Age 19 of Hopkins, MN

Skylar was tragically taken from us on January 3^rd, 2026.  She is preceded in death by her Papa Bill and many great grandparents.  She is survived by her parents, Chad (Katy) Kiehl, Rachel (Kemo) Henry; brother, Chaise; step-siblings, Taylor, Olivia, Jamal, Kamari & Jaylen; grandparents, Carol (Mark), Sharon, Bob, Pat and Virginia and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Skylar graduated from Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, MN in 2024.  Skylar loved to sing and was always humming some sort of tune. She also loved to immerse herself in a book and she enjoyed painting and camping as well.  She was a happy and bubbly light in this world.  She loved everyone and was always there to listen.  She will be missed by many, but never forgotten by all.

Celebration of Life will be held 11:00 am Friday, January 23rd, 2026 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN with visitation 1-hour prior at church.  Reception to follow at church.

Walter Stephen Judd, age 74, died January 4, 2026, in Regions Hospital in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Walt was born on April 14,1951 in Fairbanks, Alaska to Herbert E. Judd and Joan B. Judd (nee Etienne), where Herb was stationed and served at the Eielson Air Force Base. His school days began at New Lothrop Elementary School and he later attended Corunna Junior High and Corunna High School. He graduated Valedictorian of his class in 1969. During his years in the rural Juddville area he developed his lifelong love of nature and his unending curiosity of the world around him, leading to his habit of gathering, displaying, drawing and recording his expanding world.

Those that knew him in his youth will remember his insect and rock collections, along with his pressed leaves and weather charts. They will recall his generous spirit and humble nature, as he shared his excitement around his discoveries. As the oldest grandchild, Walter’s younger cousins and siblings gravitated around him during family gatherings pleading for him to spin another of his creative adventure stories featuring all of them. Walter focused on Botany, the branch of biology that deals with the study of plants while attending Michigan State University graduating first in his class with a bachelor of natural science degree in botany in 1973 and he received the Earnest Bessey Award for distinguished scholastic achievement.

Walter married Beverly J. Gray from Owosso on August 12,1972 in Owosso, Michigan. The newlyweds moved into married housing on the Michigan State University campus, where Walt continued his education. He earned his master’s degree from MSU in 1974. The couple then moved to Boston, Massachusetts where Walt attended Harvard University earning his doctorate in 1978, specializing in the systematics and evolution of flowering plants. The University of Florida offered him a teaching position and he and Bev settled in Gainesville, Florida, where Walter earned his professorship and together they raised three children. He instilled his passion for the living world in his three children and loved to spend time camping with them at Anastasia Island. There they would often spend weekends catching fish and chasing ghost crabs, while playing in the cold water of the Atlantic. Walter was an educator at heart. During his career teaching and researching for the University of Florida Walt also conducted fieldwork in the southeastern United States, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. He published or co-published hundreds of articles and papers, along with a textbook, while still prioritizing the education of the students in his classes. More information about the honors bestowed on Professor Judd during his 45 years at the University of Florida can be found on this Wikipedia page: https://enwikipedia.org>wiki>Walter_Stephen_Judd. He was best known for his Tropical Botany course which drew students from across the world and was held at Fairchild Tropical Gardens, as well as the Kampong in Miami, Florida. While living in Gainesville, Walter was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church and was very active with their Sunday school programs. In addition, he was active and supported the Museum there.

After becoming a Professor Emeritus, Walt took on a project updating the plant data in the herbarium at the University of Florida. Afterwards he and his daughter, Cherith, moved to Saint Paul, Minnesota, to be close to his son’s family. There Walt began attending the St. Paul United Methodist Church. He continued researching and co-publishing articles with colleagues about new discoveries in his field of study. He volunteered for the herbarium at the university there, along with writing updates on his Plant Systematics: A Phylogenetic Approach Textbook and Flora of Middle Earth book, which he co-authored with his son, Graham.

