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

Ehnstrom, Jewell H.

Age 89 of South St. Paul.

Passed away peacefully on August 31, 2022. Full notice to follow.

Lengsfeld, Marcella L. “Marci”

Age 94 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on August 31, 2022.  Preceded in death by husband, William; friend, John Jessep.  Survived by sons, William (Annie) & Richard (Laurene) & grandchildren.  Private family services are being held.

Sauerer (Klein), Othilia J.”Jo” “Tillie”

Age 92 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on September 1, 2022.  Preceded in death by husband Roger (2020); parents George and Theresa, and all 12 of her siblings. Lovingly survived by her children: Darrell (Bernadette), Keith, Pat (Katie), Terry (Lisa), Anne Pool (Mark) and Karen Faith; 9 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.  Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, September 6, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights.  Visitation 9:30-11 AM.  Private interment.  Any memorials received will be given to her favorite charities.

Kerfeld, Robert J. “Bob”

Age 77 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on August 26, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, Jerome & Lemerne. Survived by loving wife of 41 years, Ginny; children, Russell, Kipp (Dana), Vicki (T.J.) Lucas; grandchildren & great-grandchildren; brothers, David, Paul & Charlie; also many other relatives & friends.

Bob’s mother died when he was a child and his father was in the military stationed over seas so he lived with his grandmother until she died. Then he went to live with his aunt Judy. He moved to Minneapolis at the age of 16 to live on his own.

Bob started his career at Univac where he stayed for over a decade and then eventually went into industrial sales for Kar Products and Windsor for the remainder of his career. Along the way, he became a machinist, he was a regular guest speaker at Dakota County Tech, learned refrigerator repair, air conditioner repair, and classic car repair. He was particularly good at fixing his ’79 Dodge truck. A familiar sight while camping was the whole family fixing the truck so he could get home again.  He was a jack of all trades and could fix almost anything, although sometimes it was with duct tape and a prayer.

Bob loved to fish, hunt and camp. He told us the secret to catching fish is to call the fish by saying, “Here fishy, fishy.” He would usually embellish on how large of fish he caught. He also really enjoyed spending time at Treasure Island.

Memorial Service 11 AM Thursday, September 8th, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9-11 AM prior to the service. Interment Emanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery.

Vande Linde, Gary H.

Age 81, of Inver Grove Heights, MN

A special message from Gary to everyone who knew him, “One of my goals in life was to make everyone happy. Through my journey I found a treasure of happiness that was made possible through the friendships that were formed with each of you. The good spirit brought us together and I thank you for your friendship.”

Engel, Thomas C. “Big Tom”

Age 73 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away unexpectedly on August 21, 2022. Preceded in death by parents, Carl & Anna Engel; 7 siblings. Survived by loving wife of 32 years, Patty; son, Tom (Courtney); daughter, Alyssa (Nathan) Wise; grandsons, Thomas, Charlie, Chase & Warren; siblings, Arlene (Charlie) Kirk, Ron (Mary) Engel & Toni Engel; also many nieces, nephews & friends.

Tom was raised in St. Paul, Minnesota and was one of 12 siblings. Tom graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1967. Tom had different jobs throughout the years until in 1991 when he and his wife, Patty bought into the House of Coates, which he worked at and operated for 28 years.

Tom met his wife while working at Cenex in 1985. They welcomed their first child, Thomas in 1988. They were married on August 25th, 1990. In 1991, they had their second child, Alyssa. They spent the next 32 years happily married and building a wonderful life and family together. Big Tom was a family man; an incredible father and even better grandpa. Together Tom and Patty had four grandsons. Thomas (3), Charlie (3), Chase (1), and Warren (1). These four boys were the biggest blessings in Tom’s life. He was the best Papa to them and loved every minute he got with them. He loved to play, rock, and care for the kids. One of their favorite past times was going to see the animals down the road on his side by side.

Big Tom loved to be outside. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. One of the favorite times of the year for him was his deer opener up in Park Rapids, MN. The hunting trailer was started by his mom, and was a special place for his family where he and the boys have made many wonderful memories.

Tom loved to work in his yard. He especially enjoyed mowing his lawn and enjoying their deck and pool that he put so much work and love into.

