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

Van Dyke, James W. “Jim”

Age 78 of Hudson, WI

Formerly of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Beloved Husband, Father, Brother and Grandfather and Car Aficionado Jim died Nov. 28, 2020. Preceded in death by wife, Patricia A. Van Dyke; parents, William and Marjorie Van Dyke; sister, Judy Beltmann. Survived by daughter, Christa (Joe) Zaspel; son, William (Michelle) Van Dyke; grandchildren, Alyssa, Carter and Anna Zaspel and Alexander and Brooklyn Van Dyke; sister, Carol (Joe) Pearson; brothers, David and Greg Van Dyke; and brother-in-law, Dennis Beltmann.

Funeral Service 11 am Friday, Dec. 4th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 am prior to the service. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Goral, Dolly

Age 89 On November 23, 2020, longtime resident of South St Paul and Marine-on-St Croix, peacefully accepted the Lord’s invitation to reunite with loved ones that have gone before her.  She’ll be joyfully welcomed by brothers, sisters, parents, friends and Don, her beloved husband of nearly 67 years.  As a young woman, Dolly had endless energy.  She treasured the life-long friendships with girlfriends of the “Dix Amis” (Ten Friends), often speaking of the closeness they shared as their membership grew and each had family.  Time and relocation has since changed some zip codes, but the support network they developed within “Club” still endures. After raising her family, Dolly embarked on a successful 30-year career in real estate sales and management.  Although she earned numerous sales performance awards, the achievement she most valued was the success of the agents she mentored.  Always a champion of the underdog, her energy and rapport with those agents made each feel valued and helped in the establishment of their careers. In retirement, Dolly’s pastimes included caring for her 250-pot indoor botanical garden at home, enjoying the St. Croix River with Don on their cruiser, decorating all-out every Christmas and hosting family and friends. Dolly leaves behind the many lives she touched with kindness and compassion, including five children, Merrisue (Dean) Soutor, Kathy, Don (Brenda), Gaye (George) Kryzer and Rob (Naomi); twenty-two grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister, Susan Reynolds; sisters-in-law, Marilyn Locke, Carol Foley and Sandy Goral; brother-in-law, Bill Goral; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Due to the pandemic and concerns for the health and safety of family and friends, please know that attendance, while welcome, is unnecessary, though thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated.  Masks are respectfully requested of all attendees. Interment 1 PM Saturday, November 28th, at Oak Hill Cemetery, 243 16th Ave No, South St. Paul.  Memorials to the Serbian Hall, c/o Business Manager, 6104 Excelsior Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN 55416.  

Caneff, Timothy Allen

Age 74 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away after a three-year battle with lung cancer surrounded by his family on November 22, 2020.

Survived by wife, Beatrice; daughters, Patricia (Todd) Menier & Crystal; sons, Adam & Luke; 6 grandchildren; Tim was a proud sailor in the US Navy and an avid boater and will be remembered for his quick wit. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed. Private family burial was held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

