Age 83 of Inver Grove Heights

Don E. Richardson, age 83, of Inver Grove Heights Minnesota, formally of Arkansaw Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 3^rd, 2021.

Don was born on February 12, 1938, in Waterville township, Wisconsin to loving parents Charles and Elda (Tulip) Richardson. Don was the ninth of ten children and always spoke fondly of his childhood and the memories created on the family farm.  He graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1956. Soon after, Don met the love of his life and best friend, Karol Weissinger, at the Recreational Hall in Arkansaw Wisconsin. They were married 61 years.

One of Don’s greatest passions in life was driving a truck. He was lucky enough to establish a lifelong career in this and enjoyed every day he went to work. Throughout his career he had the opportunity to visit the lower 48 and most of Canada. Don started down this path as soon as he was old enough to have a driver’s license by hauling milk. Then in his early twenties, he became a self-taught over-the-road semi driver and had a successful first haul along the East Coast and to New York City. When his kids were young, Don drove locally for Holiday. Once his kids were older, he took a job for Wayne Transport which was arguably his favorite position. Throughout the course of his career, he was an owner-operator of many semis including his preferred make, Peterbilt!

Although he loved his career, Don’s favorite job was as a dad and grandpa. He and Karol raised their two children, Kyle and Kay, in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. From road trips together to family nights in, Don and Karol created many wonderful memories with their kids. Once Kyle and Kay were grown, Don not so subtly asked for grandchildren by giving a baby name book to Kay as a wedding gift. His wish was granted! He had three loving grandchildren, Leah, Krista, and Jay. Don built precious memories with them by spending time around the table playing games (cabin rules applied), giving “cow-kisses”, or reminiscing about good times with a twinkle in his eyes.

When Don retired, his truck had over a million miles on it! His steering wheel hung proudly in his home for all to see. In retirement, Don continued his passion for driving by working for Durand Public Schools as a school bus driver. He particularly enjoyed his time driving for the local Amish communities.

Besides trucking, one of Don’s lifelong passions was collecting. From beer cans, marble eggs, and belt buckles, to a wide range of movies and music, Don found many treasures over the years. Some of his favorites included music by Luke the Drifter and any movie with John Wayne. Don’s collections grew through attending auctions with his son-in-law, Mark, where their families never knew what they would come home with.

Don’s family loved him unconditionally but never quite understood his odd food cravings or colorful taste in fashion. There always needed to be yellow-mustard sardines and Vienna sausages in the pantry. He also loved aged German Brick cheese, which he was not allowed to keep in the house due to its smell–though he would remind anyone who questioned his tastes, “You don’t eat with your nose!” One time, Don convinced his grandchildren to try some of his favorite cheese. Needless to say, they didn’t try it a second time.

Don always had a smile on his face and stories and jokes to share. Even in the last couple months of Don’s life, when he was on hospice, he continued to make memories with friends and family. He treasured visits with anyone who walked through his door, often asking, “Who’s coming to see me today?” Don’s family thanks Brookdale Hospice Care for their exceptional and compassionate care and support during his last months.

Don was a wonderful and loving husband, dad, grandpa and friend. He was a kind-hearted and friendly guy who will be missed deeply by all who knew him. Don’s family takes comfort in knowing he and Karol are waltzing across Heaven together and he is peacefully enjoying all his favorite tunes including “What a Wonderful World”. He is preceded in death by his parents Charles and Elda (Tulip); wife Karol; sisters Margaret Rasmussen, Lorraine Arthur, Faye Ingli, and Barbara Klemetson; brothers Cyril, Bernard, Rex, Dean, and Rodney Richardson; and granddaughter Krista Rolfzen.

Don is survived by his loving family; son Kyle, daughter Kay (Mark) Rolfzen, grandchildren Leah (Shane) DeSantis, Jay Rolfzen (Maria Gaertner); several nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.

Service will be held at a later date with an internment at Arkansaw Memorial Cemetery in Arkansaw, Wisconsin.

