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

Laska, Arlene M. (Schmidt)

Age 77

Passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2021, following a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife of Lloyd; dear mother to, Scott, Randy (Tara), Jared (Kim); grandmother to, Brennan, Lucas, Tessa, and Andrew; also survived by brother, George (Sharon); sister-in-law, Jane. Predeceased by parents George and Marion, brother Ted. Arlene Marie Schmidt was born January 3rd, 1944 to George and Marion Schmidt in Phoenix AZ. She was welcomed into this world by her brothers, Ted and George. Shortly after Arlene was born, the Schmidt family moved to MN eventually settling into South St. Paul where she attended school. Arlene was a proud graduate of South St. Paul High School. Class of 1962. Shortly after High school she met the love of her life Lloyd Laska on a blind date set-up by her cousin Ray. Arlene and Lloyd tied the knot on August 13th, 1966 and eventually settled down in West St. Paul, MN. Over the years Arlene gave birth to three boys, Scott, Randy, and Jared. Arlene was a full-time homemaker and a very good one at that. She wore many hats in the Laska household and wore them well. Arlene was an excellent cook, seamstress, homemaker, and had a very special talent of knitting and crocheting. Arlene was known to put that talent to use by making several afghans and giving them as gifts. Arlene enjoyed camping with the family over the years taking many road trips with the camper all over the United States. She also had a passion for Minnesota sports teams. Was a die-hard fan of the Twins, North Stars, Wild, and Vikings. Arlene rarely passed up an opportunity to watch them on television. Later in life, Arlene enjoyed the company of her four wonderful grandchildren: Brennan, Lucas, Tessa and Andrew. She often referred to them as “A-BLT”. Arlene hosted many sleepovers with them along with a steady dose of “spoiling them”. Arlene loved her grandkids and would often join them on family outings, attending their sporting events, and even one time at Disney World. As the grandchildren got older, Arlene and Lloyd continued to enjoy their lives together. They took many trips in their motorhome, meeting up with their children camping and especially going on short trips to the casino. Arlene had a love for casino entertainment. Arlene and Lloyd also enjoyed many vacations too. Usually to Laughlin and Las Vegas and recently going on their first cruise to Mexico. Arlene also enjoyed being with her church family. Her and Lloyd were long time members at Oakdale Community Church. She sang in the choir and helped with numerous events during her time there. She served as treasurer for many years along with various other duties. She has made many close lifetime friends due to her involvement with the church. Her last days were spent at Sholom Home East in St. Paul where she got the most compassionate care anyone could have asked for. She started out in the rehabilitation area of Sholom. She then moved to the third floor where she was taken care of by some amazing staff. Her family could not have asked for a better place or better care for her. They would like to recognize some key nurses and staff that helped during this difficult time, Amy, Steve, Lori, Ubah, and Linda to name just a few. All of whom spent numerous hours with her and Lloyd keeping them company and sharing stories. Memorial Service 11:30 AM Saturday, March 20th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Hts. Visitation 10-11:30 AM prior to the service. Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Shalom Home East, St. Paul. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice.

 

 

Weigel, Mark

Age 86 of Inver Grove Heights
Passed away with great reticence on March 9, 2021.
Services will be held at a later date.

Soderbeck, Helen (Kielsa)

At age 94, was called home on March 3, 2021.

Preceded in death by husband Carl, grandson Justin and daughter-in-law, Michelle; parents; Stanley and Marie (or Mary) Kielsa; brothers, Stanley 1918-2000, Joseph 1920-1976, Frank 1922-1992 & Donald 1935-1995. .  A hairdresser in Maplewood for over 65 years, Helen enjoyed fishing, camping, and traveling.  Her family, including her siblings, nieces and nephews, gave her constant joy, as did her many friends and customers who solved problems, exchanged jokes, and shared recipes all while getting a haircut or perm. She is survived by her sons, Wayne (Jan Huston), Dean, Gene (Joan), and Keith; grandchildren, Nicky (Matt) Carroll, Jeff (Lisa), Lisa (George) Retezan, Jessica, Joshua, and Sara; and great grandchildren, Alexis, Jordan, Torri, Annabelle, Leia, Evan, and Will; sister, Rose Morey (Kielsa). Mass of Christian Burial 10 am Tuesday, March 16 at Transfiguration Church, 6133 15th St. No., Oakdale, MN.  Memorials preferred to Bethany Convent.

