Age 97, formerly of Inver Grove Heights,

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 25, 2026, while in the care of Beyond Hospice at The Pillars.

Virgil was born on April 23, 1928, in Holdingford, MN, to Henry and Eleanor Sandkamp. As a young child, his family moved to a farm in Grey Cloud Township, where he grew up alongside his 11 brothers and sisters. A graduate of Park High School, Virgil was captain of the football team and a standout track athlete. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Thomas and went on to attend medical school at St. Louis University where he met a beautiful nursing student named Joan who became his beloved wife on August 25, 1956.

Following their wedding, Virgil served as a Major and physician in the U.S. Air Force before returning to Minnesota for a 39-year career in family medicine in South St. Paul.

Together, Virgil and Joan raised 8 children over the course of their nearly 70 year marriage and spent 60 years at their small farm in Inver Grove Heights. Virgil shared his love of the outdoors with his children teaching them how to farm and garden while on his favorite John Deere tractor. He also passed on his love of horseback riding, skiing, fishing and cheering on the Johnnies and the Fighting Irish during college football season. He was an avid reader who loved to share his favorite books with family. A new book was always a perfect gift for him. He had an immense talent for fixing anything from a child’s toy to a broken arm. In retirement, he immersed himself in woodworking, crafting bamboo canes and unique styled end tables, and even making rosaries from hay baling twine. In later years, he and Joan cherished winters in Tucson, Arizona where they lived next door to their daughter Kathy and her family.

Deeply committed to his community, Virgil gave his time, energy and expertise to numerous causes important to him. He served as a team physician for South St. Paul High School, volunteered for years with Joan at the Wakota Life Care Center, gave his support and time to the clergy and the Church of St. Patrick, and cared for countless neighbors and families. He was proud to say that he delivered the first, hundredth and the thousandth baby at Divine Redeemer Hospital.

His long and well-lived life was a testament to his strength after surviving childhood tuberculosis. He loved his whole family and dedicated his life to them. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children, Terese (John) Shearer, Kathy (Greg) Harris, Anthony (Marlene), Andy (Victoria), Rose (Dave) Vierling, Amy (Jeff) Stariha and Joseph (Takako), his 23 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Elaine Simone, Mary Jane (Mike)Pisano, Joann Hinz and John (Pat).

He is welcomed to heavenly life by those loved ones preceded in death, his daughter Mary; his parents, Henry and Eleanor; his brothers, Leo, Werner Bernie and Alan Gene, and his sisters, Marcia Ell, Carol Devereaux, Helen Jansen and Norma Koenigs.

A visitation will be held at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. E., Inver Grove Heights, from 6:00–8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 31st. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights, on Wednesday, April 1st. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with Mass at 11:00 AM. Mass will also be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26031960642710. A luncheon at the church and burial at St. Patrick’s Cemetery will follow.

Age 92, of Oakdale, Minnesota

Passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026, at Southview Acres Care Center, she passed away with her loving daughter Carol and son-in-law Tom by her side.

She was preceded in death by her infant daughter; her son, Michael; her grandparents; her parents, Dorothy and Robert Lane; and her husbands, Lloyd Jensen and Charles Weisner.

Pat is survived by her twin daughters, Carol (Tom) Wilson and Cheryl (Pete) Hanzlik; her grandchildren, Christopher, Andrea (Adam), Katie (Louis), and Justin; and her great-grandchildren, Landon, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Rory. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Rose Brown, along with many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

Pat was born on January 6, 1934, in Springfield, Massachusetts, to Dorothy and Robert Lane. She proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War, where she was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, and worked as a teletype operator at the Pentagon. She was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Pat enjoyed traveling and taking day trips, as well as watching her favorite soap opera, game shows, reading, playing bingo and loved to eat chocolate. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She always looked forward to weekend visits and loved her phone calls, where she could catch up on what everyone was up to—hearing about their days, their activities, and all the little things going on in their lives. Those moments meant so much to her.  She also treasured taco lunch dates with her oldest grandson, Christopher, and visits from her special nurse, Chey, who took such wonderful care of her at home.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Transitional Care Unit on the first floor at Southview Acres Care Center for their compassionate care, as well as to the Hospice of the Midwest team for their support.

Private family interment with cemetery honors will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery on Monday, April 6th, 2026.

Gerald “Jerry/JR” Ries, age 73 of South St. Paul, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 23, 2026.

Gerald Lee, the son of Raymond and Donna (Benz) Ries, was born on May 21, 1952, in St. Paul.  Following his education at Simley High School, Jerry was enlisted in the United States Army and later received an honorable discharge. Jerry began working at Ries-Skelly for a short while before his life-long career at Aggregate Industries where he was a longtime heavy equipment operator. All throughout his life, Jerry was an avid golfer, loved to fish, and to garden, often sharing his produce with many family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and by his sister, Michele.

