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

Kinneberg, Bruce Allen

Age 86, of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away on March 8, 2021. Bruce was born in New Rockford, ND on May 16, 1934. He was the eldest son of Janet and Carl Kinneberg. Raised in New Rockford, Bruce graduated from New Rockford High School. He was a member of the high school band and football team as well as a star runner on the track team. Bruce came in second place in the low hurdles at the Class B state track tournament. After high school Bruce went on to serve in the U. S. Army from 1953 – 1955. His Basic Training was at Fort Riley, Kansas and he then transferred to the paratroopers at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served in Kentucky in the summer time and Alaska in the winter time. He made 33 jumps, one of them when it was -50 degrees. After the army Bruce moved to Minnesota to attend the University of Minnesota where he earned an Associates of Arts degree. For the majority of his career, Bruce worked at Northwest Orient airlines. It was there that he met his wife, Leona Kisch. They were married for 34 years until she passed in 1992.  Bruce and Leona settled in Inver Grove Heights where they raised seven children. Traveling was one of Bruce’s favorite things to do. Whether it was flying around the world, loading up the camper for family vacations or a simple day trip on his motorcycle he was always happy when on the road. Bruce especially loved getting out on his motorcycle.  In fact, he rode a motorcycle in all 48 of the continental United States.  Bruce was also an avid gun collector, Trap & Skeet shooter and award-winning pistol shooter for most of his life. He earned Lifetime Benefactor status with the National Rifle Association, an organization he first became a member of in 1968. Bruce was a true Jazz music fan with an album collection to prove it. He saw many of the all-time greats live in concert, including Ella Fitzgerald and B.B. King. When asked what he’d do with all his free time in retirement, Bruce responded, “Same things I’ve always done, I’ll just have more time to do them.” Bruce is survived by his children, Susan Kinneberg, John Kinneberg, Scott (Deanna) Kinneberg, Anita (Jeff) Donnelly, Paul (Ronda) Kinneberg, Nancy (David) Kelly and Karen Kinneberg; brothers, Stuart Kinneberg and David Kinneberg; 16 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Bruce is preceded in death by his wife, Leona Kinneberg; son, Mark Kinneberg. Visitation will be held from 4 – 8pm on Friday, April 9 at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.  The funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, April 10, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., IGH, with visitation from 10-11am.  Interment will follow the funeral service at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Dimick, Mark A.

Age 64 of Inver Grove Heights, formerly of Platteville, WI.

Passed away peacefully on March 28, 2021 from Lewy Body Dementia. Preceded in death by father, Richard; uncle, Gene Heins; cousin, Jill Hawkinson. Survived by loving wife of 35 years, Mary Schwietz Dimick; sons, Nick (Kelly) & Nathan (Carolyn); mother, Virginia Dimick; cousin, Jerry (Pam) Heinz; also other family and friends. Mark retired after 35 years with Lockheed Martin and Product Development Associates. He brought joy to many by playing his guitar. He loved traveling and going on “fishing trips” with his buddies. Memorial Service 2 PM Wednesday, March 31st, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 12 noon-2 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to LBDA.org.

Funeral Service can be viewed at time of service and also following service at: https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/24298013

Wolske, Oscar LaVere

I am sad to say that dad passed away late in the evening of March 18, 2021, due to complications from dementia.

