Obituaries2017-03-17T11:40:28-05:00

Francour, Olivia V. “Libby”

Age 87 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on April 18, 2020. Preceded in death by husband, George. Survived by her loving children, Belinda (David) Canniff, Bonita Hanson, Mark, Brenda (Michael) Duffy, Brigid (Greg) Smith & Mike (Lisa); 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; also other relatives and friends. A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.

Egan, Tracey Lynn (Gallahue)

Age 60 of Farmington. Originally from South Saint Paul.

Lost her battle with cancer on Friday, April 17, 2020. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Survived by her loving husband, Matt Egan, son Ryan Egan (Melissa)-Jackson, Weston; daughter, Katie Truesdell (Tony) – Jayden, Tessa, Caden, Andrew, daughter, Kelsey (Marty); brothers, Scott, Shannon (Chris), Mark, Shawn (Lisa), Kyle. Preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Beverly Gallahue; brother, Kevin; sister, Jody.  Tracey was an employee at Trinity Care Center in Farmington MN where she loved all the people she worked with and cared for. She loved spending her free time with her grandchildren, family and friends.  She will be deeply missed by all who had the opportunity to meet and know her. Our angel has gained her wings. Celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Lindberg, Patricia Caroll

Age 87

Passed away peacefully at her home on April 15, 2020.  She was born March 13, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN to Inga & Clarence Andreasen.  She was married to her long-time love and husband, Walter Lindberg, for almost 65 years. Patricia “Pat” loved and served her Lord and Savior!  She loved and was devoted to her family, and cherished her many friendships.  Pat enjoyed singing, coffee dates with friends, golfing, reading, traveling, and celebrating events with family and friends. Pat and her husband were teachers; they met while on staff together at Fertile-Beltrami Public School. Pat accomplished her Teaching Degree while attending Bemidji State University. Pat taught at the elementary level, stayed home while her children were young, and then worked part-time as a Title 1 Tutor. Walter and Pat raised their three children while living in Fertile, MN.  Pat is survived by her husband, Walter; their three children, Susan Lindberg (Tom Corradi), Steven Lindberg, Nancy Risch (Rod).  They have eight grandchildren, Kristan Kary (Mitch), Scott Olson (Amanda), Jenessa Campbell (Adam), Cassandra Risch, Leah Lindberg, Jessica Risch, Brett Lindberg & Bradley Risch.  They have four great-grandchildren, Hudson Kary, Hayes Kary, Hattan Kary, and Cullen Campbell.  Pat is survived by two siblings, Loren and Richard Mathson. She also has many nieces and nephews. Pat is preceded in death by her biological parents as well as the parents who raised her, Louis & Oline Mathson, her brothers, Donald and Verne Andreasen, her daughter who died shortly after birth, and her granddaughter, Mackenzie Risch. A “celebration of life” ceremony is planned at a date yet to be determined.

Onischuk, William “Bill”

Age 93 of South St. Paul

William “Bill” Onischuk was born on January 23, 1927 in South St. Paul, Minnesota. He was the son of Michael and Mary Onischuk. He served in the Army from 1945 to 1947, stationed in Japan. Bill was an avid sportsman, playing American Legion baseball and was property of the New York Giants farm system. Bill married Geraldine (Gerrie) Glaser on September 19th, 1953 at St. James Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, Minnesota. After numerous small jobs, he retired after 27 years as Deputy Sheriff of Dakota County, Hastings, Minnesota at the age of 55. Bill and Gerrie moved to Bella Vista, AR in 1990 where he enjoyed his retirement playing golf & fishing while meeting many friends. Bill and Gerrie were members of Bella Vista Lutheran Church there.  Bill wrote his obituary above on a rainy day, while living in Bella Vista, he couldn’t play golf so he wrote part of his obituary but got tired before finishing the remaining, which is as follows.  He was blessed with two awesome children, Kim Miller and Jeff, a great daughter-in-law, Sandy, four grandchildren Kyle & Kelly Miller and Bradley & Brianna Onischuk and two great-grandchildren, Brantley & Jaelynn. Bill had two brothers, Carl and Tony, whom he lost in recent years while they both were in their 90’s. After retiring, he also bought a cabin on Big Wood Lake in Wisconsin near Grantsburg, where many great fishing experiences happened.  Arizona was also a popular place to visit for many winters. In 2017, as his health issues occurred a move back to Minnesota was inevitable. A huge thank you to The Waters of Oakdale, a wonderful place to spend your last years, where he called home until his death. Not feeling much to do to occupy his time in recent months, the casinos got to be a popular and favorite pastime, the best medicine he could find. Bill’s sense of humor was acknowledged even by all the doctors and nurses until the very end. Due to the current pandemic, Private Family Graveside Services were held at General Lutheran Cemetery in South St. Paul, MN. Memorials preferred to the Neighbors, SSP or donor’s choice.

When Bill passed away, the staff at The Waters delivered a single white rose. So it is fitting that today we put this rose on his grave to complete Bill’s journey. “Just as this beautiful white rose was once vibrant and full of life but is now wilting and fading away and will soon die, so has our beloved Bill gone from his journey of life and death. Remember always your journey and the future is yet to come and God bless your road ahead” Gerrie

 

Della Vedova, Richard Maurice “Rick”

August 12, 1959 ~ April 10, 2020

Of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away suddenly in an ATV accident. Preceded in death by parents, Dominic & Mary; close friend, Don Wilson. Survived by a loving wife of 20 years, Lynn; children Sarah, Joe, Mark, & Ava; brothers John(Janet) & Larry(Dawn). Rick played an integral part in the banking and financial world; climbing the ladder of success and finishing his career at US Bank. His family knew him as a supportive and caring man who seemed to always know what to say and when to say it; whether it was a comforting word of encouragement or a joke to lighten the mood. He was a “light” in many people’s lives with his positivity and faith. When he wasn’t attending one of his kids’ sporting events, he enjoyed walks around the neighborhood with the family dog (Murphy), grilling steaks, and being with loved ones. A private service was held on Thursday, April 16th and a celebration of Rick’s life will take place at a later date.

