Age 92 of South St. Paul

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on June 11, 2024. Preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, George; parents, Mathew and Anna Kustritz; and 2 elder siblings, Dorothy Moser and Donald. She is survived by 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, Lainey; Evelyn; one great-great-grandchild due in July; and sister-in-law, Claire Kustritz.

Gloria was an admirable, remarkable, multi-talented, and loving person to so many. As a child, it became evident that Gloria had a unique talent for hand-sketching, especially people’s faces. In her high school years, Gloria was active in a myriad of activities ranging from the a cappella choir and glee club to all-star soccer, bowling, and girls’ athletic association, as well as being on staff for the Hi Times student newspaper and assistant editor of her senior yearbook. A proud member of the class of 1950, she had even served as secretary for her class’s senior council and was voted the girl with the most “ideal eyes” among her classmates. Long after high school, Gloria continued to coordinate gatherings with her remaining classmates.

When she was just a senior in high school, George proposed to Gloria, and she set her sights on being “a good wife to George.” And that she was. They married a mere six months after she graduated in 1950 and remained inseparable until George was called Home in 2021. Gloria was devoted to making a home and life for them to share.

Less than a year after they married, they started their family. In addition to being wife and mom, she kept busy with small sewing tasks, creative household projects, and making sure a homecooked meal was always on the table. She did all the little things that would escape most people. Taking care of everyone was always top priority for Gloria, and for decades, she was a steadfast supporter of George while he spent many days coaching hockey and attending games.

After raising their own children, in 1985, she was inspired by their daughter Sue to take in their first of 87 foster babies, a passion Gloria and George 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.

Gloria once explained that these often-high-risk babies need extra love. “We give them at least 100 hugs and kisses a day. They know they’re loved.”

She also sketched the sweet baby faces of many of the fosters she cared for.

Following their foster care tenure, Gloria enjoyed providing day-care for a few special children, as well. She believed this natural desire to care for babies and children ran in her family, as her mother had been a nanny in Austria.

In addition to the foster babies, Gloria doted on every single one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all loved her dearly and enjoyed getting their socks from her each Christmas. Her first grandchild was unable to clearly say “Grandma” and it came out sounding like “Germunga,” which was abbreviated to “Ger,” a loving nickname everyone in the family called her from that point forward.

Gloria’s special heart for babies never left her. When she was experiencing troubling days while grappling with the effects of Alzheimer’s, showing her photos of babies (or bringing one to visit her) would always bring her back to us.

In all her years, Gloria never learned to drive, yet her love was spread far and wide. She was known for doing thoughtful things, like bringing a plate of her freshly baked bars to the local fire station. She was a devout Catholic, serving in the kitchen on donut Sundays, baking bars for funeral luncheons, helping during Fall Festival, and even teaching CCD classes with George.

The world lost an exceptional woman the day Gloria was called Home. Her heart was bigger than most, and her love for others was poured into everything she did. She never uttered an unkind word about anyone. In fact, she always found something good in everyone. She was humble and gracious, thoughtful and selfless. Her love knew no bounds.

We envision Gloria and George reunited in heaven, once again, holding hands.

Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Fri., June 21 at the Church of St. John Vianney, 840 19^th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Visitation 9:30-11 AM prior to the service at church.  Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights. Memorials preferred to St. John Vianney Church or Alzheimer’s Association.

Age 95 of South St. Paul, MN

Passed away June 6, 2024. Preceded in death by mother, Margaret and father Frank; husband, Lowell; brothers, Richard and Donald Garcia. Survived by son, Gary (Nancy) Hovey; granddaughter, Melissa (Dameon) Dombrock; great- grandchildren, Aiden and Ethan Hovey and Liv and Jack Dombrock.

Raised on the West Side, later resided on the East Side of St. Paul and then in South St. Paul for the past 50 years. Retired from Gross Givens Mfg. after 31 years. After retirement, she enjoyed her roads trips with Lowell until his passing in 2002. She was able to live independently on her own and still drive to the age of 95. She always had Turner Classic Movies on her TV along with a 1000 piece puzzle on her table she did weekly. She really enjoyed her day trips on Bob’s Get a Way bus where she met so many new friends. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, relatives.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Tuesday, June 18^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave. Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 10:00 am-11:00 am prior to the service. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights, MN.

Age 38 of Farmington

Passed away on June 3, 2024.

A Gathering of Family & Friends will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Monday, June 17th, with a time of sharing beginning at 3:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

Please continue to check for full notice.

H. Blake Kettles passed away at the age of 59 at his home in Vadnais Heights, MN on May 29, 2024.

Blake was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia L (Patty) Kettles; his father, William B Kettles, Jr; brother, William B Kettles III and brother-in-law, James Pierce. Blake is survived by mother, Patricia L Kettles; sisters, Ruth Pierce and Barbara (Scott Sutton) Bates; the extended Kettles family; his mother-in-law, Lucy Rooney and the Rooney extended family.

