired from Ford Motor Company where he worked in the chassis department. He also loved playing guitar, telling jokes, detailing vehicles, giving speeches and listening to the blues and spiritual songs but most importantly, he loved giving thanks to God.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 am Tuesday, March 28^th, at The Church of St. Stanislaus, 398 Superior St., St. Paul. Visitation 10-11 am prior to Mass. . Lunch at Degidio’s Restaurant, 425 7th W., St. Paul following the service. Private interment Elmhurst Cemetery at a later date. Memorials preferred to Animal Humane Society and American Cancer Society.