Mike Vasquez was born 11/14/1927; passed peacefully 9/18/2020. He is survived by the love of his life Petra Vasquez whom he was married to for 64 years, daughters Patricia Simons (Rick), Michele Zywiec (Bill), Rebecca Frisch (Joe), 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren. Preceded in death grandson Joseph T. Frisch. Mike was born in St. Paul Park as a first generation American. He graduated from St. Paul Park Senior High School. As a young man he was captain of his football team (always a leader, not a follower) a golden gloves boxer and was enlisted in the army and fought in the Korean War. He worked as a locomotive engineer for the Burlington Northern Railroad until he retired at age 63. He traveled to Iceland, England and Spain during retirement with Petra. He lived and raised his family in South St. Paul until he moved with Petra to St. Therese Senior Living in 2016. Mike had a zest for life and almost always had a smile on his face, he was known to be an outgoing, kind, hardworking, honest and fair man. He had a robust laugh and loved to fish, cook, socialize, watch hockey and organize. He was always attentive, kind and happy to be with those he loved and whom loved him back. The world was a better place for having him and we will miss him every day. Rest In Peace, your loving family.

Age 62 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 8, 2020. Preceded in death by father, Donald. Survived by loving wife of 41 years, Nancy; daughter, Nichole (Charr); son, Cory (Danielle); grandchildren, Olivia, Keegan, Kendall, Kennedy, Emma, Grace & Zander; mother, Shirley; brother, Kerry; sister, Lori; also many other family and friends. Todd retired from Production Engineering Corporation, Excel Metal Finishings after 31 years. He was an amazing husband and father, who loved his family and friends endlessly. Memorial Service 7 PM Wednesday, October 14^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 4-7 PM prior to the service. Private interment.

Age 71 of Inver Grove Heights

Died October 5, 2020. Angela was born Sept. 2, 1949 in Austin, MN to Harold and Dorothy Wencl. She married Gerald Ellis of Ellendale, MN on May 18, 1968. Angela was a 20-year Air Force wife and mother of 4 children, Paul, Kerri Carroll, Tammi (Rob) Madden & Kathy; also survived by granddaughters, Sarah & Katie; mother, Dorothy Wencl; sisters, Rebecca Giesler, Laura Heskett, Julie Schewe and Barbara Stahl; brother, Michael Wencl; also many nieces, nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, Harold; daughter, Kathy; son-in-law, Michael Carroll. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Saturday, October 10^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 5-7 PM Friday, October 9^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., IGH. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial s preferred.

Age 96

Passed away on Friday September 25 at Lilydale Senior Living. She was born in 1924 to Mae and Dr. Kano Ikeda. Ethel was a lifelong resident of St. Paul. She was preceded in death her brother, Alden; sister-in-law, Licia. She is survived by her nephews, John (Sandy), Steve (Cindy) and Alden Jr., plus many grand nephews and nieces. Ethel was known for her quick wit and high spirits. She graduated from Derham Hall and Macalester College (’46). She worked as head of medical records at St. Lukes Hospital for many years. She enjoyed bowling, golf, world travel and attending U of M football games. Ethel was loved by family and friends, and will be missed. A special thank you to staff at Lilydale Senior Living and the Allina Hospice Care staff. A private interment was held last week. Memorials are preferred to the Dr. Kano and Mae Ikeda Scholarship, Macalester College.

Age 81 of St. Paul, MN

Passed away on October 3, 2020. Claudia was born on December 17, 1938 in Aberdeen, SD to George and Frances Silvernail. She Graduated from Aberdeen High School in 1956 and Mount Marty School of Nursing in 1959. Claudia began her nursing career at Children’s Hospital in Omaha, NE. She next worked at the Salinas Hospital in Salinas CA. It is here where she and Carl Wetzel were married in 1963. As she and Carl moved with his job, she also worked in Detroit, MI and St. Paul Children’s Hospital. She stepped out of nursing g while she raised their three children. Her last 25 years of nursing was spent at the Arlington Good Samaritan Home where she earned the nickname of “Sarge”. Claudia enjoyed flower gardening and couldn’t wait until the tulips bloomed in spring. Also, she enjoyed traveling throughout the US and Europe with Carl and his job. She is survived by her husband, Carl; three children, David(Barbara) Wetzel, Kimberly (Paul) Edstrom, Stephen(Jessica) Wetzel; ten grandchildren; brother, Richard (Jan) Silvernail. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wednesday, October 7^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 8:30-10:30 AM prior to the service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., IGH. Private interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial preferred to St. Patrick’s Church.

Age 49 of Afton

On Monday, September 28, 2020 we lost frank also known as Bub’s in a tragic accident. Frank Carpenter was born June 26, 1971 in North Saint Paul, Minnesota and resided there during his childhood until his move to Afton, Minnesota, later in life. Upon his graduation at North High School, he wanted to be a doctor and took classes in high school so that he could continue his education. He worked at Little Caesars Pizza and move quickly up to management. That’s when he realized he was quite the savvy businessman. He worked some odd jobs here and there and eventually opened his own landscaping company. He later went into boat sales. Frank loved his job and was always a hard worker. When he wasn’t working as a general manager at the boat company, you could find Frank watching football. He was a fan of the Minnesota Vikings and he enjoyed golf, playing cards, shooting pool and hunting. Frank was full of life and a very generous man. He had a contagious laugh, was full of humor, and always radiated joy. He loved hosting barbecues and cooking for friends and family. No one could stop him or beat him in his grilling skills. He loved his friends and his family but most importantly he loved his children, Corbin and Joelle, they were the loves of his life. Frank spent many hours with the kids upgrading the chicken coop, chilling on the couch, gaming, watching football and in the garden planting Sundays always started with a special five course breakfast for the kids. Whom he loved, he loved deeply. He was such a light and will forever be missed. May he forever rest in peace. Survived by children, Joelle & Corbin; also many family and friends. Graveside Memorial Service 11 AM Tuesday, October 6th, at St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Inver Grove Heights. Memorials preferred to his children.

Passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 19^th.  He is survived by wife, Joan; children, Randy (Jane), Tim (Mary), and Joe (Andrea), as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Mick lived in South St. Paul all his life and worked at Kamish Excavation for over 40 years.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, and just being “Papa Mick”.  Due to COVID, a gathering of family and friends will be scheduled for a later date.

 March 11, 1932 – September 3, 2020

Survived by husband of 70 years Walter Matczynski, daughters, Mary Jo (Jeff) Hoaglund and Denise (John) Stoffel; 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Private family burial planned.

Age 89 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on September 19, 2020. Preceded in death by husband, Howard; 9 brothers and sisters. Survived by brother, Clarence (Maryann); sister, Elaine; son, Jeff (Jan); daughter, Lisa (Tim); grandchildren, Angie (Jeffrey), Brandon (Tiffani), Dustin & Ryder; 6 great-grandchildren, Ana, Zac, Max, Ryan, Marley & Maija; also other relatives & friends. Memorial Service 11 AM Thursday, September 24^th, at Roberts Funeral; Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service. Private Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. You will be greatly missed by all!

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights

After suffering multiple injuries from a bike accident, Jerry passed away peacefully on September 19, 2020 at Regions Hospital surrounded by family.  He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Kristie and Karen (Mike) Perry; four grandchildren, Noah, Caleb, Julian & Zoey. Jerry was born on August 24, 1941 in St Paul, MN and is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Avis. He worked at Inver Hills Community College as a professor of math and computers. Since retirement, Jerry traveled the world with Joan, tended his ever-growing garden, line danced, explored the outdoors, and, every day, was ready to do whatever his family needed. The family will hold a small, private service.  Please do not send flowers.  Memorials preferred.

A Tribute to Gerald “Jerry” Bruce Jacobsen

I want to start by recognizing how much Jerry meant to everyone that knew him.  His welcoming and comforting presence was unlike any other.  Jerry radiated calm.  Jerry was selfless.  Jerry was confident in his own skin.  Jerry welcomed adventure.  Jerry enjoyed the outdoors, eating, and not spending money – at least on himself (wardrobe and eating out at the top of the list).  Jerry was dedicated above all else to his family.

Some of Jerry’s favorite places were national parks throughout the country, including hiking and backpacking through the mountains.  However, no place resonated with Jerry more than the Boundary Waters.  Many of us here today followed him down trails as he carried the 90 pound canoe while we followed carrying the paddles.

Joan’s first time spending the night in a tent was with Jerry while on a trip to the BWCA.

In fact, on a month long honeymoon, Joan spent all but one night in a canvas tent with a single night in a reasonably priced motel.

Jerry would sit down for a lunch during garden season and enjoy fresh broccoli, pepper, and at least four tomatoes.

Jerry cooked bacon outside in the backyard to keep Joan’s kitchen clean.

Jerry loved to read books – lots of books – assuming they were purchased for a deal or checked out from the library.

Jerry would make sure to get in his daily exercise, even if a run took place ½ hour before his daughter’s wedding.

Jerry proudly wore t-shirts supplied by races – on bikes, on skis, on foot.  Jerry wore clothes unlike any other.

After retirement, Jerry’s garden grew exponentially.  So much so he expanded to Southern Minnesota.

Jerry was known to sit in the car in the heat of the summer for hours as his grandchildren played in the park.

Using skills learned in his time working for a moving company, Jerry was the key figurehead in many local and over one dozen cross-country moves.

Jerry loved to play games – to play cards – and Jerry loved to win.  He may be the loudest and most animated game player ever.  He was bound to startle newcomers until they knew what to expect.

Jerry liked to dance – he memorized over 400 line dances and there is a book to prove it.

He was a math and computer professor, dedicated faculty member for Inver Hills Community college, and later a math tutor for Noah and Caleb.

While Joan is known as the organizer, Jerry was actually the lead organizer for trips and parties.  He liked to go places with people and to bring people together.  The more the merrier was his motto.

While he was extremely careful with his day to day finances, he didn’t bat an eye at generously spending money on his kids and grandkids, and friends of his grandkids.  Jerry would take his kids any and everywhere.

Jerry would also drive hours across states to attend his grandkids sports and performances.  Sometimes doing a 10 hour round trip just to catch a soccer game or a concert.

Joan and Jerry travelled the world – much of it post retirement.  From cruises, to driving, to flying.  He even skied overseas.  Took a cruise through China.  Other countries included: Mexico, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Costa Rica, France, Austria – to be honest, too many to mention.  They also went to all 50 states, including Hawaii and Alaska.

Jerry was also a dedicated son who took care of his mother – who spent nights on the floor and helped her as she journeyed to 104 years old.

Finally, Jerry was a dedicated and loving husband to Joan.  They would play games together.  He would win so much that Joan would sometimes not speak to him.  But she will miss those nights.  She will miss cooking and baking for him – all while using as much of his vegetables as possible.  And, while she complains about it, she will even miss canning.

We have all learned from Jerry.  We are all better for knowing him and loving him.

His sudden passing has left a hole in our hearts that will take a good long time to heal.  But, Jerry would have us work to heal it.  And he would have us do it together.  He would have us play games together.  To share food together.  To go places together.  To be together.  And know that when we are together, he will always be there with us.