Born on January 21, 1923. Passed away on October 16, 2020.

Predeceased by; 6 siblings, sons; Mike (Elaine), Nick, Peter, Mark and Tom and best friend Mitzi Vold. Survived by sisters, Isabel Olman and Millie Olson, children, Lis Thurber (Dale), Paul (Betty), Margaret Hylton (Mickey), Ann Reinhardt (Daryl); 32 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; daughters in law, Sharon, Betty, Kay, and Kathy; many nieces and nephews. Berniece was fond of saying in her last year of life “did you know I am 97, isn’t that amazing?“  Yes it was, and here’s a little more about her amazing life. Berniece was a middle child in a family with eight siblings.  Her mother Mary worked hard to keep the family afloat during frequent absences of her father George. The siblings had to be an integral part of raising their younger siblings. Berniece called Isabel, Millie and Richard her babies.  They were her first set of babies she commented in her final days.  Her older siblings Mary, Helen, Eva, George, Adam were charged with looking out for her. Berniece’s family moved often as her father looked for work.  She was born in Montana, moved to Alabama, and then settled in Minnesota, where she lived from elementary school until her death. She graduated from Washington High School in 1939.  After graduation she worked for the telephone company. Thank goodness she had a summer job too on Manitou Island in White Bear lake at the concession stand where she met the handsome Gerard LaPointe. She married Gerard LaPointe in  1941.  They lived in several homes in St Paul and moved to Inver Grove Heights  (IGH) in 1952. The home and acres at 9525 Rich Valley Boulevard allowed her 9 children – Michele, Nicholas, Peter, Mark, Elisabeth, Thomas, Paul, Margaret and Ann – to roam free. It hosted Zocher family gatherings and 3M employee gatherings.  It was the Inver Grove Heights version of the Wild West.  Live fire arms and fencing foils were allowed and monitored loosley. Berniece and Gerard divorced in 1970.  Berniece entered the full time work-force to support three children still at home – Paul, Margaret and Ann.  She worked as a punch card operator at Adams Burke, as a nurse’s aid at Wilder Foundation, and worked as an in-home care nursing aid for Home Services Inc., one of the first in-home care agencies. She sought employment assistance from the Department of Economic Security and ended up working in a clerical role for them during the 70s and 80’s.

Age 77 of South St. Paul

Went to be with the Lord, passing peacefully at home surrounded by her family, on October 12, 2020. Preceded in death by husband, Richard W. Leitch; daughter, Cynthia; parents, Shirley & Lester Krech; brother, Larry Krech. Survived by daughter, Cherri (Ted Markgren) Trapp, sons, Dean (Bridget Baxter) Leitch and Ric (Patty) Leitch; 8 grandchildren; Jennifer Letellier, David Leitch, Jessica Tischler, Danielle Casey, Wyatt Casey, Stormy Purser, Trey Townsend & Shelby Leitch; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers, Wayne (Marlys) Krech & Rick (Mary) Krech; sister-in-law, Rose Ann Krech; and many other relatives and friends. A private family interment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Jean has asked, “In lieu of flowers please save a life and give to the Best Friends Animal Society, 50001 Angel Canyon Rd., P.O. Box 567, Kanab, UT 84741-0567.  Better yet, go to a rescue organization or shelter and adopt a companion animal…You can even name it after me.” Love, Jeannie

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.