Turner, Ray Anthony

Ray Anthony Turner, 69, of Rosemount (Formerly of Appleton, MN), passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and three sons on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, MN. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 30, 2020 from 9:00-11:00 am, to be immediately followed by the Funeral Service at 11 am, at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Avenue, Inver Grove Heights, MN. A Private Family Interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN with Military Honors. Ray was born July 21, 1951 in Montevideo, Minnesota, the son of Anthony and Delores (Anderson) Turner. He was raised on a farm just east of Appleton. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in town. He attended the Appleton School system for most of his education but graduated in West Germany while serving in the United States Army. Ray served his country from 1971 to 1977 spending his active duty in Germany. After returning to the United States he continued his education at Alexandria Technical College where he pursued a degree in Law Enforcement. While serving overseas, he met the love of his life Remedios (Remy) Liso Maghanoy. On November 22, 1975, Ray and Remy were united in marriage at St. John’s Catholic Church, by Fr. Eugene Brown. This union was blessed with over 44 years together and three children: Stephen, Anthony and Aaron. Ray worked tirelessly his entire life and dedicated over twenty years to driving semi-truck for numerous companies in West Central Minnesota. Ray’s occupation allowed him the opportunity to travel throughout the continental United States. His passion for adventure commenced with travels throughout Europe with his future wife while stationed in Germany. His most memorable adventure was in 2008, when Ray and his family traveled to Mindanao Island in the Philippines. In Ray’s free time he enjoyed watching professional sports, but he especially reveled in watching his three sons compete locally and his eldest son play at the collegiate level. Ray always made it a priority to attend his children’s activities, no matter the distance or destination. He enjoyed taking car rides with his wife, listening to music, and watching some of his favorite tv shows: MASH, MacGyver, NCIS and Criminal Minds. Ray’s true passion was spending time with the most important people in his life, his family. He was especially happy when surrounded by his seven grandchildren. He adored telling historical family stories and tales while summering with his grandchildren. Upon his passing, Ray had attained 69 years, 3 months and 26 days of age. He is survived by his loving wife, Remedios of Rosemount; children: Stephen (Ashley) of Maple Grove MN, Anthony (Laura) of Mankato MN and Aaron (Ashley) of Rosemount MN; seven grandchildren: Madison, William, Roman, Greta, Grayson, Easton and Henrietta. Brother: Robert (Rita) of Appleton; Sisters: Linda of Shakopee and Lana of Appleton; Sisters-In-Law: Belen Namit of Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, Philippines and Elma Pepania, Plaridel, Misamis Occidental, Philippines; and many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Delores Turner; His Parents-In-Law Eleuterio and Ramona Liso Maghanoy; Brother-In-Law Marcelo Maghanoy; Sisters-In-Law: Carmen Maghanoy, Felecitas Maghanoy, Endrica Maghanoy, Felomina Maghanoy and Rosario Malayao. Blessed be the memory of Ray Anthony Turner. ***Due to COVID Restrictions the Funeral Service will be limited to a small amount of people – Masks are Required and Social Distancing will be observed.*** If you wish to send a sympathy card please send to: 11150 Black Oaks Court N, Maple Grove, MN 55369. In lieu of flowers, Ray’s family requests that you donate to the VA in his honor.  To view Ray’s tribucast and sign his guest book go to:  https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/42147371

Cassidy, Francha “Fran”

Age 82 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on November 16, 2020. Preceded in death by parents; 2 brothers. Survived by loving husband, of 63 years, Art; daughter, Julie Cassidy; sons, Don (Kathy) Cassidy & Rich (Angie) Cassidy; grandchildren, Jessica (Craig) Helpser, Jennifer Cassidy, Patrick & Peter Cassidy; brother, Frank (Debbie) Sackett; also nieces, nephews, relatives & friends. Fran worked over 25 years at Cenex. She was passionate about her flower gardens and spending time with the grandkids. Visitation 3-7 PM Monday, November 23rd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Tuesday, November 24th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 353 72nd St. IGH. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Bigelbach, Carolyn

(nee Gerlach)

Age 81 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on November 16, 2020. Preceded in death by husband, Paul; brother, Jerry. Survived by children, Mike, Mary (Vince) Arrigoni, Jean (Ross) Jacobson & John (Anna); 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; siblings, Gene Gerlach, Joanne Theil & Jim Gerlach; also other family & friends. Visitation 3-6 PM Sunday, November 22nd, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Mass of Christian Burial 2 PM Monday, November 23th, at the Church of St. Patrick, 353 72nd St. IGH.

Grannis, Vance B., Jr.

Age 83 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully at home with his family and dog, Bergen, by his side on November 17, 2020. Preceded in death parents, Vance & Margrete; sisters, Joy Kohlbush & Linda Kirsner. Survived by loving wife of 60 years, Darlene; sons, Chip (Alayna) & Vaughn; daughter, Debra; grandchildren, Katie, Kelly & Nicholas; 3 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren. Vance was a practicing attorney for over 60 years and was still practicing law at the time of his passing. He was the first mayor of Inver Grove Heights and helped found the city.  He worked part time as a municipal law judge and volunteered for over 25 years as a police reserve officer in IGH. Vance enjoyed the time he spent with his family at their cabin on Lake Superior.  Vance had a lifelong love of animals starting with horses and later in life he began raising wild animals including Trumpeter Swans and other endangered species.  In 2011 he founded Darvan Acres Nature Center in southern Inver Grove Heights and before his death he succeeded in placing over 125 acres under permanent protection to restore the land to native species of plants and wildlife.  The Nature Center will continue under his family’s guidance. A private family interment was held and A Celebration of Life will be held later in 2021. Memorial preferred to the Darvan Acres Nature Center thru MN Gives with a link at www.darvanacresnaturecenter.org

