Age 57 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully November 21, 2022, after a lengthy battle with ALS(Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Preceded in death by brother, John; father, Clifford E.; grandparents, Albert & Elsie (Blowers) Soucek, Clifford W. & Leone (McFadden) Coonrod. Survived by loving wife of 33 years, Judy Salz; son, William Clifford; daughter, Kristen Taylor; mother, Nona (Soucek); brother, Bob (Angie); niece, Nakita; nephew, Cobra; also, other family & friends.

Mike was born in Jackson, MN on June 16, 1965, and moved to Janesville, MN at thirteen months.  His love for sports and outdoors was displayed at Janesville High School in football, basketball, and baseball.  His father, Cliff, introduced Mike to a love of hunting and the outdoors that remained with Mike throughout his life, and he continued to pass this love onto his children and their friends.

After high school, Mike did a bit of college in Winona and also worked several years in construction where he honed his skills in this craft.  Eventually Mike knew he wanted something different and went to  Mankato Technical College for electronics.  Upon graduation he landed a job with Unisys Defense Division as the third Field Engineer(FE) at Scott AFB, Illinois. Out on his own, he took up golf with co-workers, travelled a bit for work, and did an extended stay at the Coast Guard Base Ketchikan in Alaska, which he loved.  Returning back to Bellville, IL is where and when the story takes a few twists and turns.

Unisys frequently needed FE’s to travel among USG sites for installs, training, and vacation coverage. In May 1989, a fellow FE from Grissom AFB in Indiana traveled to Scott AFB to assist with a mainframe install.  The FE was young but was trained on the system and was “in charge” of helping the three local FE’s  install this new system.  After a first long day, the traveling FE was looking for a bit of shop talk and such and asked the Scott’s AFB crew, ‘Who was interested in getting some food and drinks?’  The other FE’s knew the traveler very well and had the invite directed more towards them.  Having other commitments, they declined, and Mike offered up that he was able to go out. So, Pizza Hut it was (with a few beers).  The travelling FE was in fact Judy (or Jude as Mike would “rename” her).  They found out they grew up in similar areas (MN/IA), were close in age, and had the same small-town background.  The install finished and Judy went back to Indiana.  About a month later Unisys needed Jude to do vacation coverage at a Coast Guard site in St. Louis which was right next to Scott AFB.  Jude reached out to Mike and asked if he could show her the sites around St. Louis as she was there for about a week.  Well, this would be the beginning of  Mike’s new journey.  Something very special began in May of 1989.

So, Mike did a lot over the next few years: Mike quit his job, moved to Kokomo, IN, went back to college(IU Business Degree), had two kids, and returned to construction and desktop support to help pay the bills.  In 1993, Mike was a solo parent as Jude accepted a job back to Eagan, MN.  Mike needed to finish up his undergrad degree and Jude needed to find a house.  By July 1993 all were under a single roof in South St. Paul, MN.

Judy continued with Unisys (now Lockheed Martin) and Mike started his 22-year career at the University of Minnesota (U of M).  With his IT and business knowledge – plus great people skills, Mike moved up within the U of M and was a manager for the U of M OIT (Office of Information Technology) organization.

Mike continued his love of hunting/fishing and bringing his children into the “customs” established down by Whitewater State Park.  Mike traveled; hunting turkey and pheasant in South Dakota, antelope in Wyoming (maybe a prairie dog too), and salmon fishing on Lake Superior and Alaska. Always bringing back many of the infamous Mike’s stories that grew better each time he told them. “Hunting” also expanded to Morrells mushrooms with GPS coordinates “sweet spots” he closely guarded.

Somehow, he also talked Jude into the great outdoors with camping.  It started out in tents but Mike made Jude really happy when the 27-foot Travel Trailer was purchased.  Having her own little house to set up was more her speed and Mike coordinated many, many camping trips with folks from all over and at a wide variety of campsites. The camper made it out to Rushmore, Badlands, Yellowstone, Glacier, Tetons, Yosemite, and others  and of course camping across the great Midwest.

Mike continued his love of sports and continue to play ball with Jude as the faithful cheerleader.  He loved golf and was part of an annual event (GBHO) with high school buddies that he attended for 25 years.  He gave this love to both his children and loved the annual Father’s Day golf rounds.  He was that 40-something Dad that taught himself (with many a sore tailbones) to snowboard once the kids became proficient.  Throw endless footballs and softballs in the backyard and played cut-throat croquet, darts, and pool. Add in a few years of coaching and mentoring the kids in their sports travels and the term “busy” was an understatement.

Mike’s love for woodworking had humble beginnings back in Kokomo with the need for a TV stand arose and not having any money. Plywood, circular saw, router, and a gallon of paint was cheaper and sparked a renewed interest in this craft he learned long ago.  What started with a few tools grew (and grew and grew….) and ended with a complete woodshop, numerous home improvements, building a new house for his growing family, beautiful furniture, and an infamous lawn chair upgrade with “custom” beer holder.  This of course to assist in watching his local sports teams and NASCAR.

