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

Dillon, John

Age 92,

Died August 26th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Preceded in death by his beautiful wife Lily who passed away in 2008 after 53 years of marriage. John was born May 11th, 1929, in Liverpool, England. In his early life, John served in the British Army from 1947 – 1949 in post-World War II Germany.

John & his wife Lily emigrated to the United States in 1967 with their young family becoming US citizens. John was a Plumber by trade and a proud lifetime member of Plumbers Local 15 where he worked throughout the Twin City area on many projects. This included the IDS Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, and Abbott Northwestern Hospital. John’s favorite joy was his family, being a master handyman, having a great sense of humor, British Comedy, and his support for the Liverpool Football Club. He and his wife Lily loved to travel including visiting family and friends in England and many other areas of the world.

Preceded in death by parents, William and Ellen Dillon; siblings, Phillip, Joan, Eileen, and James; great grandson, Michael. Survived by daughter, Susan (David); son, John (Lori); grandchildren, JohnPaul (Devin) & Amanda; great grandchildren, Jonathan & Joshua; sister-in-law, Barbara Dillon of Liverpool, England; nephews, Phillip & Graham; also many nieces and nephews in Liverpool, England, good neighbors, and dear friends from Aspen Ridge in Inver Grove Heights.

We would like to thank Hospice of the Midwest for their compassion and care in supporting John and his family on his journey over the past few months.

Visitation at 10am Wednesday, September 29th prior to the service at 11am; ROBERTS FUNERAL HOME, 8108 Barbara Ave. IGH. Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel Inver Grove Heights 651-455-2035.

Keller, William

Age 80, passed away on September 17, 2021 after a long battle with cancer. Preceded in death by wife, Carole who passed in 2019 after 53 years of marriage. He is survived by children, Bill (Kelly), Beth (Ty); grandchildren, Danielle, Zack, Abby, Brenden, Dawson, as well as an extensive extended family. Bill loved to fish, work with wood, spend time at the cabin with family, play cribbage, and try his luck at the casino. He was also a very proud veteran of the US Navy and served on the USS Truckee in the early 1960’s. Funeral Service 11 AM Friday, September 24th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation 9 to 11 am prior to the service. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society.

 

 

Norman, Karen Joy

Age 81 of St. Paul, MN.
Went to be with the Lord and her dear husband of 62 years, Jerry, on September 5th, 2021. Survived by her children, Nikki (Daniel) Molin, Wendy (Nathan) Holm, Todd (Sheila) Norman, Tracy (Daniel) Zarembinski; grandchildren, Sean (Ashley) Molin, Danielle (Darren) Olson, Haley Oie, Olivia Holm, Ryan & Niklas Norman, Rebecca and Zachary Zarembinski; great grandchildren, Kylie, Teagan, Taylor & Ty Olson, Payton & River Molin; brother, Bruce (Beverly) Peterson; sisters-in-law, Jeannine (Thomas) Jellings, Judy Norman and many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents, Mearl & Jimmy Peterson; sister in-law, Pauline Richardson; brothers-in-law, Pat Norman & Robert Richardson. Karen was a gifted artist, creating many painted signs and wall murals. She was a social butterfly and true friend to many, always ready for fun and a good laugh. Much of her time was spent by Jerry’s side cheering on her children & grandchildren in their sporting events. Most of all she loved sharing the lake cabin with family and friends.
A JOINT celebration of KAREN & JERRYS’ lives will be held on Tuesday, September 28 at EAGLEBROOK CHURCH WHITE BEAR LAKE CAMPUS – 2401 Buffalo St, White Bear Lake, MN 55110. Visitation 10-11AM followed by Funeral Service 11AM. Reception 12-2:30PM at Manitou Event Center – 2171 4th St, White Bear Lake.
Jerry’s full obituary with photo was published on November 22, 2020 and can be found at legacy.com

Norman, Gerald L. “Jerry”

Age 81 of St. Paul, MN
Went to be with the Lord on November 17th, 2020. Survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen Norman; children, Nikki (Daniel) Molin, Wendy (Nathan) Holm, Todd (Sheila) Norman, Tracy (Daniel) Zarembinski; grandchildren, Sean (Ashley) Molin, Danielle (Darren) Olson, Haley Oie, Olivia Holm, Ryan & Niklas Norman, Rebecca and Zachary Zarembinski; great grandchildren, Kylie, Teagan, Taylor & Ty Olson, Payton & River Molin; brother Pat (Judy) Norman; sister, Jeannine (Thomas) Jellings; brother-in-law, Bruce (Beverly) Peterson; nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. Preceded in death by parents Paul and Alice Norman; sister, Pauline; brother-in-law, Robert Richardson. Jerry was a fun spirited, positive presence who could light up any room. He lived life in complete dedication to his wife Karen & had a deep devotion to God, family & friends. He was the #1 sports fan & supporter of all his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren. The lake was his favorite place to spend time with Karen, his family, a fishing pole & incredible sunsets.

