Wagner, Roland “Ron” Erling
Age 88, of Inver Grove Heights,
Died peacefully on Monday May 18, 2020, at the Brookdale Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care in Eagan. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Gardens, 3400 Century Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55110, on Friday May 29 at 11:00 am. Memorials are preferred to the Alzheimer’s Association. Ron is survived by his wife of 67 years, Dorla (Paulsen). His three daughters, Pam (Dan) Briese of Mankato, Dawn (Kerry) Meyer of Inver Grove Heights, and Kim Garza of Eagan. His grandchildren, Heidi (John) Bruckhoff, Valerie (Aaron) Meier, Emily Ball, Hannah Garza, Rachel Garza, and Sam Garza; his great-grandchildren, Ashlee, Rylan, Kennedy, Addison, and Mason; siblings, Jean Owens, Susan Nasseff, and Stephen Porter. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Lucille Porter and grandson, Benjamin Garza. He retired from the Burlington Northern Railroad after 42 years but continued to work for the University of Minnesota Gopher Sports until all events were cancelled due to COVID-19. His most prized possession was his family.
Lawrence, Margaret
Born September 28, 1927,
In Salisbury, England. Met the love of her life, Donald Lawrence when he was stationed there during WWII. They Married in 1946. Preceded in death by parents, Lucy & Archibald Fry; husband, Donald; sisters-in-law, Dorothy & Clarence Palmer, Fran & Harold Johnson, Barb & Mike Gardner & Jean & Wally Ekstrand. Survived by son, Steve (Dao) Lawrence; daughter, Linda Lawrence Paselk; grandchildren, Angela (Toby) Havelsrud, Ashley (Adam) Marthaler & Donald (Chelsey) Lawrence; great-grandchildren, Carter, Makenzie, Jack & Barret. A private interment will be held at Union Cemetery, Maplewood, MN and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Margaret was much loved and will be greatly missed by us all.
Mendenhall, Mark Brian
Age 57 of Inver Grove Heights, MN
Preceded in death by father, David. Survived by wife, Cheryl; son, David (Danielle); daughter, Leah (Wade) Wilson; 4 grandchildren, Emmett & June Mendenhall, Warren & Weston Wilson; mother, Irma Vandelac; brother, Jeff (Linda); sister, Barb (Mark) Perron; sisters-in-law, Lynn (Rick) Day and Jim Kohnke also numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Mark loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will be held at a later date.
Egan, Thomas P. “Birdman”
Age 59 formerly of South St. Paul
Passed away on May 15, 2020. Preceded in death by wife, Bonnie; parents, Pat & Gert; brother, Tim; sister-in-law, Tracey. Survived by siblings, Sue (Dave) Larson, Trish (Steve) Oster, brother, Matt; also many nieces & nephews; step-son, Gary King of OK. A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at a later date. A special thank you to niece, Kelsey Biljan for all of her loving care.
Whichello, Richard “Dick” Sr.
Passed away peacefully on May 15, 2020. Survived by loving wife, Carol; children, Rich Jr. (Tanya), Mike (Judie), Melissa (Paddy) Noone; 12 grandchildren; sister, JoAnne Bush; beloved mother-in-law, Vernice; also many other loving relatives and friends. Dick was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by all. Private family Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Augustine Church, South St. Paul. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Winter, Lois L.
Age 80 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on May 11, 2020. Proceeded in death by loving husband Sylvester, parents, one brother, three sisters and one great grandchild. Survived by one son, David (Michelle), 3 daughters Margaret, Karen (Mike) Stanek and Nancy (Don); 11 grandchildren and many great grandchildren; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. She was a very loving wife, mother and grandma. She will be deeply missed. Mass of Christian Burial 9:30 AM Thursday, June 11th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. Private interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Hanson, Elsie Jane (Mekoli)
Age 86
Passed away peacefully at home May 5, 2020. Elsie is survived by her husband of 66 years and 7 months, Jerry Hanson; daughters, Kathy (Doug) McIntosh, Sandy (Bill) Wegwerth, Debra (Paul) Hugunin, BethAnn Hanson (Roland Nevarez); 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Adolph and many nieces and nephews. Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ann Mekoli; sister, Rosie Olsen; brother, Les Mekoli; daughter, Michelle Tuman; grandson, Ben McIntosh. Those who knew Elsie recognized her as a kind woman of faith, strength, compassion, and determination. She loved God, her family and learning. Elsie exemplified honesty, commitment, and hard work and will be dearly missed by her loving family. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for 50 years and cherished her church and community. A funeral procession beginning at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Inver Grove Hts., MN, will begin at 11:15 am on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 following a private family funeral, following Covid-19 recommendations. The family welcomes those who wish to participate to meet in the parking lot of St. Patrick’s to process to St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Inver Grove Hts. We appreciate and respect social distancing guidelines while at the cemetery as only the immediate family will be at the gravesite for final prayers. We thank you for your love and support. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Baker, Michelle (Servatius)
Age 50 0f Rosemount
Passed away peacefully at home May 9th surrounded by her loving family. She valiantly fought ovarian cancer for 7 ½ years. The cancer will not be what she is remembered for. She was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and teacher. She touched so many people’s lives in her 27 year elementary school teaching career, as a teacher who was dedicated to all students. She had such a passion and purpose teaching – at levels we all hope we can find in our lives. Survived by husband Erik, son Ben, daughter Abigail, parents Jim and Sandy Servatius, brother Mike (Lisa), and many nieces and nephews. Memorials to Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance.
Private Mass of Christian burial, St. Joseph Church, Rosemount. Private interment St. Joseph Cemetery, Rosemount. Memorial gathering pending in June due to COVID-19 restrictions, please check back for further updates.
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 with food and fellowship to be served at 6 PM at The Moose Lodge #1008, 5927 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Hts.
Burke, Harold Edward
Age 85 of Bloomington (formerly of Edina)
Passed away peacefully on April 29, 2020. He was born to Paul Sr. and Loretta (Bertrang) Burke in St. Paul on October 28, 1934 and was known by many as “Hez” during his youth. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Katherine (Sullivan); children, Tim (Penny Leporte), Ann (Eugene) Karels, Joan (Rick) Orr, and Cathy; grandchildren, Cassie and Liz Burke, Matthew, Juliana, Clare, and Cecilia Karels, Rebecca, Emily, Charlie, and Nick Orr; brother, George (Shirley); close family friend, Tom de Ranitz; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Paul Jr. (Irene), Robert (Carmela), and Joan (James) Chapman. Harold graduated from Monroe High School in St. Paul and attended the University of Minnesota and William Mitchell College of Law. He worked his entire 40-year career for IDS/American Express Financial Advisors (now Ameriprise), serving as an attorney in the legal department for 38 of those years. He was well respected by colleagues and friends. Harold also served on the Board of Directors for Wingspan Life Resources. Private family services are being held and a Mass of Christian Burial will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wingspan Life Resources and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The family would like to thank Minnesota Oncology, the oncology care team at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, and J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice for their many gifts of kindness.