Funeral can be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/45873128

 

Angstman, Ronald Eugene “Ron”

Ron was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on February 14, 1934 to Max and Mabel Angstman.   He grew up in West St. Paul, attended Emerson Elementary School and graduated from Humboldt High School with the class of 1952. After graduation, he went to Dunwoody and to Minnesota University Extension School in St. Paul.

Ron went into the army in February of 1956.   On August 4th, 1956, he married Carole while home on leave from Fort Carson, Colorado.  Ron was then sent to Germany until December 18, 1956, after which he continued to serve for two years in the reserves and was honorably discharged.

Ron and Carole’s first son, Michael was a baby when they moved to South St. Paul to raise their family. Eventually three more sons, Mark, Matthew, and Kurt were born to them. The family has continued to expand, and Grandma “G.G.” and Grandpa Ron have always been very generous in spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Ron was hard working throughout his life. He had a paper route, set up bowling pins, (in the days before it was automatic), caddied at the golf course, and worked for the railroad and was an auto mechanic before starting his career at West Publishing. He worked for West for forty-two years, first at their St. Paul and then at the Eagan location.

Ron played softball for West Publishing, Commercial Club, and many other teams.  He was involved in coaching youth hockey, starting with the inter-city teams, then traveling Squirts and Pee Wees with George Powers for about fourteen years.  Ron received the Fan of the Year and the Gary Mikacevich awards.

Ron’s dream of owning a cabin was realized in 1991.  He bought a cabin on Sturgeon Lake, where he spent every weekend for many years, welcoming family and guests that joined them for a pontoon ride or relaxing afternoon barbeque on the deck.

Ron passed away on March 3, 2021 at United Hospital in St. Paul.  He was preceded in death by his son, Kurt and parents, May and Max Angstman.  He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 64 ½ years, Carole; children, Michael, Mark (Erika), and Matthew (Kathy); grandchildren, Tanner(Katie), Korbyn, Rebekah (Tony)Thomas, Amanda, Joseph(Jessica), and Jacob; great-grandchildren, Ernie and Matteo; and sisters-in-law, Jane Ann Sodowski, Kate Hickey, and Bonnie Hickey.

Ron was a wonderful family man and friend with a great sense of humor.  He loved and is loved by his sweetheart Carole, his family, and his friends. We miss Ron dearly, but hope to see that “twinkle in his eye” again in Heaven, and are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and sympathy that has touched our hearts deeply.

Memorial Service 7 pm Wednesday, March 17th with visitation 4-7 PM prior to the service at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Private Internment Resurrection Cemetery.

Reynolds, Elizabeth “Betty”

Age 94 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on March 5, 2021. Preceded in death by husband, Leo. Survived by daughter, Kathy Desque (Tod Morris); sons, Clyde and John (Lorri); grandchildren, Michelle Desque, Alecia (Steve) Heffernon and Christopher Reynolds; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Taylor and Andrew; great-great-grandson, Oliver; sister, Barbara Rueben.  Mass of Christian Burial 12 noon on Thursday, March 11 at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd Ave E., IGH. Interment, Resurrection Cemetery.

Tennis, Gerald W.

Age 71 of Inver Grove Heights.

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 4, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Grace and Bernard; sister, Alice. Survived by loving wife of 51 years, Mary; daughters, Amy (Derek) Running & Carrie (Don) Ries; granddaughters, Ashley, Alyssa, Alaina; siblings, Mary, Brenda, Sue, Shawn, Eugene (Karen), Debbie, Bernie; many other beloved family & friends. Jerry’s favorite times were spent at the lake and with his granddaughters. Mass of Christian Burial 9 AM Wednesday, March 10th at The Church of Saint Patrick, 3535 E. 72nd St., IGH. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

 

Chapple, Patricia E.

Age 90 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Preceded in death by husband, John Chapple; sister, Marjorie Larson. Survived by brother, Daniel (Diane) Carlson; son, John (Kurmari) Chapple; daughters, Beth (Ron) Detloff, Mary (Paul) Danich and Margaret (Steve) Doody; 8 grandchildren, Jenny (Jay) Tuccitto, Katie (Klint) Nadeau, Mary (John) Galles, Lizzie and Becca Danich, Steve, Megan and Sam Doody; 6 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Pat loved to travel, especially annual trips to the North Shore and hometown of Duluth and most of all enjoyed being with her family. Her strength, humor and warm heart lives on in many. The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice and Comfort Keepers for their compassionate care of our dear mother. Due to COVID-19, a private family Mass of Christian Burial is being held at St. John Vianney and interment at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

 

Anderberg, Michael J.

