Obituaries2017-03-17T11:40:28-05:00

Carstenbrock, James Allen

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.

 

 

Rosvold, Donald

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. JamesLutheran Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota. Private interment to follow.

Illetschko, Joseph K., Sr.

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.

Beckman, Sharon Ann

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 5th, 2021 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Larsen, Betty L.

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 6th 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.

Peiffer, Carolyn E. (Gerlich)

Age 74 of Cottage Grove

Passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 14, 2021 with family by her side. Carolyn is survived by the love of her life, James Peiffer; daughter, Angela (Peiffer) Quintanilla; grandchildren, Olivia and Alexander Quintanilla; sister, Kathleen (Jerome) Patterson; brother-in-law, Michael (Donna) Peiffer; sister-in-law, Patricia (David) Evans; numerous nieces, nephews, friends and “her boy” Ernie. She is preceded in death by her parents, Rose and Maurice Gerlich; her sisters, Mary Lou (Jack) Hayes, Maureen (John Sr.) Lanning and brother Francis Gerlich.

Carolyn and Jim were high school sweethearts, married for 54 years. Carolyn held a wide variety of jobs, from switchboard operator to store manager, as well as an accounting associate. She was always seeking out something new to try. Carolyn was devoted to her family. She was a patient and gentle mother, always there for her daughter. She was incredibly proud to be a grandmother, and continually thought of ways to make them feel special and pass on family traditions. Carolyn enjoyed family celebrations, spending time at home and at the lake gardening. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, and whose lives she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 7 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in support of Alzheimer’s Research.

Roberts, Donavon Lewis “Don”

Our beloved Don passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at Woodwinds hospital, at the age of 91.  Don was very active in his Inver Grove Heights community and his church.  His faith and family were his top priority.

Don was born on August 25, 1930 in Mankato, Minnesota to Owen L. and Mabel Roberts.  He grew up in Lake Crystal, MN and graduated from LCHS in 1948.  He attended Mankato State University, and transferred to Augsburg College, where he graduated in 1952.  He enlisted in the US Air Force.  After the service, he began his teaching career back in Lake Crystal where he taught science and math and coached basketball and football.

On December 20, 1958, he married Ardi.  They enjoyed a wonderful life together for almost 63 years.  In 1959, Don received a National Science Foundation Scholarship to attend the University of Northern Iowa, where he earned his Master’s degree in Education.  In August of 1960, they moved to Inver Grove Heights, MN where Don became part of the original Simley High School faculty and continued to teach and coach at Simley for the next 27 years.

Following his retirement from Simley, he joined the football and basketball staffs at Bethel University, where he coached for an additional 12 years.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, sister and brother-in-law Deloris and Wally Jones, niece Pam More, nephew Doug Jones, and 2 angel granddaughters Caitlin Locklear and Kelsey Tompkins.

Don is survived by his wife, Ardi, daughters Dawn (Bruce) Locklear, Debi (Eric) Tompkins, 4 grandchildren: Brittany (Jim) McGurran, Bethany (Trent) Sherman, Kyle Tompkins and Courtney Tompkins, and 3 great grandchildren: Katelyn and Clare McGurran and Will Sherman, and 5 special nieces and their families.

Visitation will be at Mt. Bethel Church, 3239 70th St. E, IGH on Friday, November 19 from 4-8:00 pm.

Funeral Service is Saturday, November 20 at 1:00 pm at Simley High School, 2920 80th St E, IGH, with a visitation one hour prior to the service.

Memorials preferred to: BEST Foundation for Simley High School Scholarships, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, or Mt. Bethel Church.

Masks are required.

The funeral service can be viewed at https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMtBethelUMChurch&data=04%7C01%7C%7Cbe2468548ce148708f4208d9ab7afcdf%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C637729366978169614%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&sdata=WNFxBmUbECD3B%2FaQpphfbEhk%2Fwn1TLXcsgqgtdkJez4%3D&reserved=0

 

Jorgenson, MaryAnn Patricia “Pat”

Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights
Born on March 17, 1930. Died peacefully in her sleep on November 12, 2021.
Survived by husband of 71 years of marriage, Galen “Jorgy”
children, Mike (Carol), Linda, Ron, Barb (Al), David, Sharon (Barrie)
13 grandchildren
11 great-grandchildren
1 great-great grandchild
sister, Joanne (Ken) Weinert
other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends
Private family services and a burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery are being held.

Esparza, Mary V. (Vasquez)

Age 87 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully with her daughter at her side on November 12, 2021.

She leaves behind daughter, Sandy; grandson, Joe (Lynnette); great-granddaughters, Payton & Aubrey; sister, Matilda; nieces, nephews and friends.

Gathering of family and friends 2-4pm Sunday, November 28th, 2021 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN

 

Panushka, Thomas Charles

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away at home on November 9, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Edward & Marjorie; brother, Gordon. Survived by loving wife of 56 years, Darlene; daughters, Kristine Panushka and Kathleen (Dean) Miller; son, Steven (Kimberly) Panushka; grandchildren, Campbell, Ryker, Benjamin and Mildred; brother, Byron (Donna); sister-in-law, Connie Panushka; brother-in-law, Neil Danner; nieces, Louise Portuese, Betsy Rojas, Nicole Lonardo; and nephew, James Panushka.

Tom was a veteran of the US Navy and worked for Northwest Airlines as a mechanic for 36 years. He was a loving family man, with a gentle and kind spirit, along with a witty sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends. Memorial Service 11am Friday, Nov. 19 at Eagle Brook Church, 11125 Eastview Rd, Woodbury. Visitation 10-11am prior to service. Private interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Parkinson’s Foundation. The service can be live streamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/612498565