Kropp. Janet M. (Nee Ryan)
Age 75, of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Passed away on April 25. She will be dearly missed and is survived by loving husband of 55 years, Donald, sons, Michael (Valerie), Kelly (Laurie), grandchildren Kaitlin (Danny) Dobson, Kelsey (Joe) O’Donnell, Eric, Andrew and Ryan Kropp and 1 great-granddaughter Emma. Also survived by sisters Patricia Ryan and Linda Richie (Gary), many nieces, nephews and dear friends. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, family and friends and made every holiday and family event special. She will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to meet and know her. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 4-8 PM Thursday, September 3. 2020. A ritual will be performed by the Women of the Moose at 5:15 PM with food and fellowship to be served at 6 PM at The Moose Lodge #1088, 5927 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Hts.
Wirth, Donald Joseph
Age 67 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully on August 12, 2020. Preceded in death by parents, Burton & Pearl. Survived by wife, Rhonda; children, Donald Jr.& Charlie; siblings, Sharon (Gil) Binger, Janine Keppers, Kevin Wirth, & Charlene Gangl; also nieces, nephews, great-nieces & nephews and many friends. A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held from 4-7 PM on Tuesday, August 18th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.
DesLauriers, Alice J.
Born April 29,1942
Alice died peacefully on March 26, 2020 with her hospice nurse at her side. She is missed dearly by family and friends. Alice loved gathering with family and friends, going to musicals and plays, and game nights. She played guitar and sang beautifully at many family gatherings. She was an avid reader and loved nature. Alice was dedicated to helping others, through her work at several non-profits including a home for unwed mothers, the Cabrini House, the American Red Cross and her work as a personal coach. Alice is preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Margaret DesLauriers; her sisters, Margaret Strese, Mary Lou Motzko, Kathleen Giguere, and Della Gangl; brothers, Martin DesLauriers and Dick DesLauriers. She is survived by her siblings, Helen Gerten, Eileen Welsch, and Louis DesLauriers; also many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Sunday August 30th, 5-9 pm at the Black Hawk Park Pavilion in Eagan, MN. Memorials preferred to The Nature Conservancy and The American Red Cross.
Forschen, Debra Rose
Age 66 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 4, 2020. Preceded in death by father, Ralph Cole; sister, Sheila Biljan. Survived by loving husband of 47 years, Darven; son, Dustan Forschen; daughter, Shawna (Derek) Dehaan; grandsons, Colton & Grayson; mother, Mahala Cole; sister, Pam (Wayne) Speldrick. Private Services will be held at a later date.
Sauerer, Roger J.
Age 91 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully on August 7, 2020. Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Eleanor; brother, Jerome; sisters, Celine Norman and Kathleen Ostendorf; 5 half- brothers, Elmer, Charles, Melvin, Leo and Roman. Lovingly survived by his wife of 67 years, Othilia (“Jo”); children, Darrell (Bernadette), Keith, Pat (Katie), Terry (Lisa), Anne Pool (Mark) and Karen Faith; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Wednesday, August 12th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 930 -11 AM prior to Mass. Private interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. Any memorials received will be given to local charities.
Goldbeck, Joanne Ruth (Hayden)
of Inver Grove Heights
June 2, 1936 – August 2, 2020
Joanne was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin to parents Leslie and Dorothy Hayden. She graduated from La Crosse Central High School in 1954. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout for one year, followed by graduation with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1958. She was also certified in Special Education from University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Joanne taught in both St. Paul and South St. Paul elementary schools. Joanne was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ronald Earl Goldbeck; sons, Ronald Charles and Paul Alan. The Goldbecks were long-time members of the former First United Methodist Church in South St. Paul. Memorials are preferred to the Best Foundation, Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights.