Oscar LaVere Wolske was born in Spring Lake Township on April 19, 1938.  He was the youngest of 5 children both to Oscar and Esther Wolske.  He grew up in a small farming community called Olivet, WI, went to high school in Elmwood, WI where he met Joyce Kendall.  He knew from a young age that he would not continue farming due extremely bad allergies to hay and ragweed.  He had pneumonia every summer he was on the farm. He decided after high school to go to Devry Tech in Chicago for electronics and a new thing called computer hardware. He only had enough money to go for the 2-year course/certificate – but boy, did that certification take him far.  He married mom on August 1, 1959 2 months after he graduated from Devry. He worked at Norlake for a short while until he landed a job at Remington Rand (now Lockheed/Martin which he retired from). He worked for the defense side so they moved several times for him to work on Naval bases fixing their big computers (he was known as “the fixer”). Each time mom was pregnant (all four of us kids were born in a different state).   They settled in South St Paul where they raised their 4 children (Ken, Lorene, Phil and Lois).  Dad coached softball and Boy Scouts.  He liked fishing and worked to get a boat to go out fishing in (and to do some waterskiing as well).  Then after learning how to downhill ski at local hills, he went skiing in the mountains around Salt Lake City when he travelled there for work.  When he took an interest in photography and took a class at the local community college to make sure he had the knowledge to utilize his new camera.  Everywhere he went, he took pictures.  When he was elected church council president, he joined Toastmasters so that he would be more comfortable with public speaking.  He continued with Toastmasters even after he was no longer the church council president.  He entered speaking contests and won many awards!  Dad and Mom loved to see new places – the Badlands / Black Hills in South Dakota as a family camping trip, road trips to see the mines in northern MN, the bridges of Madison county, North Carolina to see their sons, Hawaii for their 25th wedding anniversary.

After they retired, they became snowbirds for 10 years to a place in AZ, where he became very involved in the woodshop and oil painting. He was extremely good at both!! Towards the end of those ten years, it was getting too hard on him driving back and forth, so they sold their place there and the house in SSP (that one my nephew Tim bought!) and bought a condo at Gramercy where they enjoyed 7 years of living. The last two years they were there we started noticing dad’s memory going in and out, we originally chalked it up to old age until he started forgetting where he was, losing the car in the parking lot if he went somewhere without mom. 2019 we fast tracked them into an assisted living apartment at Inver Glen because dad started having episodes (like seizures) and it was getting too hard for mom to take care of him. They were only there a month or so when he had to be moved into memory care and mom moved into an independent living apartment on the floor above dad. He had a good year in 2020, but unfortunately us kids could not be there to see that. Thankfully, mom was. We each got to visit with him over the last few weeks and he soon began to decline. No one thought he would go so quick – not even the nurses, but now he is at peace and he is whole again.

Dad had the biggest personality, an amazing sense of humor, an infectious laugh and gave the best bear hugs – that is what we choose to remember. He was the best father a kid could ask for. You are now a Guardian Angel watching over mom, us kids and grandkids – just like you did when you were alive.

Love you infinity, Dad.

Oscar is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; children, Ken (Sue) Wolske (St Paul, MN), Lorene (Wil) Damsits (Savage, MN), Phil (Rhonda) Wolske (Goldsboro, NC), and Lois Wolske (Inver Grove Heights, MN); 9 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lyman (Margaret) Wolske; sisters, Leona (Ambrose) Gamroth, Mabel Wolski, and Dorla (Clarence) Holm; in-laws, Donald and Vesta Kendall; brothers-in-law, Jerry Kendall & Donald Anderson; Due to COVID a private funeral was held and a celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Please consider memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

 

 

 

 

 

Cole, Mahala C. “Millie”

Age 95 of Inver Grove Heights  

Passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family on March 17, 2021. Preceded in death by husband, Ralph; daughters, Debra R. Forschen & Shelia M. Biljan; 4 brothers; 1 sister. Survived by daughter, Pamela (Wayne) Speldrick; 9 grandchildren, Dustan Forschen, Chris Biljan (Natalie), Nick Biljan, Ben Speldrick (Brieanna), Shawna DeHaan (Derek), Nate Biljan (Cassi), Sarah Schoeder (Lucas), Zack Biljan (Karlita) & Sam Biljan (Michaela); 9 great-grandchildren, Camden & Jack, Dylan & Kate, Blake, Colton & Grayson & Millie & Croix; sons-in-law, Darvin Forschen & Bruce Biljan; also many family & friends. Memorial Service 12 Noon Tuesday March 30th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Hts. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Laska, Arlene M. (Schmidt)