Anaya, Maria Domitila Lucinda

Passed away peacefully on November 9th, 2020. Beloved mother of John Anaya-Theissen; loving grandmother to, Jason, John, Lisa & Janice; great-grandmother to, Anthony, Nathaniel, Hailee, Alyssa, Jordan, Mia, Sophia & Sienna; also survived by brother, Joseph; sister, Ermelinda; nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss her dearly. A woman we loved and cherished greatly, she will be missed. Funeral Service 11 AM Tuesday, November 17th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10-11 AM prior to the service. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

 

Wrobel, Lynne J.

Age 75 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully on November 6, 2020 after complications from a stroke.  Preceded in death by parents, Helen & Charles Herbrig; husband, Gene and infant son, Troy. She will be missed beyond measure by her children, Brent Watters, Shelby (Brian) Amspoker, Sean (Susie) Wrobel; grandchildren, Brittney, Stephen, Tyler, Matthew, Jonathan & Ethan; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra LaBelle; favorite nieces, Justine & Jodi; also many friends. Retiree of Amherst H. Wilder Foundation. Private family service at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Gilbert, Tami T.

Age 48 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on November 6, 2020. Preceded in death by mother, Joni Gilbert; aunt, Diane “DiDi”; grandparents, John and Corabelle Gilbert. Survived by loving husband, Sean Curran; sons, Gavin and Griffin; identical twin sister, Toni Gilbert; niece, Brooke, her son, Bentley; nephew, Mason; cousin, Cori (Ben) and their children, Avery, Emma, Ian and Carter; also other loving family and friends.

Tami was born October 9, 1972 in South St. Paul, MN.  She was raised in Inver Grove Heights, attended Simley High School and graduated from Mankato State University in 1995 with a Business Management and Human Resources degree.

A kind, generous, full-of-life and benevolent soul, Tami was also a devoted mother and wife, a loving sister, aunt and cousin, and a caring and loyal friend to many. Her radiant smile and personality lit up the room and her positivity was magnetic and endearing.

Gavin and Griffin were the loves of Tami’s life. Together, Tami and Sean built a loving home and encouraged their boys to pursue their passions. Their family was active with the school, neighborhood and community, and they cherished the relationships they built in Inver Grove Heights and at Faithful Shepherd Catholic School.

Tami’s love for sports began at a young age, as trips to Twins and Vikings games with her mother and sister ignited her passion for Minnesota’s teams. Later in life, Tami became a Vikings Season Ticket Member with her mom, sister and friends, and they enjoyed following the team year-round, even making trips annually to training camp in Mankato. More than anything, Tami was committed to putting others before herself.  She was dedicated to volunteerism and particularly enjoyed blending it with her love for sports.

Tami recently celebrated her 20-year anniversary at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, where she was a manager of Credit PSR & Reserves. She was a dedicated worker and a perfect example of what hard work and commitment can yield.

Even with all of these commitments and hobbies, Tami was insistent on participating as a member of the Lacrosse board, as a Mite coordinator and team manager for the Inver Grove Heights Hockey program and as a generous volunteer at Faithful Shepherd.

Tami managed her family’s life at a thousand miles an hour and she loved every minute of it, seemingly always hungry for more. She was a positive impact on many and a source of joy and unity for her loving family and friends. We know she is now one of God’s angels eagerly organizing events for her mother and aunt DiDi in heaven.  Tami’s spirit is already missed, and her memory will never fade.

Funeral Service is set for 9:30 AM on Friday, November 13, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 4030 Pilot Knob Rd., Eagan, MN 55122. Interment at General Lutheran Cemetery, South St. Paul. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Funeral live stream links:

http://stream.sjn.org

https://www.facebook.com/pg/SJNEAGAN/videos

https://www.youtube.com/user/SJNChannel