Walt is survived by his three children: Reuben E. (Tyler) Judd, Graham A. (Danielle) Judd, and Cherith A. Judd, three grandchildren, Nolan, Elsie, and Finn Judd, his sister Renee Webster, brother Randy (Marsha) Judd, sister Aileen (Dave) Robertson, brother-in-laws Don F. Gray, Fred (Mary Jo) Gray, sister-in-laws Ann (Rob) Dickinson, Roberta (Rich) Hamlin, Carol Graysmith, Kathleen (Mirza) Beg; many nieces, nephews, an uncle, aunts, cousins and other loving family members. He was predeceased by his wife, Beverly, parents Herb and Joan Judd, nephew Scott Judd, and in-laws Don and Marie Gray.

A memorial service honoring Walter S. Judd was held at the St. Paul United Methodist Church on January 9, 2026. A celebration of his life is also planned later on April 1st at Trinity United Methodist in Gainesville, Florida. He will be remembered by family and friends with a graveside service this summer at Elmwood Cemetery in New Lothrop, Michigan near where he lived as a child.

Age 60

Passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026. Preceded in death by mother, Mary Janet. Survived by father, John “Fran” and his wife, Char; siblings, Mike (Barb), Kevin (Rene), Mark (Beth), Michelle (John) McGrane, Kyle (Emily) and Kory (Katie); 7 nieces and nephews; 14 great-nieces and nephews all of who he dearly loved. Kenny was known to never forget anybody on their birthday. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:30 am with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:30 am Thursday, January 8^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery.

Jonathan Burt Roth, age 83 of South St. Paul passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 30th, 2025.

Jonathan was born on January 14th, 1942, in Santa Rosa, California. In 1944, the Roth family moved to Texas. From an early age, Jonathan’s life was shaped by his Christian faith and a love of music. Musically gifted and mechanically minded, he went on to study music and engineering.

After moving to Minnesota in 1998, Jonathan remained active in the church, praising the Lord with his violin. He spent nearly two decades working at Blue Cross Blue Shield before his retirement. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoyed traveling and capturing memories through photography. A loving and reliable family man, Jonathan’s greatest joy in retirement was playing the role of grandpa.

Preceded in death by parents, Thomas & Maybelle Roth; sister, JoAnn Denney; brother, Tim Roth.

Survived by loving wife of 27 years, Shirley; children, Kathleen Roth, Rebecca Roth, Ryan (Sunita) Kelsey, Sean (Dana Banitt) Kelsey, Eric Kelsey, & Heather (Curtis) Johnsen; grandchildren, Taylor, Micayla, Oliver, Waylon, & one more on the way; several great-grandchildren; brothers Tom (Linda) Roth & Steve (Caroline) Roth; also many other relatives & friends.

Visitation 4:00 – 7:00 pm Friday, January 9th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Funeral Service 11:00 am Saturday, January 10th at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 2075 70th St. E., Inver Grove Hts., with visitation 1-hour prior at church. Service will also be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/live/QkLpy3LH2Qs. Interment Emanuel Church Cemetery.

Age 88 of Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at his home, on December 28^th, 2025. Preceded in death by wife, Marcille; son, Larry Plan; beloved dog, Storm. Survived by sons, Tim (Lori) and Tom; daughter, Sherry (Doug) Allen; seven grandchildren, Joe (Courtney), Steven, Jacob, Rachel (Nick), Danyelle, Katie (Tom) and Mitch; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan Plan (Ed Dodge); also many other loving family and friends.

Bob loved to attend his grandkids sporting events, travel and the farm where he raised his family.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Friday, January 2^nd, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 14385 Blaine Ave., Rosemount, MN. Visitation 10:00 to 11:00 am prior to the service at church. Interment St. John’s Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, George and Evelyn Wilson; siblings, Linda, Tom, Sue, twin brother Jim, and Dave. Survived by loving husband of 25 years, Bob; daughters, Lisa (Jerry) Heroff, Jennifer (John) Stevensen–Waldo and Pam Salen; grandchildren, Ben, Aubrie, Madelynn, Joshua, Jacob, Gabriel, and Aaron; brother, Rick (Marie) Wilson; also many other family and friends.

Jane liked to be with family friends and her cats and dogs. We called her the dog whisperer. She was really good at racquetball and water skiing! She was a real estate agent for many years. Telling funny stories was her specialty! Mom loved her grandkids, pets and her cabin. She enjoyed talking with others and had the gift of gab. She loved Christmas and buying goofy gifts for us all. Her phone calls and emails, “Hi from mom, just checking in” will be missed dearly.  Mom loved to help, heal, and nurture all life. She was generous with her time and her gifts. She loved thrift shopping and finding treasures to make her home joyful and beautiful. She also loved making art and sharing her creations with loved ones. We have countless fond memories of her love. We will miss holding her hand and hearing her voice. She loved and is loved forever.