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights

Julia Lea Frazier Houliston passed away December 4, 2021 at home.  She was born March 4,1942 in New Orleans, LA, to T. J. Frazier and Alma Lea Holder Frazier.  Julia grew up in Wichita Falls, TX, graduated from Wichita Falls High School and attended North Texas State University.  She was Miss Princess Phone for Southwestern Bell Telephone. While working at Shepherd Air Force base, Julia met Jerome (Jerry) Arthur Houliston. They were married on August 5, 1961 and moved to Minnesota after Jerry’s discharge from the Air Force.

Julia was sixth generation native Texan, a loving mother, grandmother and devoted wife.  She was a seamstress, owning her own business designing and sewing bridal dresses, bridesmaid and flower girl attire, and later crafting doll clothes.  She knitted hats and scarves for cancer patients.

She was preceded in death by her parents T. J. and Alma Frazier, sister Deborah Lindsey and daughter Carol Houliston. Survivors include husband of 60 years Jerry, children Mark (Teri) of Virginia, Stephen (Susan) of Minnesota, David (Darla) of Kentucky, and Rebecca of Oregon; grandchildren Kassie (Andy), Vanessa (Nick), Neal, Abby, Alexander and Nathan; siblings Jerry (Beverly) Frazier, Linda (Billie) Jackson and Joyce Melanson; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

A memorial service is planned for January 11, 2022 from 9:00 to 11:00am at Roberts Funeral Home in Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Age 75 of South St Paul

The family of Maureen “Bunny” Grant (O’Donnell), age 83 of South St Paul is saddened to announce her passing on November 27th 2021 from complications arising from COVID 19. Preceded in death by parents, Howard and Ethel O’Donnell; brother, Tom O’Donnell and husband of 57 years, Myron Grant. Survived by her sister, Jean Hayes; children, Patty (Phil) Lindeman, John (Lisa), Tom (Mary), Debbie (Brent) Tilton & Mark; grandchildren, Matt (Sarah) Lindeman, Kelsey (Mitch Olson), Alex (Leah), Abby & Nolan Tilton, Will, Charlie, Sara, Nora & Violet Grant; great-grandchildren, Owen and Ira Lindeman, Levi Olson and Isabel Tilton; also other relatives & friends.
Bunny graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing (class of 1960) and spent her entire professional career caring for others – first as an Emergency Room Nurse at Divine Redeemer Hospital in South St Paul and later as an Industrial Nurse at Koch Pine Bend Oil Refinery. She proved a natural at the job and regardless of setting, always provided care with professionalism, compassion, and an amazing smile.
After living in South St Paul her entire life, she and Mike retired to their scenic pines lake home north of Grand Rapids where she spent her time gardening, volunteering at the grade school, and in general high jinks with her Red Hatters Club. But above all, Bunny loved nothing more than hosting family and friends. She felt blessed to be there and truly enjoyed sharing their home.
Even as Bunny struggled with Alzheimer’s in her later years, she never lost what made her so special – her faith, love for her family and, of course, that beautiful smile. She will be deeply missed 
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, December 7th, at the Church of St. Patrick. 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation prior to Mass from 9-11 at the church. Interment Acacia Park, Mendota Heights. Luncheon at the church following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to either the SSP Educational Foundation or The Alzheimer’s Association 

Age 56 of St. Paul

Passed away on November 26, 2021. Preceded in death by father, Dennis; grandparents, August & Eleanor Geiger, Allan & Ann Goetz; uncle, Eddie Goetz. Survived by mother, Margo Goetz; daughter, Rachelle (Tony) Trinka; sister, Laura (Ray) Wolf; nieces, great-nieces; best friend and loyal companion, Cooper; also many other family and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held from 4-7 PM Thursday, December 2nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Passed away suddenly Nov. 22nd.  Preceded in death by mother, Connie and father, Robert. Survived by siblings, Tom (Carol), Ray (Tammy), Ken (Melanie), extended family and friends. Celebration of Life to be held from 12 noon-3 pm Saturday, December 11th at DeGidio’s 425 7th St. W, St. Paul, MN.