Jerry is survived by his siblings, Barb (Jeff) Moore, Mike Ries, Gene Ries, Cathie Ries, and Daveen (Steve) Woodford; nieces and nephews, Cheri (Paul) Werner, Derek (Amy) Running, Jamie (Tom) Weber, Joel (Meghan) Moore, Alicia (Paul) Anderson, Mariah Ries, Natasha Caporusso, and David (Stephanie) Ries; and by many aunts, uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights and will also be livestreamed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a26036335927611.  Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery.

Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., and to a reception following the graveside service, all at the funeral home on Tuesday.

Marlys A. James, age 86 of Inver Grove Heights, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 23, 2026. Recently, Marlys celebrated her birthday and had the opportunity to meet her first great great grandson.

Marlys, the daughter of Raymond and Wilhelmina (Krall) Stokke, was born on March 18, 1940 in Menomonie, Wisconsin.  Following her graduation from Humbolt High School, Marlys married Robert “Shonnie” James.  She worked in manufacturing at Minnesota Plastics and later Whirlpool prior to working as a dietary aide at Maplewood Care Center and Rose of Sharon Nursing Home until her retirement. Marlys enjoyed bowling, traveling, playing cards, spending time with friends and especially her grandchildren.  She was a talented cake decorator and enjoyed sharing her finished treats with family and friends.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Shonnie; siblings, Gene, Norma, Joyce, and Carol; and son-in-law, Tim Larson.

Marlys is survived by her daughters, Sheri James and Jodi Larson; grandchildren, Rob James, Shannon James, Calli (Billy) Brown, and Michelle Hermann; great grandchildren, Anika, Brooke, Kylie, Norah, Lilly, and Ava; great great grandson, Wren.

A Celebration of Marlys’ Life will be held on Sunday, March 29th at Roberts Funeral & Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, with a visitation from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  A service, including a time to share will follow at 3:00 p.m.  Private family interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. 

November 13, 1951 ~ March 17, 2026

Age 74 of Zimmerman, formerly of Cottage Grove, MN

Preceded in death by parents, Lloyd & Normamae Weakley; three brothers, Jim, Scott & Garry Weakley. Survived by brothers, Chip (Brenda) Weakley, Darryl (Jeanne) Weakley, Terry (Gretchen) Weakley; sister-in-law, Vicky Weakley; also many nieces, nephews & friends.

Mary graduated from Park High School in St. Paul Park.  She was known for being a caregiver for her entire family.  Mary did her best to keep everyone together and was there to help in any way she could.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.  Visitation will be from 1:00 -2:00 pm with a Time of Sharing at 2:00 pm.  In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Down Syndrome Association of Minnesota.

Age 50, of St. Paul,

Passed away peacefully at his home on March 19, 2026, after a lengthy illness.

He was born May 31, 1975, in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines. He moved to the United States in 1996 and settled in St. Paul, MN. Cesar worked many years at ConAgra Foods Waseca. He was preceded in death by his father, Crispin. Cesar is survived by his children, Ethan and Sydney Dimapelis; his mother, Gloria Dimapelis; brothers, Gerry Dimapelis and Charlie (Eleanor) Dimapelis; sisters, Estelita (Daniel) Felten, Theresa (Chris) Saavedra, Stephanie (Dan Gordon) Dimapelis, and many nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

Cesar was known for his incredible sense of humor and the love he had for his family. He could always lighten the mood and bring a smile to anyone he met with his jokes and infectious laugh. He especially loved spending time with his family and doted on his nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00 pm Friday, March 27, 2026, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm prior to the service, and a luncheon will follow the service. An internment will be conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 am at Riverview Cemetery, West St Paul, MN.

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, with family, March 19, 2026. Preceded in death by husband, Gus; parents, Edward and Dorothy Marks. Survived by son, Jeffery; granddaughters, Shauna & Samantha; sister, Donna Jeseritz; nephew, Michael (Aly) Jeseritz and their children. 

“Barb loved being a grandmother and cherished every moment spent with her granddaughters. She was very proud to have worked for over 30 years as a cook in the Inver Grove Heights Community School District (ISD 199), where she shared her passion for food with others. She loved hosting gatherings and bringing people together. She found great joy in time spent with family and friends—especially during summers at the family cabin she and her husband, Gus, owned in Big Lake, MN. She will always be remembered for her sharp sense of humor and the special way she brought people together. She will be forever loved and deeply missed by many.”

Age 71 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

April 30, 1954 – March 5, 2026

Passed away at home on Thursday, March 5. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at Roberts Funeral and Cremation Chapel, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. The family is requesting memorials to the Lewy Body Dementia Association. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery in South St. Paul, MN.