Venuta, Robert J.

Beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather

Age 78 of Mendota Heights, died on April 2, 2020 of natural causes. Bob was preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Marie Venuta; brother, Joseph Jr.; sisters, Dorothy Perkins, Marie Mosberger and Joan Venuta. Survived by loving wife of 50 years, Dorine; daughters, Melissa (Mike) Imse, Julie (Nick) Smith; grandchildren, Nathan, Ryan, Braden, Maddie, Sam & Luke; sister, Patricia Soutor; sister-in-law, Jane Venuta; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bob was a former employee of Armour and Company and the BNSF Railway. He enjoyed spending time at the family cabin and watching Minnesota sports. Special thanks to the staffs at the Geneva Suites, United Hospital and the Church of the Assumption for their care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at a later time. Memorials preferred to JDRF and Church of the Assumption in St. Paul.

Elling, Paula Jean (Rothi)

Age 64 of Inver Grove Heights,

Lost her fearless battle with cancer on Thursday March 26, 2020. She went peacefully and was surrounded by her family and wrapped in love. Paula was born on 1/28/1956 to George and Martha Rothi. She was a staple in her community of Inver Grove Heights, MN where she was raised, grew up and then started her own family with her husband, Jim Elling of 42 years of marriage. Her family, friends, kids and grandchildren were her life and main source of joy. Paula had a zest for life, she valued relationships and welcomed new friendships everywhere she went. She started her working career at Cenex when she was young and then stayed home to raise her kids when Ryan was born. When they started school she volunteered in the elementary schools and started subbing before becoming a Paraprofessional where she stayed and served District 199 for 23 years. Paula retired end of January, 2019 and unfortunately was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer 2 months later. Paula spent the whole last year courageously fighting her cancer and never letting it bring her down, she remained positive and chose to look on the bright side up until the very end. Paula began hospice at her home on March 18, 2020 and got to spend a full week surrounded by all her loved ones. She defied the odds and her fighting spirit and kind heart is an inspiration to all who knew her. Paula is survived by her loving husband, Jim Elling; son, Ryan Elling (Courtney); daughter, Jamie Falk (Jonny); sisters, Joni Selden (Scott) & Carol Kotosky (Tom); grandchildren, Lyla (6) & Bryson (18 months) Elling and Charlee (15 months) Falk and many nephews, nieces and their families, along with many dear friends. She is Preceded in death by her parents, George and Martha Rothi. Because of the large group gathering restrictions a celebration of life will be held at a later date, details to follow.

Haugen, Scott Thomas

Of Farmington, Minnesota, died on March 18, 2020 at 52 years old.

Scott was born on December 2, 1967 in Caledonia to Don and Jann Haugen. He graduated from Rockford High School in 1986 where he was captain of the football and basketball teams, as well as the Homecoming king. Scott attended Mankato State University where he met the love of his life Cheryl. He later earned his Masters in Education Administration at Saint Mary’s. He married Cheryl Thomsen on August 3rd 1990. Scott taught elementary in the Farmington and Lakeville Public Schools for over 25 years and was recognized and admired by students and families.

Scott was an avid sportsman and loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed sharing this passion with his sons. Scott was very involved in the community as well as his faith community at Farmington Lutheran Church. He loved Minnesota sports and attended many Gopher and Vikings games. He loved spending time with loved ones, especially his family. Family and friends will always remember him as a social butterfly. He is survived by his parents, sister Dawn, wife Cheryl, sons Mitch (Katie), Garrett, Brett, father-in-law Walt, mother-in-law Betty, sister-in-law Corinne (Jeff), brother-in-law Dan, as well as other family members. He is preceded in death by grandparents, nephew Matt, and dog Daisy.

The family would like to thank the community for their support during this time. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family will be setting up memorial funds and donations to organizations in Scott’s honor.

Wallaker, James “Jim”

Age 89

Born July 31, 1930, passed away on March 7, 2020. Preceded in death by wife, Annie; sister, Ila Quam. Survived by niece, Marilyn (Allen) Larson; nephews, Michael (Linda) Quam & Lance (Kim) Quam; special friend, Sharon Ray; also great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews and many friends. Jim enjoyed driving to visit his friends. Funeral Service 11 AM Saturday, March 14th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service. Interment Acacia Park Cemetery.

McSherry, John D.

Passed away on March 4th, 2020. 

He was born to Hugh and Pearl McSherry on June 17, 1934 in St. Paul, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Hugh and Allan McSherry and granddaughter, Kelly McSherry Mesa. He is survived by the love of his life of 60 years, Karen McSherry; and five children, Lynne McSherry, Linda Bray (Paul), Sandra McSherry Moberg (Per), Susan LaChance (Mark), John M. McSherry (Angie); 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. He was a faithful, prayerful and loving man and his love for God showed in everything he did and to everyone he met. Dad was above all passionate and proud of all of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his influence will continue to shape their lives. He was a gentle, caring and wonderful man who has left a permanent mark etched in our hearts and he will be greatly missed.  Funeral Service at 10:00 Monday, March 9th, with Visitation beginning at 9:00, at Lumen Christi Catholic Community, 2055 Bohland Ave., St. Paul, MN 55116.  In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.