Age 77

Passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife of Lloyd; dear mother to, Scott, Randy (Tara), Jared (Kim); grandmother to, Brennan, Lucas, Tessa, and Andrew; also survived by brother, George (Sharon); sister-in-law, Jane. Predeceased by parents George and Marion, brother Ted. Arlene Marie Schmidt was born January 3rd, 1944 to George and Marion Schmidt in Phoenix AZ. She was welcomed into this world by her brothers, Ted and George. Shortly after Arlene was born, the Schmidt family moved to MN eventually settling into South St. Paul where she attended school. Arlene was a proud graduate of South St. Paul High School. Class of 1962. Shortly after High school she met the love of her life Lloyd Laska on a blind date set-up by her cousin Ray. Arlene and Lloyd tied the knot on August 13th, 1966 and eventually settled down in West St. Paul, MN. Over the years Arlene gave birth to three boys, Scott, Randy, and Jared. Arlene was a full-time homemaker and a very good one at that. She wore many hats in the Laska household and wore them well. Arlene was an excellent cook, seamstress, homemaker, and had a very special talent of knitting and crocheting. Arlene was known to put that talent to use by making several afghans and giving them as gifts. Arlene enjoyed camping with the family over the years taking many road trips with the camper all over the United States. She also had a passion for Minnesota sports teams. Was a die-hard fan of the Twins, North Stars, Wild, and Vikings. Arlene rarely passed up an opportunity to watch them on television. Later in life, Arlene enjoyed the company of her four wonderful grandchildren: Brennan, Lucas, Tessa and Andrew. She often referred to them as “A-BLT”. Arlene hosted many sleepovers with them along with a steady dose of “spoiling them”. Arlene loved her grandkids and would often join them on family outings, attending their sporting events, and even one time at Disney World. As the grandchildren got older, Arlene and Lloyd continued to enjoy their lives together. They took many trips in their motorhome, meeting up with their children camping and especially going on short trips to the casino. Arlene had a love for casino entertainment. Arlene and Lloyd also enjoyed many vacations too. Usually to Laughlin and Las Vegas and recently going on their first cruise to Mexico. Arlene also enjoyed being with her church family. Her and Lloyd were long time members at Oakdale Community Church. She sang in the choir and helped with numerous events during her time there. She served as treasurer for many years along with various other duties. She has made many close lifetime friends due to her involvement with the church. Her last days were spent at Sholom Home East in St. Paul where she got the most compassionate care anyone could have asked for. She started out in the rehabilitation area of Sholom. She then moved to the third floor where she was taken care of by some amazing staff. Her family could not have asked for a better place or better care for her. They would like to recognize some key nurses and staff that helped during this difficult time, Amy, Steve, Lori, Ubah, and Linda to name just a few. All of whom spent numerous hours with her and Lloyd keeping them company and sharing stories. Memorial Service 11:30 AM Saturday, March 20th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Hts. Visitation 10-11:30 AM prior to the service. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Shalom Home East, St. Paul. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

 

 

Weigel, Mark

Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away with great reticence on March 9, 2021.
Services will be held at a later date.

Soderbeck, Helen (Kielsa)

At age 94, was called home on March 3, 2021.

Preceded in death by husband Carl, grandson Justin and daughter-in-law, Michelle; parents; Stanley and Marie (or Mary) Kielsa; brothers, Stanley 1918-2000, Joseph 1920-1976, Frank 1922-1992 & Donald 1935-1995. .  A hairdresser in Maplewood for over 65 years, Helen enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling.  Her family, including her siblings, nieces and nephews, gave her constant joy, as did her many friends and customers who solved problems, exchanged jokes, and shared recipes all while getting a haircut or perm. She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Jan Huston), Dean, Gene (Joan), and Keith; grandchildren, Nicky (Matt) Carroll, Jeff (Lisa), Lisa (George) Retezan, Jessica, Joshua, and Sara; and great grandchildren, Alexis, Jordan, Torri, Annabelle, Leia, Evan, and Will; sister, Rose Morey (Kielsa). Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Tuesday, March 16 at Transfiguration Church, 6133 15th St. No., Oakdale, MN.  Memorials preferred to Bethany Convent.