Zaccardi, Myrna May
Age 79 of St. Paul Park
Born May 25, 1941. Called Home on July 29, 2020. Myrna enjoyed visiting casinos, knitting and crocheting, her pride and joy raising dogs. She was loving, kind and selfless always putting others first. She Loved and adored her grandchildren. Survived by loving husband of 61 years, Robert; children, Zoaunne Ratzlaff, Guy, Zena (John) Stefani, Clark (Amy), Zanda, Kurt (Margaret); grandchildren, Carina & Anthony; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Muriel Einberger; daughter-in-law, Sharon. Predeceased by her parents, Helen and Edward McDonough, and siblings, Edward “Butchie” McDonough, Marlene Salokar & Mary Johnson; son, Robert J Zaccardi, son-in-law, Clifton Ratzlaff. Visitation 3-5 PM, Memorial Service 5 PM Saturday, August 22nd, at the United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Ave. So., Cottage Grove, MN 55016. An outdoor Celebration of Life and fellowship to follow. Social distancing and mask policies apply.
Spizman, Sheldon B.
Age 85 of St. Paul
Born May 8, 1935. Passed away peacefully on July 30th, with his children at his side He is survived by wife, Anita; children, Joel Spizman, David (Sue) Spizman, Jody (John) Wittnebel; grandchildren, Brittnay (Kenneth) Alter, Johnny Wittnebel, Ian Wittnebel, Jack Wittnebel, Elizabeth Spizman, Alex Spizman, Jerel Saxon, Alli Kollar; great-granddaughter, Lily Alter; brothers, Howard Spizman and Robert Spizman. He was a longtime survivor of cancer and continued to live a full life for 23 years after diagnosis. His family founded Spizman Fruit Co. in Saint Paul and helped develop the forum of farmer’s market. They also founded the Twin Cities Fruit Terminal Association in June of 1963. He was a professional motocross and snowmobile racer, enjoyed nature, camping, sailing, snow skiing, horses, dogs, and fast cars. His family and friends love him and consider him a one of a kind legend. Funeral Service 11 AM Wednesday, August 5th, at The Historic Ft. Snelling Chapel. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Kirchner, Harvey George
Age 92 of West St. Paul, Eagan, Hastings, Burnsville, MN
Born February 29, 1928, passed away peacefully from end-stage Alzheimer’s July 16, 2020.
Harvey was born the youngest of 4 children, growing up on a farm in West St. Paul. Working on the farm he developed a strong work ethic and faith in God. He was a lifelong member of St. James Lutheran Church.
Harvey married his Humbolt high school sweetheart Rita Kelly when they eloped to Iowa July 5th, 1947 at age 19 and their love affair continued the rest of their lives. They were married 66 years when Rita passed away from interstitial lung disease.
Harvey’s first job out of high school was working on the railroad repairing cars. He learned how to build a house from a railroad coworker and proceeded to learn on the job, trial and error doing most of the work all by himself. In the ’50’s he bought several acres of land, had it platted and roads put in then proceeded to build one house at a time and sold it, slowly building a neighborhood around his own home which he also built. He did this a few times in his career, building a house from the basement up, only subcontracting out the plumbing, heating and electric. Rita learned how to be his bookkeeper and secretary and that was their livelihood his whole life.
Harvey was a devoted husband and father of two daughters Rolaine “Rollie” and Renee’, provided a good home and loved his family. He was also referred to as a “stubborn German” which he couldn’t argue with. He loved dogs and cars and owned several over the years. He enjoyed his garden, growing trees, fixing up tractors, going to auctions, watching football, playing black jack and penny poker, going to Las Vegas with Rita, dancing and fishing when he was younger. His favorite treats were popcorn, nuts and peanut brittle and in his younger years he loved donuts and other bakery goods. Working hard building houses every day he never gained an ounce from his treats. He enjoyed watching TV and had lots of favorite shows in his life. Harvey and Rita attended St. James Lutheran church and raised their family there as well. He would congregate with his siblings after church every Sunday to visit on the lawn after church.
Harvey developed Alzheimers Disease which progressed in his last two decades of life. Upon the death of his wife Rita in 2013, he was moved to Emerald Crest Memory Care Assisted Living in Burnsville where he received wonderful care by a great staff who treated him with dignity, love and respect along with his dozen housemates where it became home to him.
He was loved by his 3 grandchildren Heidi, Gretchen and Ben who all married, live locally, and gave him 8 great grandchildren. He was visited regularly by his loving cousin, Gladys and LeRoy as well.
