Age 87 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Mark and Clara; husband, Jerry; son, Donny; sisters, Doris, Mary & Rita. Survived by children, Claire (Jeff) Olsen, Cathy (Steve) Patrow, Joan (Dave) Fischer, David Willer, Jane (Tom) Fischer; daughter-in-law, Mona Willer; 18 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; also other family & friends.

Janice loved to read, scrapbook, garden, and entertain. Most importantly she loved spending time with family and friends.

Memorial Service 11 am Monday, February 3^rd, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave E, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 am prior to the service at church.  Luncheon to immediately follow. Private interment.

Special thanks to friends, family and caregivers that kept her happy, safe and comfortable.

Age 88 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

February 22, 1936 ~ January 22, 2025

It’s with great sadness that we share the loss of our mother and grandmother, Shirley Tresselt.

She was to celebrate her 89th birthday in one month to the day. Married to Richard William Tresselt for 70 years. Survived by her sons and their spouses, Rick (Barb) and Shawn (Sandra). And enjoyed her two granddaughters, Ari and Kaylè (Rick & Barb). And welcomed Joshua Brown (Kaylè) into the family.

Also survived by sister, Sheila Francis; brothers Melcum (Bucky) & Melvin Nielson.

Proceeded in death by mother, Clara; father, Jacob; brothers, Merl and Marvin. Loved by nieces and nephews from the Nielson, Tresselt, Francis, Hoffman and Paulson families.

Shirley graduated from River Falls High School in 1954.

Second oldest child, behind Merl, of Clara and Jacob Nielson.

Being the oldest daughter she helped raise her younger siblings. Three brothers and a sister. The younger children grew to know her as “Mother Superior”.

At the age of thirteen she walked down the road to work for neighbor whose wife was having a baby. Shirley would cook, clean and serve the farm hands until she was a junior. When she went to stay with an Aunt Emma in St. Paul, Clara’s sister. There she would get a taste of the big city working at the Golden Rule. She returned to River Falls to finish out her Junior and Senior years. In 1953 she met a sailor Richard Tresselt through an old boyfriend Earl Francis. Richard and Shirley hit it off and were married in 1954. They started out living and working at the Tresselt farm. Their first son, Ricky, soon arrived in 1956. She and Richard wanted something different in life so the idea of moving to Miami FL for Airplane Maintenance school was hatched. There Shirley would work at a local department store. And where she and Richard would drive cars for an auto dealer filming commercials for some extra money.

After Richard graduated from mechanic’s school they returned to River Falls. To help his bother Bob with the farm until Richard found a job with Northwest Orient Airlines. They bought a home in Inver Grove Heights in 1959. Where they were part of the founding members of Mount Bethel Church. Shirley would find work for various companies near home. Until 1966 when their second son was born, Shawn. Shirley was then a stay at home Mom raising her two boys and selling Tupperware. In the early 70’s Shirley entered real estate classes at Inver Hills Junior College getting her realtors license. She worked as an agent for Lentch Realty. She got involved with Toast Mistress where she honed her skills. She also found herself involved in the local AFS foreign exchange student program, the churches bible camps, the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and local or state politics. She would travel to Korea to bring adopted babies back to new homes. During this time, they bought property in the Danbury WI area where they built a cabin and enjoyed entertaining family and friends.

Then the couple retired in 1994 wanting to travel around the country working in state parks as host and reacquainting themselves with relatives and making new friends. Shirley also got involved with the Minnesota Historical Society and the Kinnickinnic (Church) Historical Assoc.

When their health came into in question and got to be too much when Shirley needed a pacemaker, they decided to stay home. She liked to do crossword puzzles when not playing cards at the veteran’s center and the church and her scrapbooking with her Niece Terri Letourneau.

It was a diagnosis with cognitive impairment and Richard’s health that in 2023 they moved to Inver Glen Senior apartments where their health was looked after. In a short time, her health was plagued by dementia and circulatory issues. She passed in her sleep January 22.

Private family interment at Greenwood Cemetery, River Falls, Wisconsin.

Shirley’s Celebration of Life to be planned sometime this coming spring.

Age 27 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away suddenly of natural causes on January 21, 2025.

Preceded in death by grandmother, Kathleen Smith & great-grandmother, Lucille Pollnow.

Survived by beloved husband, Austin; loving parents, David & Nicole Smith; treasured older sister of Courtney & Dominic; doting grandparents, Kathleen & O. Paul Asleson, Daniel Smith; aunts & uncles, Steven (Jami) Smith, Tony Smith, Erin (Brian) Olson, Paul (Brooke) Asleson; niece, Aria Rasmussen; cousins, Ian (Katie) Smith, Sabrina Smith, Grace & Jack Asleson, Nicholas & Benjamin Olson; cherished dog Mocha: also many dear friends.