Passed away on Monday October 25th, 2021. He is survived by
and his children and their spouses, Keith (Lauri) Rosvold, Randy (Cyndy) Rosvold, Beth (Dennis) Schuster and Mark (Patty) Rosvold. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and spouses, (Nathan Rosvold, Kristin Becker, Courtney (Joe) Lach, Brandon (Deena) Schuster, Seth Rosvold, Amanda (Aaron) Schendel, Erik Rosvold, Patrick (Megan) Rosvold and Cathryn Rosvold) and six great grandchildren, Sofia Becker, Emmett Schuster Ryan, Timothy, Henry and Charlie Lach. He was preceded in death by his wife, Glady (Brotzler) Rosvold; parents, Oscar (Shorty) and Eva Rosvold; brothers, Dean, Bob, Russ and Roger Rosvold.

Don was a graduate of Saint Paul Park High School, a US Air Force Korean War Veteran and a member of St. James Lutheran Church. He was the first Eagle Scout in St Paul Park (1948), a Silver Beaver Award recipient (Boy Scout Leadership) and a life-long sportsman and master
builder. His love of life and storytelling to family and Friends
will be missed by all. On Friday, December 3rd, there is a
visitation from 10-11:30 a.m., a church service at 11:30 a.m. at St. James
Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota. Private interment to follow.

Joseph K. Illetschko, Sr. was welcomed into eternity by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 17, 2021 at the age of 77.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph S. and Cora Illetschko; brothers, Robert, Jerel and Dennis Illetschko and sister, Mary Illetschko.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Diana (nee Miles); son, Joseph Jr. (Audrey) and their children, Grace, Charles and  Isaiah; son, Mark Illetschko; brothers, William and James Illetschko; sister, Patricia Rush; many nieces and nephews. Joe’s love for his family was second only to his love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He touched many lives and hearts and sought to point them all towards Christ. Cards of encouragement may be sent to The Illetschko Family, P.O. Box 2, South St. Paul, MN 55075.

Age 76

Of Rosemount passed away on November 22, 2021.

Preceded in death by parents, Art & Clara Haberoth; daughter, Kari.

Survived by daughters, Lori Herren (Glen) & Jina (Dave) Weis; granddaughters, Tahne, Jessica & Sarah; mom, Donna Haberoth; siblings, Carolyn (Gene), Ed (Linda), Dave (Kathy), Tom (Shelly), Barb (Herb), Art (Ellen); also nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Gathering of family & friends, 2-4 pm Sunday, December 5^th, 2021 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away on November 12, 2021 in Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Betty lived on the family farm near Hedville, KS until age seven when her family moved to Salina, KS. She was a graduate of Salina High School and Marymount College-Salina with a degree in dietetics. Betty met her future husband, Harlan C. Larsen, MD of Dickinson, ND while serving her dietetics internship in St. Paul, MN. They were engaged one month after their first date and married six months later. They were blessed with five children and 68 years of marriage until Harlan’s passing in December 2017. Harlan always referred to Betty as “my bride” and “my Kansas sunflower”.

Betty was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Dorcas Society and PEO Chapter AQ, where she was a charter member and past president. Betty was an avid bridge player. She enjoyed playing with her weekly Bridge Club and in tournaments. She was an excellent cook and loved entertaining family and friends, especially during the holidays. Betty’s interests also included sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, gardening and reading. In her later years she could be found watching the Smithsonian, History, Discovery and Science channels.

Betty is survived by her daughters Anne Kaldun of Inver Grove Heights, MN; Karin (Timothy) Carlson of Yakima, WA; Patricia (Robert) Johnson of Randolph, NJ; Martha (Paul) Rustad of Wayzata, MN; son Eric Larsen of Minneapolis, MN; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harlan Larsen; son-in-law Gary Kaldun; parents Philip and Henrietta; sisters Genevieve, Edna, and Hazel and brothers Howard, Robert and Thomas.

Per Betty’s wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service. A family graveside service and inurnment in Dickinson Cemetery is planned for both Betty and Harlan in the summer of 2022.

Memorials may be made to St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church Trust Fund, 146 6^th Ave W, Dickinson, ND 58601.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Timber Hills-Presbyterian Homes and Services and Optage Hospice for the wonderful care given to Betty in the final months of her life.