Big Tom loved many and was loved by many. A man with the biggest heart, he was always willing to help someone in need or give to those who were wanting. He never wanted anything in return but friendship. He was the best kind of friend to have at your side, and he had many. He loved to spend time with his friends whether stopping in at random for visits, seeing them either at the House of Coates or at the Rosemount VFW, he was a very special person to so many.

Our family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. We will be forever grateful.

Memorial Service 11 AM Wednesday, August 31st, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave, Inver Grove Heights.  Visitation 9-11 AM prior to the service.  Interment St. Agatha’s Cemetery, Vermillion. Celebration of life following at the House of Coates. Memorials preferred.

Bell, Ryan Patrick

Passed away on August 11, 2022.

What a gift we were given to have Ryan in our lives. It was a privilege and an honor to be his earthly family while he was on loan to us from heaven. His laugh would make your heart soar, his tears would crush your soul. Ryan taught us about innocence, uniqueness, acceptance, perseverance and determination. Most of all, he taught us about love. Love in its purest, most genuine and uncomplicated form. Ryan truly was our Silent Teacher (as named by his brother, Scott). To know Ryan, was to love Ryan, forever and always. He inspired us to complain less and appreciate more…to be a better version of ourselves. He is survived by his parents Ray and Nancy; siblings and nieces and nephews, Jim Bell (Dana) {Alexis, Blake}; Scott Bell (Kelli) {Ramsey Gus and Esme’; Brooks Welch (Heidi) {Reagan and McKenzie}; Meghann Welch (Chad Hanson). Thank you to our Meg who has been lovingly taking care of everything that needs to be done. Thank you to Ryan’s unwavering support team at Casey Court who have loved him with every ounce of their being. Thank you to Betsy, Karen, Galen Pate, Dr. Anthony Ferrara, Kathie Constance, Dorie Sweeney, Alex Buslee, nurses at Regions Hospital on 8th South. and our hospice team, Kim, Tom and Molly and so many many others. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. Please have your “Ryan Stories” ready!! Memorials can be given to Living Well Disability Services, Casey Court, 1168 Northland Dr., Mendota Heights, MN, 55120

 

Sheila Kay Rucker (Zeilinger)

July 4, 1960 – August 8, 2022

Like a firework she was fierce and beautiful.

Shelia is survived by parents, James and Bonita Zeilinger,

Siblings Mike (Beth), Steve (Val), Marsha (Todd) Eichinger, and Anna (Sedny) Attia,

Children Crystal Ann (Paul) Smiskol, and Ashley (Dennis L’Heureux),

Beloved Grandchildren Stella L’Heureux and Jay Smiskol.

Preceded in death by two great loves Tom Rucker and Tim Kirschner.

She will be deeply missed by her daughters and grandchildren who brought her great joy.

A Celebration of Sheila’s life will be Thursday, August 25th, 4pm to 8pm.

American Legion Post #47, 50 Sibley St, Hastings, MN, 55033

Mohs, Janice J. “Blondie” (Nee Ackerman)

Age 88 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on August 8, 2022. Preceded in death by husband, Claude; son, James; daughter, Joyce; sisters & brother; best cat, Oliver.  Survived by children, Joan (Fred) Schaeppi, Jeffrey (Kathlene), John (Andrea) & Jodell Sirek; son-in-law, Tim Nordby; grandchildren, Brian, Sarah, Heather (Toby), Zachary, Jesse, Sam, Amanda (Stephen), Jack, Ben, Jacob, Lauren & Avery; great-granddaughters, Cora & Magdalena; brother, Mike (Mary) Ackerman; also nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Blondie’s career spanned over 30 years with Bauer Floor Covering.  She cherished the relationships she had with her family and friends.  She enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending time with Claude and family at Cokato Lake Campground.  She also enjoyed being an active member in many social clubs throughout her life. Blondie’s smile and laughter and bubbly personality will be greatly missed by all. Visitation 4-7 PM Monday, August 15th,  with a parish prayer service at 5:30 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Tuesday, August 16th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Street East, Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Ryder, Teresa M.

Age 53 of Rosemount

Formerly of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on August 5, 2022.  Preceded in death by mother, Maureen Beltz.  Survived by loving husband, Jeff; daughters, Kenna & Kally.  Per Teresa’s wishes, no services are being held.