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.
Jorgenson, MaryAnn Patricia “Pat”
Age 91 of Inver Grove HeightsEsparza, 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
Scheffley, Walter H., Jr.
Walter H. Scheffley Jr.
September 27, 1928- November 10, 2021
Walter lived a full life and was an amazing and interesting man. He grew up in Hazleton, Pennsylvania with his parents and 2 siblings. He graduated from Hazleton High School and enrolled early to the Navy during WWII. He would always indicate the war ended while he was in basic training, and he served during post war peace time efforts in Italy. Some of Walt’s best stories were of his time on these ships. After being honorably discharged from the Navy he received his degree in Industrial Design from Philadelphia College of Arts. He settled down in Vermont and started his professional career in Industrial and Landscape Design.
Walter was so much more than how his service and profession defined him. He was a man of many abilities and strong character. He will be remembered most by the commitment he showed for his loved ones and his passions. Walt successfully completed 7 marathons, including the Boston Marathon. All these races were trained for in Hush Puppy shoes he retrofitted for comfort by cutting the full toe area out. Walt also was an accomplished artist. He would simply use latex paint on Masonite to create beautifully detailed folksy art with satirical humor in every inch. He even had a painting hung in the State Capital of Vermont. Walter was dedicated to living healthy late into life and did so by eating garlic and butter sandwiches, shoveling snow, walking everywhere, lifting dumbbells daily, and, not to be forgotten, squeezing hand grips on the hour. But above and beyond all, Walt’s character was demonstrated most by his commitment and love he showed as he cared for his late wife Patricia who had been paralyzed after a tragic event. He dedicated 10 1/2 years to providing her with the best possible care. He would make her a special diet and help her do daily exercises to prolong her life. His dedication allowed for his wife to live far beyond what all the medical experts predicted.
Walter passed his time in his later years by reading, creating cartoon drawings, and being the first to laugh at his own jokes. Walter saw so much humor in the world and would often be caught with a smirk on his face and chuckling to himself.
His love, kindness and belief in his family was unmatched and he will be missed.
Walter leaves behind his sister Helen Scheffley, children Patricia Lutton and Husband David, Holly Shea and Husband Dana, Steve Scheffley, and wife Angie. Along with grandchildren, Jason LaTour, Megan Stewart, Adrie LaTour, Andrew Lutton, Dr. Heather Lee and husband Dr. Jerry Lee, Melissa Dumont and Chantelle Dumont, Ben Scheffley, Anna Scheffley and Sam Scheffley. Along with great children Katelyn Stewart, Sacouya Jones, and Maggie Lee.
Walter is proceeded in death by his wife Patricia, daughter Noreen LaTour, brother Bill Scheffley, and parents Walter and Rebecca Scheffley.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brookdale Inver Grove Heights Assisted Living staff who over the last almost 5 years had provided him with the best care possible. He thought of many of his care providers as family.
There will be a private service on Dec. 3rd at Brookdale Assisted Living for family, residents and staff along with grave side service in early summer in Vermont.
Jacobson, James D. “Jake”
Age 70 of Inver Grove Heights, MN.
Passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Donald & Dorothy. Survived by loving wife of almost 20 years, Shelly Holzemer; daughter, Jackie (Joe); sons, Andy (Annie) & Tim (Laura); proud Grandpa of Shauna, Sam, Harrison, Anna, Charlie, Aurora & Ella; also, in-laws, relatives and many special friends. Jake grew up in South St. Paul, where he loved playing sports. He taught and coached hockey and fastpitch softball, primarily at South St. Paul High School. Jake also enjoyed traveling, softball, bowling, golfing, yard games and playing cards. He loved being with his grandchildren. Memorial Service 1:00 pm Friday, November 19th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 11am – 1pm prior to the service. Celebration to follow at Drkula’s 32 Bowl, 6710 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights.
Roberta “Bobbie” Law (formerly Piette)
Roberta “Bobbie” was born on December 24, 1940 in St. Paul, MN to Ernest & Genevieve Law. Bobbie passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones, on 11/01/21, she was 80 years old. Bobbie graduated from Washington High School in St. Paul, in 1958. She married David Piette on July 9, 1960 and they had 7 children together, in the span of 9 ½ years. After many years of folding diapers and raising her children, she reentered the workforce. Bobbie had a fulfilling career at 3M and when she retired, she was able to pursue her passion for photography, country dancing, and spending time with her grandchildren. She was dubbed “Granny” by her grandkids in the early 90’s, and she wore the title like a badge of honor. Granny was famous for her delicious banana bread, and it was a staple at every family gathering.
Bobbie is survived by all 7 of her children: Mike (Darlene) Piette, Craig (Beth) Piette, Scott Piette, Brenda Kyle, James (Misti) Piette, Lisa Piette, Kathy (Dan) Fischbach, and her 20 grandchildren: Stephanie, Erin, Jordan, Tyler, Isaac, Kevin, Steven, Rachel, Katie, Forrest, Maria, Jake, Hunter, Mitchell, Alex, Denver, Kristi, Gavin, Brooklyn and Jason, and 5 great grandchildren: Kaysen, Mya, Caden, Leo & Olivia. She is also survived by siblings: Marion Ness, Donald (Carol) Law, Linda (Greg) Carlson, and Pat (Don) Fitzgerald, and lifelong friend Nancy Mace. She is preceded in death by parents: Ernest & Genevieve, and siblings: Russell, Robert, Walter, Jean Law, Betty Smith, and Allen.
Special thanks to all of the staff at Vista Prairie at River Heights Senior Living community in South St. Paul and Avalon Hospice Services for their loving and attentive care.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 20th from 1-2pm with visitation from 11am-1pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. There will be a buffet luncheon after the service.
Dambowy, Frank Leonard
Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Frank was born on his parent’s farm near Pierz, MN and passed away peacefully on Nov. 6, 2021. He served in the US Army and Army Reserves. He enjoyed outdoor activities, listening and dancing to country music and polkas. He retired from the US Postal Service. Survived by wife, Constance; daughters, Tammy (Dennis) Johnson, Teresa, Timberly (George) Bondhus, Debora (Jeff) Nass, Lisa Schmidt (Edith); grandchildren, Tabitha and Leroy Bondhus, Emily (Adam) Natrop and Lydia Nass; also, other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents; wife, Dorothy; brothers, Philip, Andrew, Hilary, Benjamin; sister, Margaret (Mitchell) and granddaughter, Kathryn Nass. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, November 13th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 am prior to Mass at church. Private interment MN State Veterans Cemetery, Camp Ripley, MN.