Harvey was a “leap year baby” so every 4 years family made a big deal for his “real” birthday. When he was 64, we had a “sweet 16” party for him. When he reached age 84, we told him he was old enough to vote! Fortunately we were able to have a little Leap Year Party for him this past February 29th at Emerald Crest with about 10 people with his favorite Pineapple Upside Down Cake. Unfortunately that was the last time people were allowed to visit Harvey due to the Covid19 pandemic and he continued to decline, lose weight and end-stage Alzheimers then took his life 5 months later.
Preceded in death by his wife, Rita Kirchner; parents, Martin and Lydia Kirchner and his siblings, Mabel (Hugo) Lorch, Clarence (Eileen) Kirchner, Violet (Horace) Brown, Nephew Gerald Brown. Survived by daughters, Rolaine “Rollie” (Phil) Brandt and Renee’ (Dave Reed) Kirchner; grandchildren, Heidi (Jason) Haakenson, Gretchen (Wayde) Fleener and, Ben (Beth) Brandt; 8 great-grandchildren, Eric, Lucia, Olivia, Sophia, Sam, Toby, Nathan and Andrew; cousin, Gladys (LeRoy) Motz, Dorothy Sell, George “Bud” (Marian) Kirchner, and others; also several nieces and nephews. Memorial Service 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 21st, at St. James Lutheran Church, 460 Annapolis St., W., West St. Paul (Masks are required please). Visitation 10-10:30 AM prior to the service at the church. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery, Mendota Heights. . In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Maroney, Viola
Age 88 of Inver Grove Heights, born in Lowry, South Dakota
Peacefully passed away July 15th, 2020 at home, surrounded by family. Viola Maroney was born Viola Irene Beitelspacher on August 3, 1931 in Lowry, SD to Jacob & Rose (Schilling) Beitelspacher. She was raised on a farm in Lowry and spoke only German when she started school. She and her siblings (Violet, Ilene, Dennis and Mavis) helped work the farm by milking cows, driving tractor, shocking/cutting grain. She talked about playing softball with her siblings in their spare time and how in the winter they would make homemade ice cream out of the snow.
Viola attended a 1 room country school house until she started high school. In order to attend high school, she had to move to Hoven, SD where she worked for her room & board at a house in town and would go home on the weekends (weather permitting) to help work the farm. She graduated from Hoven High School in 1950.
After high school she attended the Aberdeen School of Commerce and upon completion she became employed at the Walworth County Auditor’s office in Selby, SD. She worked there until 1954.
On August 14, 1954, Vi married Robert LeRoy Maroney of Lebanon, SD. They immediately moved to Salt Lake City, UT so Bob could attend school. There she worked for the Credit Bureau of Salt Lake until their first child, D’On, arrived prematurely in May 1955.
In January 1956, Vi and Bob moved to the Twin Cities; living in Minneapolis, St Paul Park and finally settling in Inver Grove Heights. Through the years they had four more children; Denise, Darlene (deceased), Duane and Doug.
She worked for several years at Armour & Company, and then attended photo negative retouching school, becoming a self-employed freelance retoucher. The last 10 years of her career were spent working in the office at Inver Grove Heights Middle School as a secretary.
Viola LOVED collecting salt & pepper shakers, rooster & chicken knickknacks, blue glassware & vases, and recipes. She was an avid baker and the two things her family loved most were her lemon bars & her mac n’ cheese! You never left her home hungry. In the last few years her favorite past times were talking to her sisters & friends on the phone and playing Words with Friends on her tablet.
Viola battled cancer in 2017/18 and was declared cancer free in July of 2019. Sadly, her cancer returned and she lost her battle on July 15th, 2020. She peacefully passed away, in her home, surrounded by family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob & Rosina; brother, Dennis; husband, Robert and infant daughter, Darlene. She is survived by her siblings, Violet, Eileen (Jim), Mavis (Edward) and Audrey; children, D’On, Denise (Dick), Duane and Douglas; grandchildren, William, Brooke (Nick), Tiffany, Kasey (Annie), Randi, Justin, Nathan, Willem, Alyssa and Chelsea (Leib); great-grandchildren, Evan, Zack, Mackenzie, Kiegan, and Hadassa. Memorial Service 11 AM Monday, July 20th, at Emanuel Lutheran Church 2075 70th St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service at the church. Fellowship to follow outside after the service. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.