Memorial service 11:00 am Saturday, January 24^th, 2026 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00 – 11:00 am prior to the service. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Maurice Paul Cook, age 69, of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home on December 25, 2025.

Morry was born on November 18, 1956, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent his life rooted in the communities of St. Paul and later Inver Grove Heights, places that shaped him and where he built a life centered on hard work, family, and service to others. He was a graduate of Cretin High School (1974) and attended St. John’s University (1978).

Morry worked as a skilled bricklayer, a trade that reflected his strong work ethic and pride in craftsmanship. Beyond his profession, he devoted many years to serving as a Boy Scout Leader and Scout Master, where he made a lasting impact on countless young lives. Teaching values, outdoor skills, and responsibility was a role he took to heart, and he was deeply proud of his involvement with the Boy Scouts.

As an outdoorsman, Morry found joy in fishing, hunting, shooting, and camping with his lifelong friends and family. He loved traveling the country in his Airstream trailer, finding adventure and joy in every family trip. Off the road, he was an avid reader and lifelong learner. These passions brought him peace, purpose, and memories made with those he loved most.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Jeanette Marie Cook.

Morry is survived by his loving wife, Debra Cook; his children, Ben Cook (Lucia Ruff-Berganza), Emily Welbig (Nate), and Dan Cook (Allie Machacek); his cherished grandchildren, Rafael, Nico, Lewis, Samuel, Malia, and Audra; his father, Roger Cook and his wife, Janette; his siblings, Bridgette Startz (Robert), Gretchen Cook, and Christopher Cook (Howard Bell).  He was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a deeply loving grandfather whose presence will be missed beyond measure.

Morry will be remembered for his steady presence, generous spirit, and unwavering dedication to his family and community. His legacy lives on through the wisdom he shared, the values he passed down, and the bricks he laid throughout the Twin Cities.

Visitation is Thursday, January 1, 2026 at Roberts Funeral Home at 8108 Barbara Ave.,  Inver Grove heights, MN from 3:00 to 6:00 PM with a rosary at 5:30 PM.  A Memorial Mass will be Friday, January 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave, West St. Paul, MN 55118. Mass will also be livestreamed here: https://sjwsp.org/livestream-archives  A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Internment is at Resurrection Cemetery, 2101 Lexington Ave South, Mendota Heights, MN 55120.

In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Dakota County Library system.

Age 79 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025,

Preceded in death by parents, Alex and Arlene (Moberg) Viner. Survived by loving wife of 57 years, Sue; sons, Dan (Jennie) and Dennis; grandchildren, Alex (Mike), Trevor (Bethany), Riley (Matt) Felton, Michael (Alexa), Dominic (Abril), Carter, Brooke, Brady; 6 great-granddaughters; sister, Connie Frazer; brother, Jimmy (Jan) Viner.

Ron was a proud Navy Veteran. He owned and operated Regal Court as a barber in South St. Paul for many years. Ron started the SSP Youth Soccer Association in the 1970’s. He also refereed hockey and was involved in SSP Youth Hockey. Ron and wife Sue enjoyed many times on their Harley Davidson. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Gopher hockey fan. He will be remembered and missed by our family.

Memorial Service Monday, January 5th, 2026 at 6:00 pm with Visitation 4:00-6:00 pm prior to the service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Thank you to the staff at Inver Glen Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their loving care of Ron. Ron will be buried privately with military honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Passed away peacefully Sunday, December 14, 2025 at the age of 97.

Survived by his wife of 70 years, Betty; son, Jeffrey (Kathy); daughter, Diane (Mike dec.); grandchildren, Kayla (Steve), Megan (C.T.), John (Anna), Amy (Jeremy); great grandchildren, Ava, Charlie, Ella, Lucy, Henry, Ruth, Clark, Bennett, Beau, Cayden, Cole; other relatives and friends. Private interment at Fort Snelling.