Miranda grew up in Inver Grove Heights. She attended Holy Trinity Catholic School (pre-K through 8th grade) and South St. Paul High School (class of 2015). She was a 13 year Girl Scout and Key Club President.
Miranda had a radiant personality and her smile lit up the room. She was a generous friend to many and she loved her family with all of her heart. Known for her ability to come up with creative games to entertain her younger cousins (Saran Wrap balls, scavenger hunts, silly kids Olympics, tie dye shirts, etc), Miranda was inventive at “bringing the fun” to every family function.
Miranda loved Christmas mornings, getting her nails done, shopping, traveling (especially in the Outer Banks!) and spending time at the cabin with her extended family. She eagerly volunteered to dog sit whenever asked, loved to babysit for her friends, and enjoyed diamond art and needle point.
Miranda was proud to work at Securian Financial the past three years as a customer operations senior specialist. She also decorated cakes at the Inver Grove Dairy Queen, where she had worked since high school.
Miranda married the love of her life, Austin, in October 2024, and after a brief honeymoon, Miranda and Austin began to establish a home in St. Paul. They had 13 short weeks of joy together before her life was shockingly cut short by a medical emergency during a sudden illness.
Miranda was the center of our lives and we are devastated by her loss. We love her beyond measure and will carry her heart in ours forever. God bless our sweet girl!

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Thursday, January 30^th, at Church of the St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076. Visitation 10:00-11:00 am prior to Mass at the church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Inver Grove Heights. Memorials preferred to the family.

Age 38 of Eagan

On January 20th, 2025, Stephanie Lortie (née Roos) passed away at her home in Eagan, MN.

Stephanie Jean Roos was born July 8th, 1986 in St. Cloud, MN to Steve and Kathy Roos of Annandale, MN. The youngest of three sisters and a multi-sport athlete, Stephanie graduated Kimball Schools co-valedictorian in 2005 and then earned a degree in construction engineering at North Dakota State University in 2009. It was at an open-house there that she met Luke Lortie. The two started dating in their final year of college and were married on October 5th, 2013 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Mendota, MN. After the birth of their first child, Jacob, in 2017, Stephanie made the decision to give up her engineering career. She was overjoyed to be a mother, and her gratitude only grew as she and Luke went on to have three more children: Vincent (2019), Maria (2022), and Louise (2024).

Stephanie embraced life in this new role wholeheartedly and as the years went by, gained an ever-widening circle of friends for herself and her family through her participation in countless social groups and activities – early on there was daily Mass at St. Peter’s; then various mothers associations including St. John Neumann’s, Eagan MOMS, and a spiritual-reading group called Magdalene Moms; later a TEAM of Our Lady with Luke and several other married couples; and later still Corpus Christi Homeschool Co-op, Hidden Life Library, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd at both St. Peter’s and Holy Trinity. And as outgoing as she was, Stephanie poured even more into her home-life with Luke and the kids: she nourished her family daily with healthy, home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks and always encouraged outdoor time, insisting like the true Minnesotan she was, “You need fresh air everyday, no matter how cold it is – just dress properly!” She delighted in reading, playing games, and experiencing nature with her children and as they grew older, she took on even more by opting to homeschool them as well.  Everyone who knew Stephanie recognized this devotion to her husband, “the love of her life,” and their kids, “each one a miracle.”

Stephanie will also be remembered for her zealous gardening, even in the midst of pregnancy aches and postpartum recovery, and for her impressive collection of indoor plants; for her excitement over new recipes and for the difficult diet changes she made with such good humor; for her continual pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness in all spheres of life, and for her drive to share whatever she found in that pursuit with others – after going out of her way to thank whoever happened to help her find it of course!

“She always made time to keep in touch,” “she had such a pure heart,” “she was so close to God” – these are the kind of oft-repeated praises one hears from Stephanie’s friends and family.

None of us will ever forget Stephanie’s wonderful presence in a room: she exuded unique candor, gratitude, humility, and joy. Nor could we possibly forget what we always felt underneath all those qualities  – her passionate love for God. Luke recalls how her deeper conversion began shortly after their marriage in 2013: “Almost 4 years of infertility was a cross that brought Stephanie closer to Our Lord.” Following a series of spiritual consolations and her consecration to the Mother of God in 2016, Stephanie had a profound experience of seemingly miraculous physical healing; she attributed it to Our Lady, conceived Jacob not long later, and never again ‘looked back from the plow’ but dove ever deeper into the faith. Her favorite prayers became the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the Angelus, which she prayed three times a day every day and replaced with singing the Regina Caeli during Eastertide. She also loved the Holy Rosary and prayed that most days too. As we mourn this loss, which came so much sooner than anyone but God anticipated, we can turn to these prayers as a means of continuing to be with Stephanie even now and of supporting those she cherished most in this life.

May she rest in peace, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.

Stephanie is survived by her loving husband, Luke; children, Jacob, Vincent, Maria, and Louise; parents, Steve and Kathy; sisters, Angie (Daniel) Geiser, Anne (Kyle) Schmitz; nieces and nephews, Stephen, Molly, Jazlyn, Caden, Addison, Zander, and Brooklyn; godparents, Teresa and Rodger Carlson; and cousins, Jeremy, Adam, Ryan, Alison, Amanda, Todd, Marc, Jason, Mandy, Megan, and Tony; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lyle and Jodi Lortie; sister-in-law, Sara (Josh) Peterson; special family friend, Shane Richau.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am Monday, January 27^th at St. Augustine Oratory, 408 Third St. N., South Saint Paul, MN 55075. Visitation 3:00 – 6:00 pm Sunday, January 26^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN, and 1 hour prior to Mass at St. Augustine Oratory. Interment at Church of St. Peter Cemetery, 1390 State Hwy 13, Mendota, MN.  Reception at Church of St. Peter’s Heritage Center, 1405 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota, MN, to follow interment.

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.