Robert Pollock was born on April 30, 1954, at St. John’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN, to Benedict and Elaine (Marek) Pollock. He was the 2nd of 4 siblings. He grew up in South St. Paul, MN, and graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1972.

After graduating from high school, Bob went to college at the University of Minnesota, Crookston and graduated cum laude with an Associates in Applied Science with High Distinction. He also attended South Dakota State University, Brookings and received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. He later started his own landscaping business, Arch-Tech Landscaping, and Naturally Grown Farm, in 1987 and was in business for 39 years. He’s also been a botanist, farmer, landscaper, and consultant since 1974. Bob also worked as a gardener for the University of Minnesota from 1983-1988 and was a botanist for the National Park Service from 2008-2010.

He married Nancy Morgan on May 5, 1984, and they built a home on 5 acres in Inver Grove Heights. They were married for 27 years, and had 2 children together, Gustaf and Anna.

Bob served his community and was elected to the Inver Grove Heights City Council from 1989-1992. He started the Environmental Commission and was a Minnesota representative to the National League of Cities Natural Resource Committee.

Bob’s favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, gardening/farming and also watching the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. He was a lover of the outdoors and could tell you the name of practically any plant, tree or shrub. He loved to travel and went to Poland soon after the Berlin Wall fell.

Bob is survived by a son and a daughter, Gustaf (Kayla) of Prior Lake, MN, and Anna (TJ) of Eden Prairie, MN. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Victoria, Maximus, and Barrett, as well as, his mother, Elaine Pollock; sisters, Susann (Kevin) Goebel and Mary Jo Pollock; and nephews, Timothy (Yuko) Goebel and Benjamin Goebel.

He was preceded in death by his father, Benedict Pollock; and brother, Kenneth Pollock.

Age 89 of Coates, MN.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 16^th, 2026.

Preceded in death by daughter, Lynne Sirvas; grandson, Willie Sirvas; daughter-in-law, Bonnie Perron; parents, Fred and Gertrude Perron.

Survived by loving wife, Arlene; sons, Jim (Kim) Perron; Kevin Perron and Steven Perron (Cat Briggs); son-in-law, Bill Sirvas; grandchildren, Jason (Jen) Perron, Corey (Ashley) Perron, Jamie (Steven) Niehaus, Katie (Cole) Aamot, Justine Perron (Mike Larson), Samantha Perron (Adam Kurtz), Amanda (Dagen) Heim and Nicole Sirvas; great grandchildren, Devyn Perron, Peyton Perron, Wyatt Perron, Bentley Perron, Landon Niehaus, Aubre Niehaus, Liam Niehaus, Madison Niehaus and Dayton Heim; also many other family and friends.

Leonard was born on March 31, 1936 to Fred and Gertrude Perron he grew up in Lilydale, MN they lived on the River and encountered May spring floods. He graduated from Henry Sibley High School. On August 24, 1957 he married Arlene Darsow at Trinity Lone Oak Church. They lived in Eagan and had four children. In 2000 they built a new home and moved to Coates

Leonard work at FOK which was a distributor for Trustworth hardware stores he was the warehouse manager. When the closed he went to Sportsman’s Guide and became their warehouse manager. During this time he was also the captain of the Eagan fire station. He retired from both. After retirement he decided he needed a little something to do so he took on mowing for ISD 196.

Leonard and Arlene liked traveling with their children and friends, they always had some type of camper to stay in. After their children got older they started to pull a fifth wheel trail joined a campers club and went to Arizona in the winter.

Leonard like to collect old tractors he had about 26 in his shed not all of them ran. He would have the boys haul them to the Dakota County fair for one week every summer and would sit under a tent from 9am to 9pm all week. He enjoyed hobby farming and gardening.

Funeral service 11:00 am Saturday, March 21^st, at Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church, 2950 Highway 55, Eagan, MN 55121. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service at the church. Interment Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church Cemetery with luncheon to follow.

November 11, 1961 ~ March 14, 2026

Age 64 of Inver Grove Heights

Nancy passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 14, 2026 after a courageous battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Nancy was born in St. Paul to Elmer & Carol Kromschroeder. She was known for her contagious laugh, crocheted blankets and handmade cards, always having treats for her grandbabies, her love for her family and friends and her sweet and gentle soul. She spent over 40 years of her nursing career at St. Joseph’s Hospital where she cared for thousands of patients.

Preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Carol (Friel) Kromschroeder. Survived by husband, Virgil Pawlenty Jr.; children, Virgil (Kellee) Pawlenty III and Rachel (Kevin) Gindele; grandchildren, Miriam, Eleanor, Otto and Adelena; and many other family and friends.

Funeral Service to be held at 11:00 am on Friday, March 20^th, 2026 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Heights with visitation two hours prior. Burial and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the ALS Foundation in her honor.