Blake was born July 1, 1964 in Duluth, MN.  He was a skilled auto mechanic for 30 years.  Blake enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.  He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A private service and burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Animal Humane Society or to the ASPCA.

Age 92 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on June 3rd, 2024. Sonny was born on Sept 11, 1931 in So. St. Paul where he met Shirley, his wife for nearly 70 years.  They had seven children.

Sonny served in the Air Force during the Korean war, missing the birth of his first two daughters as so many did back then. He and Shirley enjoyed square dancing with many friends for decades.  Sonny was a faith-filled Catholic who spent much of his spare time ushering, directing Christmas plays, and running the annual car show.   He was in construction his entire life, having worked on numerous buildings and homes around the twin cities.

He loved to tell jokes. He loved his siblings and extended family events. He dearly loved his Shirley. He loved our Lord, and he loved his children. He absolutely adored his ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Sonny is survived by his children, David (Helen), Doug (Carolyn), Don (Shelly), Denise, Dale (Karyn); grandchildren, Aaron (Jen), Carisa (Julian), Katy (Mason), Nick, Jake, Emily, Clair (Sean), Leah, Evelyn, Jack; great-grandchildren, Josie, Clark; six siblings and three step-siblings. He is preceded in death by beloved wife, Shirley; daughters, Debi and Nancy in addition to three siblings.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 13^th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. There will be a memorial service at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Church,1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy., Mendota Hts., on Friday. June 14^th, at 11:00 am, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am.  Mass will be followed by lunch and burial.

Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully on May 29th, 2024 with his family at his side.  Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Rupert and Harriet; brothers, Dick and Fred. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Peg; children, Mark (Lori), Sue Taylor, Jim (Lynn), Paul, Greg (Jena), Jeannine Salzer (Tim), and David (Tonya); daughter-in-law, Lorri; 19 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; brothers, Ron and Don. Jim proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He had a long career working for 3M Chemolite. Jim especially enjoyed spending time with family as well as fishing, golf, bowling and playing bridge.  Jim was an advocate for volunteering and gave many hours of his time to Habitat for Humanity as well as Neighbors, Inc.

A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jim’s life will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, June 14^th, at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St., Inver Grove Heights with visitation one-hour prior to Mass and a luncheon to follow.  A private burial at Ft. Snelling will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Habitat for Humanity and/or Neighbors Inc.

Age 89

Died peacefully on June 3, 2024 at Inver Glen Sr. Living in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Preceded in death by parents, Oliver and Lucille (Clark) Johnson; husband, Richard “Dick” Pemberton Sr. Survived by one sister; four children; four grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Funeral Service 11:00 am Tuesday, June 11^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights MN. Visitation one-hour prior. Memorials requested to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or Bethlehem Lutheran Church of Fergus Falls, MN.

Burial service 4:00 pm Tuesday, June 11^th, at Riverside Cemetery, Highway 169 S. Blue Earth, MN 56013.

Passed away peacefully June 3, 2024. Born October 7, 1933. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Frieda Janke; children, Julie and Thomas; grandson, Kevin. Survived by her loving husband for over 70 years, Bruce T.; children, SherryLee Jones, Bruce R. (Beth), Vickie, Jeanne (Craig) Kuhn and Terrence; 13 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 10 am – 12 noon, Saturday, June 8^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. A family graveside service will be held at 2 pm in the Glencoe Cemetery, Glencoe, MN.

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on May 22, 2024, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Preceded in death by parents, Viola & Urban Ricker. Survived by wife, Mary; sons, Tony (Lisa) & Vinny (Amy); grandchildren, Henry, Tommy, Joseph, Mae, Elise & Mary; brother, Mark.

We would like to recognize and thank Inver Glen Memory Care staff for the hard work and love they showed Tom during his year stay at Inver Glen.

We would also like to thank his many lifelong friends who stood by and supported Tom during his battle with Alzheimer’s.  Their presence and support were a great comfort to Tom and family.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will take place on Thursday June 6th, at Southview Country Club, 239 Mendota Rd., West St. Paul starting with a 12:00 noon visitation, 1:00 pm Memorial Service and a reception to follow. Memorials preferred to The South St. Paul Educational Foundation or Sharing and Caring Hands.

Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away on May 26, 2024. Preceded in death by husbands, Ray & Roy; daughter, Jayne; son, Jim; daughter-in law, Margaret; parents, Steve & Adeline Rhody; 5 brothers and one sister; step-daughter, Connie. Survived by sons, Greg (Julie), Jeff & Bob Steffen; grandsons, Todd, Kyle & Mike; step-daughter, Delores (Doug) Schaffer and families; sister, Mary Anderberg; also nieces, nephews, other family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 am Saturday, June 1^st, at The Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd, St., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:30-10:30 am prior to Mass.  Luncheon to follow. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.