Kropp, Donald

Age 77 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away on September 11, 2021. Preceded in death by wife, Janet; sisters and a brother. Survived by sons, Michael (Valerie), Kelly (Laurie), grandchildren, Kaitlin (Danny) Dobson, Kelsey (Joe) O’Donnell, Eric (Marissa), Andrew and Ryan (Tammy) Kropp and great-granddaughters, Emma and Raegan; brother, Ronald (Carol); also many nieces, nephews and friends. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 3-6 PM Thursday, September 16th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

 

Grappendorf, Anamae

Passed away at age 93 on September 10, 2021. She is survived by her three daughters, Carole (Greg) Osland, Candi (Butch) Sapletal and Jolene (Jake) Lamke and one son, Robert. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the rock of our family and will be missed dearly. Private services for family to be held Friday, September 17 at St. James Lutheran Church.

Memorials in Anamae’s name to St. James Lutheran, 460 West Annapolis Street, West St. Paul, MN 55118.

Lesher, Robert D.

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on September 8, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Donald & Edna; brother, Don. Survived by loving wife of 60 years, Gloria; children, Bobby (Teri), Lori (Matt) Martin & Jim (Amy); grandchildren, Kristy (Tom) Diedrich, Jenny, Nicholas (Jamie), Amber (Matt) Frevel & Shawn; great-grandchildren, Katelynn, Teegan, Heidi & Lola; also many nieces, nephews & friends. Memorial Service 11 AM Wednesday, September 15th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service. Private interment.

 

Fisher, Peter A.

A Loving Husband, Father and Grandpa.

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully on September 3, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Alden and Elinor; brother, Robert; sister, Julie Fletcher. Survived by loving wife of 56 years, Karen; son, Brett (Laura); daughter, Sara Morgan; grandsons, Zachary, Logan, Luke and Keller; two sisters in law; seven nieces and nephews. Peters hobbies and interests included A Civil War Collection, buying and selling antiques and watching movies. Memorial service 10 AM Saturday, September 18th, at Augustana Lutheran Church, 1400 Robert St., West Saint Paul. Visitation 9-10 AM prior to the service. Private interment Riverview Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association or Dup15QAlliance.

Johnson, Vernon R.

Vern passed away peacefully on Monday, September 6 at the age of 84 at home in Inver Grove Heights. Vern spent his childhood in Giese, MN and has had many interests throughout his life. Just to list a few; traveling to country music festivals in and out of the state, spending time up north in their large trailer, playing cards with his friends, checking out the latest tractors at the local county fairs and weekly Sunday brunch after church with friends. Vern is survived by his wife and partner, Shirley Botten, other surviving family members are: Children, MarLynn Schleeter, Brenda Johnson, Mark (Amy) Johnson. Grandchildren, Stacy Schleeter, Brody Johnson, Roni Johnson, Chaz Johnson, Jamie Botten, Jeff Austreng & Alexandra Hawes. Great Grandchildren, Kubie Imbu, Rayna Imbu & Josh Austreng. Siblings, Mardell Kolak, Joyce Josephs, Les Johnson, Gary Johnson, Arli Klavetter, Martha Fayt, Ruth Ann Chryst, Linda Hammon. Vern is preceded in death by parents, Ruth and Herman; brothers, Harold, Chuck, David & Orville. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on Thursday, September 23, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation begins at 10am, lunch will be served after the service. The celebration will be officiated by Pastor Leesa Soderlind. Special Thanks to all our extended family and friends for joining us here today to celebrate Vern’s life.

Special Thanks to all our extended family and friends for joining us here today to celebrate Vern’s life.

Walz, Wilbert J.

Age 88 of Eagan, formerly of Watkins & South St. Paul, MN.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving wife & 4 girls on September 6, 2021. Preceded in death by 1 sister; 4 brothers. Survived by loving wife of 61 years, Jeanette; daughters, Sharon (Tom) Velin, Sandy (Steve) Klimas, Sheila (John) Koshiol & Paula (Paul) LaCroix; 8 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; 4 brothers; also many family and friends. Wilbert retired after 25 years with MAC. He enjoyed a long retirement spending time with family and friends. Visitation 4-7 PM Thursday, September 9th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Friday, September 10th, at the Church of St. John Neumann, 4030 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, with visitation 9 to 10 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers memorials preferred to a veteran’s organization of your choice.

“A friend was someone he hadn’t met yet.”