Funeral can be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/45873128

 

Angstman, Ronald Eugene “Ron”

Ron was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on February 14, 1934 to Max and Mabel Angstman.   He grew up in West St. Paul, attended Emerson Elementary School and graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1952. After graduation, he went to Dunwoody and to Minnesota University Extension School in St. Paul.

Ron went into the army in February of 1956.   On August 4th, 1956, he married Carole while home on leave from Fort Carson, Colorado.  Ron was then sent to Germany until December 18, 1956, after which he continued to serve for two years in the reserves and was honorably discharged.

Ron and Carole’s first son, Michael was a baby when they moved to South St. Paul to raise their family. Eventually three more sons, Mark, Matthew, and Kurt were born to them. The family has continued to expand, and Grandma “G.G.” and Grandpa Ron have always been very generous in spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ron was hard working throughout his life. He had a paper route, set up bowling pins, (in the days before it was automatic), caddied at the golf course, and worked for the railroad and was an auto mechanic before starting his career at West Publishing. He worked for West for forty-two years, first at their St. Paul and then at the Eagan location.

Ron played softball for West Publishing, Commercial Club, and many other teams.  He was involved in coaching youth hockey, starting with the inter-city teams, then traveling Squirts and Pee Wees with George Powers for about fourteen years.  Ron received the Fan of the Year and the Gary Mikacevich awards.

Ron’s dream of owning a cabin was realized in 1991.  He bought a cabin on Sturgeon Lake, where he spent every weekend for many years, welcoming family and guests that joined them for a pontoon ride or relaxing afternoon barbeque on the deck.

Ron passed away on March 3, 2021 at United Hospital in St. Paul.  He was preceded in death by his son, Kurt and parents, May and Max Angstman.  He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 64 ½ years, Carole; children, Michael, Mark (Erika), and Matthew (Kathy); grandchildren, Tanner(Katie), Korbyn, Rebekah (Tony)Thomas, Amanda, Joseph(Jessica), and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Ernie and Matteo; and sisters-in-law, Jane Ann Sodowski, Kate Hickey, and Bonnie Hickey.

Ron was a wonderful family man and friend with a great sense of humor.  He loved and is loved by his sweetheart Carole, his family, and his friends. We miss Ron dearly, but hope to see that “twinkle in his eye” again in Heaven, and are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and sympathy that has touched our hearts deeply.

Memorial Service 7 pm Wednesday, March 17th with visitation 4-7 PM prior to the service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private Internment Resurrection Cemetery.

Reynolds, Elizabeth “Betty”

Age 94 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on March 5, 2021. Preceded in death by husband, Leo. Survived by daughter, Kathy Desque (Tod Morris); sons, Clyde and John (Lorri); grandchildren, Michelle Desque, Alecia (Steve) Heffernon and Christopher Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Taylor and Andrew; great-great-grandson, Oliver; sister, Barbara Rueben.  Mass of Christian Burial 12 noon on Thursday, March 11 at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Ave E., IGH. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery.

Tennis, Gerald W.

Age 71 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 4, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Grace and Bernard; sister, Alice. Survived by loving wife of 51 years, Mary; daughters, Amy (Derek) Running & Carrie (Don) Ries; granddaughters, Ashley, Alyssa, Alaina; siblings, Mary, Brenda, Sue, Shawn, Eugene (Karen), Debbie, Bernie; many other beloved family & friends. Jerry’s favorite times were spent at the lake and with his granddaughters. Mass of Christian Burial 9 AM Wednesday, March 10th at The Church of Saint Patrick, 3535 E. 72nd St., IGH. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.