Age 64 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away suddenly on February 23, 2021. Preceded in death by father, Bingo. Survived by loving wife, Peggy; step-daughters, Shantel & Sherrie; mother, Mary; siblings, Cindy Swanson, Mark, Paul & Patti Bartholomew; also many other family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Saturday, February 27th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72nd St., Inver Grove Heights. A luncheon will follow at the Moose Lodge, 5927 Concord Blvd., Inver Grove Heights.  In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to the family.

Powers, George A. “Bump”

Age 90 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on February 20, 2021. Preceded in death by his parents, George and Rose; and 6 siblings. He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Gloria; children, Susan (Greg) Zweber, Mike, Mary Jo (David) Schrader and James (Geri); grandchildren, Jennifer, Lottie, Emily, Lindsay, Rachel; Seth, Brianna, Allison; Heather; great-grandchildren, Willie, Greta; Maggie, Lily, Renae; Mallory, Roman, Mayzie; Annelise, Bennett; Eleanora; Evelyn; and sisters, Donna, Mary, Renee.

George started his career as a keyliner for Sun Newspapers and finished out his career at Sexton Printing where he retired in 1995. But his life was definitely much more than working his 9-to-5.

Despite never having played organized hockey, George was an award-winning and highly respected youth hockey coach in South St. Paul from 1967 to 1993 and was an assistant coach for a few years beyond that. He started out coaching Inter-City for three years, then “B” Pee Wees for four years, and finished out the rest of his coaching career with “A” Pee Wees. Many of the teams George coached throughout his career earned State Championship wins and runners-up titles, and in the 1970s even included future Hockey-Hall-of-Famer Phil Housley.

For 23 years, George sat on the board of directors for SSP Hockey Booster Club, serving as president for two years. His aspiration was to fund free ice time for any and all kids through donations. He served on the arena board, was a regular tournament volunteer, as well as supporter and attendee of SSP hockey games, where he constantly ran into past players who would tell him he was the best coach they ever had.

George was a very humble and modest man, but he earned numerous awards for his dedication to youth hockey: 1970-1971 Inter-City Coach of the Year, in 1979 the SSPHBC Gary Mikacevich Award, in 1986 the MAHA District 8 Service Award, in 1988 the MAHA President’s Award for Outstanding Service to Youth Hockey in Minnesota, as well as the “Let’s Play Hockey” Man of the Year Award.

In addition to hockey enthusiast, George was also an incredible golfer. He got his first hole-in-one at the age of 82.

All of this while standing beside him was Gloria. As a couple, George and Gloria exemplified true love. They took care of each other in so many ways and George never took her for granted. He claims that “Without her, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” And you would always see them holding hands.

In 1985, George and Gloria took in their first of 87 foster babies, a passion they shared together until 2002. They regarded each one of these babies as their own and gave so much love and attention to them, regardless of whether they had them for a week or many months. Following their foster care tenure and for the next several years, they enjoyed providing day-care for a few special children, as well.

Prior to his senior year of high school, George had to drop out in order to obtain work and help support his mother and siblings. In 1995, George was given an honorary high school diploma, walking in the same ceremony as his granddaughter Emily’s graduating class.

Going to mass every week was something that was really important to George. When the 2020 COVID lockdowns were imposed, he was incredibly disappointed that he could not attend church and was looking forward to returning soon after restrictions were to be lifted. He was a faithful giver and helping children was always top-of-mind.

George was truly a one of a kind. He was a wonderful man in all of our lives who will be greatly missed. He lived a full life and has much to be proud of. He had a positive impact on every player he coached and every foster baby he cared for. He thoroughly adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately called him “Bump.”

Visitation 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3rd, at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to St. John Vianney Church.

 

Yapp, Phillip E.

Born on July 30, 1954 – Died on January 20, 2021. Preceded in death by parents Theron and Thelma and sister Ronile. Survived by brothers Gary (Jane) Yapp of Laguna Hills, CA. and Alan (Barb) Yapp of Mesa, AZ.  Please send cards and memorials to Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55077.