With all these varied interests (technology, hunting, fishing, camping, golf, softball, and woodworking) Mike still had time for date nights, and concerts with Jude.  Mike and Jude spent time (sans kids) motorcycling, driving the 1964 Dart convertible, snowmobiling and four-wheeling with others and creating hilarious memories along the way.

So as this journey comes to an end – keep the stories light, share a beer with friends,  always be ready to laugh at the world (because it really doesn’t care what you think or do), don’t waste time or energy on hurt or anger and above all –  love.  It was such serendipity how our paths cross – but cross they did and now this wonderful network of love and friendship is his legacy.

Visitation 4-7 PM Friday, December 2^nd. Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, December 3^rd both at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to support:

ALS Association MN/ND/SD Chapter (http://webmn.alsa.org/goto/mikecoonrod),

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (https://www.jdrf.org/minnesotadakotas/) &

MN Conservation Volunteer (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/mcvmagazine/).

Age 79

On Friday, November 18, 2022, Donald G. Corniea, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by love. Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Nancy; sons, David and Kyle; daughter-in-law, Mellissa, and four grandchildren.

Don graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1962 and joined the National Guard out of a sense of patriotism and duty to his country.  An intrepid entrepreneur, Don owned several businesses throughout his life, including an auto service station and upholstery company and in later years the Inver Grove Heights Ace Hardware. Don was a cutting-edge design engineer working at TetraPak in St. Paul for many years in positions of engineering and management and was awarded over a dozen different patents during his tenure there.

Cars and Engineering were common themes throughout Don’s life.  He seemed to attack many of life’s challenges with an engineering mind set. He found “adventure” in everything he did.  The adventures of his life are too numerous for a comprehensive list, but it includes: raising children, ice racing, motorcycling, skiing, boating, camping, scouting, hiking, restoring an old farmhouse, and generally finding the need to modify almost everything he purchased.

He will be missed by family, friends and community members.

A Celebration of Life gathering in his memory will be held at Roberts Funeral and Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights on Thursday, December 1st, 2022 from 4:00-7:00 pm with a brief service at 6:00 pm.

Age 76 of St. Paul

Passed away unexpectedly on November 15, 2022.

Preceded in death by parents, William & LaRayne Schlauderoff.

Will be sadly missed by lifelong friends who have always been her family, the Rachac’s, Shari & John; children, David (Carol), Steven (Karla), Douglas (Jen); grandchildren, Devon, Logan, Keira (Logan Wenisch), Kory, Sal, Anthony; great-grandchild, James Wenisch; and many friends.

A New Prague High School graduate, Bonnie earned a BS degree in Elementary Education from the College of St. Teresa and an MS in Education from UW River Falls. She taught in St. Paul for 34 years at both Horace Mann and Randolph Heights.

Bonnie loved reading, knitting, crossword puzzles, casino trips, her dogs Muffin and Czechers and especially gatherings with her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Humane Society.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 Saturday, December 3 at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 1938 Stanford Ave, St. Paul. Visitation 9-10:30 prior to Mass. Private Interment St. Wenceslaus Cemetery, New Prague.

Age 79 of Trego, WI

Formerly of Inver Grove Heights. Passed away after a short battle with cancer on November 21, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, Cornelies & Lucille Bertrand; sister, Bernie (Jerry) Franciscus; brother-in-law, Donald Fletcher. Survived by husband of 57 years, Dave; sons, Scott & Greg (Pam); grandchildren, Scottie, Samantha & David Fletcher; sister, Corrine (Tom) Kurysh; also several nieces, nephews & many friends. Kathy retired as as a legal secretary for over 40 years with Felhaber Law Firm. She loved to garden, feed the wildlife & go to the casino. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Visitation 5-7 PM Wednesday, November 30^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Thursday, December 1^st at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights with Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass.  Interment Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to support St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Age 76 of Inver Grove Heights

Our beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa and many other well-deserved titles, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 12, 2022 after a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s Disease and other health conditions brought on by Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam.

Jack is survived by Carole, wife of almost 57 years

Children: Kevin (Alicia) Fitz and Kim (Bill) Hunstiger

Grandchildren: Eva, Isaac, Emma and Austin

Brothers: Jim, Al (Sally), Mike (Carol) and Pat (Lori)

Step-Siblings: Dixie, Deanne and Dennis

Also survived by: Brothers-in-law, Ray (Judy) Faas, Jerry (Jan) Faas, Mike Borgheiinck, Pat Riley and Sister-in-law, Theresa Faas; Aunt, Noreen Stillson and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He will forever be loved and dearly missed by all of his family and friends, especially his four grandchildren.

We would like to thank Maplewood Care Center in Maplewood, MN for the wonderful care Jack had received since July.  Thank you to Ecumen Hospice for helping care for Jack and his family during his last days with us.  Thank you to Roberts Funeral Home for your expertise and guidance during this most difficult time.  To our family members, friends and neighbors, we thank you for your never ending support, prayers and love.  We so appreciate each of you.

