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.

Age of 76 in Inver Grove Heights,

Passed away on August 31, 2020. Preceded in death by her husband, Richard Moon; sister, Kathy Wojtecki (John); brother-in-law, Mike Luebker. Survived by her daughters, Jennifer Moon Jerikovsky and Cynthia Mee (Joseph); sisters, Becky Rosacker Luebker and Debbie Somers; grandchildren, Adam Jerikovsky, AJ Mee, and Kinsey Mee (Brad Whiting); great-grandson, Archer Whiting.  Judy led a life full of love for her family and service to people and animals in need. Funeral Service 10 AM Thursday, September 17^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9-10 AM prior to the service. Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the United States Humane Society or to the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.

Age 84

Passed away peacefully on September 5, 2020. Preceded in death by brothers, Glenn (Jean) and Duane (Janet); sister-in-law, Carole Keller; son-in-law, Jerry Pedersen. Survived by wife of 61 years, Rita and children, Terri Pedersen, Jodi (Mark) Blochinger, Susan (Steve) Illetschko, John (Lynn) Bauman, and Jennifer (Rob) Seaton; 15 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill (Rose) and Bob (Jane); brother-in-law, Bill Keller; also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Denny had over 30 years of services with the Inver Grove Heights volunteer Fire Department. A funeral service will be held at 12pm on Wednesday, September 23^rd at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation from 10-12pm. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred. Denny had a great sense of humor and will be missed by many.

Age 86, of Newport MN, formerly of South St. Paul, MN

The heart of our family was suddenly taken from us on August 30, 2020.  Dorothy loved her family deeply and was a friend to all who met her.  She will always be in our hearts because in there she is still alive.

PRECEDED by parents Leo Lenarz and Helen (Kroll); sons Dennis, Michael, Ronald; grandson Dennis Schlemmer; step-granddaughter Michelle Lehner; twin brothers Marvin, Ervin Lenarz; Sisters Marcine Meissner and Elaine Fischbach.

SURVIVED by daughter Lois (Larry Puzic); twin brothers Norbert Lenarz (Kathy); Norman Lenarz (Mary); DIL Tina Lehmann (Bill).  4 grandchildren James Puzic (Amanda); Ronald, Mellissa, Ashlee Cavalier. 1 step-granddaughter Abby Schlemmer.  4 great-grandchildren Sam Puzic; D.J., Jordan, Cora Schlemmer.  5 step-great-grandchildren Neil, Nolan Lehner; Patrick, Adian, Ethan Woods.

Visitation Monday, September 14, 10-11 AM at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave, Inver Grove Heights. Followed by Memorial Service at 11 AM and Interment to Oak Hill Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 face masks and social distancing are required and seating will be limited.

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights

Died peacefully at home on 9/7/2020. She was the loving wife of John and the mother of five daughters, Karen, Lisa (Dan), Beth, Laura (Jaye) and Jennifer; grandmother of Heather (Nick) and Danny; great-grandmother of Greta and Paige. A Private Funeral Service will be held 11 AM Saturday, September 12^th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association, Lewy Body Dementia Association or charity of your choice.

Age 88 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on August 31, 2020. Preceded in death by husband, Richard; brothers, Herbert & Richard. Survived by children, Dean (Bonnie), Lynn Guyot, Jani & Glen (Beth); grandchildren, Lance (Kim), Corey, Neil (Emily), Kali, Emily (Eric) Schlemmer, Andrew & Grace; great-grandchildren, Raena, Evelyn, Edison & Estelle; also nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Funeral Service 11 AM Saturday, September 5^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the SSP Educational Foundation. Special thank you to Brookdale Senior Living of IGH and St. Croix Hospice.

Age 94 of South St. Paul 

Passed away peacefully on August 30, 2020. Preceded in death by wife, Delores; all his siblings; great-grandson, Zachary. Survived by children, Bonnie, Tim (Debbie), Gary (Norma), Mary (Greg) Evgen & Mike (Cheryl); 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; also other family & friends. Private Family Services are being held.

Helen’s 90th Venture Out Birthday party 2011

Helen Imogene Garber Moore Christiansen passed peacefully at her home in Inver Grove Heights on August 25, 2020.

Born in McCallsburg, Iowa, June 27, 1921 to Lester Henry Garber and Leona Belle Hutchison Garber. Helen had two brothers, Samuel Burton Garber and Henry Dale Garber.  All preceded her in death.  Helen was raised in Graettinger, Iowa.

Married to Donald Ross Moore on October 3, 1942.  Don passed on May 15, 1976.

Helen attended college in Cedar Falls, Iowa and Mankato, Minnesota receiving diplomas in elementary school education.  Helen began her teaching career in Zearing, Iowas.  She taught 5^th grade in Minnesota Lake, MN for more than 20 years.

Helen and Don raised four daughters in Minnesota Lake; Christine, Maureen, Barb and Mari.  After Don’s passing, Helen became a foster mother to Angela Strehlo.

Helen and Don and their daughters enjoyed many fishing trips to Canada, family trips to Iowa, and traveling in the US and Europe, as well as card playing, involvement in the community and Peace United Church of Christ.

In 1985, Helen found a new winter home at Venture Out RV Resort in Mesa, AZ where she wintered until 2014.  There she met her future husband, Richard Christiansen.  They were married in Minnesota Lake, MN on June 14, 1986, and lived in Clarkston, Michigan.  They moved to Inver Grove heights, MN in 1996. Richard passed away in November 2013.  Helen moved to her new home at Timber Hills, a Presbyterian Homes retirement community.

Helen is survived by daughters, Christine (John) Volz, Minnesota Lake, MN, Maureen (Jim) Runquist, Farmington, MN, Barbara Berry, Fridley, MN, Maribeth (Steve) Brummer, Eagan, MN and foster daughter, Angela (Gil) Farala, San Diego, CA.  Grandchildren, Jack (Dora) Volz, Jill Runquist (Derrick Epple), Justin “Bud” (Tera) Runquist, Christopher (Christie) Berry, Stephen Berry, Jackie Berry, Timothy (Stacey) Brummer, Donny Brummer, Jennifer (Semenyo) Abreni, John Paul Farala, Janet Farala, and Jeffrey Farala, and family friend Deron Drummond; 14 great grandchildren,

Helen will be remembered for her strong faith, love of family, a great friend to many, sense of adventure, love of travel, strong leadership, a great teacher.

A celebration of Helen’s life will take place at a later date.  Due to COVID-19, this will be for immediate family only. Thank you for your understanding.  Donations in memory of Helen are requested for Presbyterian Homes, Peace United Church of Christ, or the Kremer House in Minnesota Lake, MN.

Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on August 25, 2020. Preceded in death by wife, Lois; parents, Mark & Emma; grandson, Jake; brother-in-law, Clayton Julien. Survived by sons, Kevin (Peggy) & Craig (Jane); grandchildren, Robert (Diane), Melissa, Nate, Kaila; great-grandsons, Korbin & Noah; sisters, Gertie & Marj (George). The family thanks the caring staff at Inver Glen Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4-6 PM Friday, September 4^th, with a prayer service at 6 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Interment 12 Noon Saturday, September 5^th, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church Cemetery, Balaton, MN. Memorials preferred to Alzheimer’s Association, St. Croix Hospice or donor’s choice.