Celebration of Life and Funeral Service 3 PM Sunday, November 27^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1-3 PM prior to the service. Interment 10 AM Monday, November 28^th Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Age 77 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 16, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, John & Jane; brothers, John & Edward; sister, Mary Jane. Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Joanne; daughter, Alissa (April); brother, David (Kim); sister, Jean (Mike) Wolff; sisters-in-law, Barb Blaeser & Karen Campbell; brothers-in-law, John & Jim Snyder; also many nieces, nephews & friends.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, November 26^th at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9-11 AM prior to Mass. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice. www.ourladyofpeacemn.org/donate/

Age 52 of Burnsville

Passed away suddenly on November 9, 2022. Preceded in death by father, Dexter. Survived by loving son, Andrew and his father, Scott Laska; mother, Linda Sidney; brother, Douglas Sidney; special friend, Roger Wall; also other relatives & friends. Shannon’s top 3 passions in life were teaching, decorating, and her son. Every class she taught the kids couldn’t wait to come to school and have fun learning. Every place she lived was decorated perfectly, not a thing out of place. Above all, her son, she loved him with her whole heart, always telling him, “I love you to the moon and back”. Visitation 10am-12:00pm noon with a Memorial Service to follow at 12:15 PM Saturday, November 26^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Age 80  

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 4, 2022. Born February 11, 1942 in St. Paul, she was predeceased by her parents, John & Leona Bauer. Survived by sister, Linda Bauer; children, Mary Tahnk-Johnson (Ray), Michael Tahnk (Mida), Colleen Tahnk (Ryan Kane); grandchildren, Amanda, Anna, Dylan, Luke, Riley, Maggie & Gabriel. Kathy graduated from St. Agnes High School and worked at West Publishing until her retirement in 2008. She loved to play cards and games with her family and friends, enjoyed bingo, casinos and traveling to Las Vegas. Most of all she prized spending time with family, especially at grandkids activities and in making Christmas special for everyone. A special thanks to the staff at Woodlyn Heights, Suite Living and Brighton Hospice for their wonderful care. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Friday, November 25^th at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Of Eagan,

Passed away peacefully on Friday November 11, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, George and Mary and son Michael at age 14. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ann; daughter, Lynn Humphreys of Woodbury; sons, Christopher of Minneapolis and David of St. Augustine, FL; four granddaughters, Jamie Renteria (Matt), Amy Johnson, Beth Humphreys, and Andrea Wickenhauser; seven great-grandsons, Devin and Caden Johnson, Brett and Riley Renteria, Ethan and Emmett Wickenhauser, and Royal Humphreys; sister, Jeanne Corbett of Fort Worth, TX and brother, Dennis (Jeanene) of Woodbury; nieces, nephews and many loving relatives and dear friends.

David attended Mechanic Arts High School, where he excelled as a member of the hockey team. After graduation in 1956, Dave joined the Army National Guard, and was honorably discharged on May 31, 1963. He had various jobs over the years, and his favorite was driving an 18-wheeler delivering batteries to various states across the U.S. After purchasing a red Corvette in 1969, Dave joined the Corvettes of Minnesota sports car club, and became a lifetime member.

Visitation 1:30 – 4:00 PM Sunday, November 20^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 12 Noon Monday, November 21^st, at the Church of St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan. Visitation 11 am – 12 noon prior to Mass at church. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away peacefully November 12, 2022.  Robert ‘Bob” was born on September 1, 1941, in Verndale, MN, son of William and Alice Desrocher.  He enjoyed his childhood years in Verndale with his siblings, close to much of his extended family. Bob served in the US Army where he proudly sang for two presidents. Bob worked the majority of his career at Sperry-Univac. It is there he met his beloved wife, Kathy. Bob and Kathy raised their children in St Paul, where they enjoyed spending time with family, friends and getting away to the cabin in Wisconsin. He loved to play sports with his buddies and was an avid Vikings fan. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents; sister, Lorraine; brothers, Wilber and Marvin. He is survived by his sons, David (Laura Butler), Pete (Karin) and daughter, Jennifer Wenzel (Rik); grandchildren, Joe, Sara, Noah and Sienna; sister, Lucille Selander; brother, Billy; sister-in-law, Mary Fryer and many nieces, nephews, family and friends. Bob was one of a kind, known for his love of sharing stories, telling jokes, and giving others a hard time. Bob brought his energy into every room he entered. He will be dearly missed by so many. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, November 21, 2022 at St Patrick’s Church, 3535 72nd St E, Inver Grove Heights, MN 12:00 noon. Visitation 11:00am. Private Interment Fort Snelling.  Memorials preferred to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  The family would like to thank the United ICU and Our Lady of Peace Hospice St Paul for their wonderful care of Bob.