May 4, 1940 – October 9, 2025

William Harry “Bill” Szlaius of Cottage Grove, MN, formerly of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by the people he loved most and was most proud of in the world, his family and grandchildren.

Born in Harvey, Illinois, on May 4, 1940, Bill grew up with his parents, William G. and Esther (Smuczynski) Szlaius, and his sister, Dianne. He attended Loras College in Dubuque, IA, where he met the love of his life, Mary Freiburger. They moved to Minnesota, married and built a life together rooted in love, hard work, and faith. They raised two children, Catherine and William, who, along with their families, brought Bill tremendous joy.

Bill proudly served six years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He lived by the words “once a Marine, always a Marine,” a reflection of his lifelong discipline, integrity, and pride in service.

Bill had a successful career with Cenex, where he established friendships that he maintained for the rest of his life. Bill and Mary also built a childcare business together, Woodview Terrace Montessori in Woodbury, where thousands of children took their first steps into learning and discovery under Mary’s guidance and Bill’s behind the scenes support. Bill handled the business side while taking deep pride in watching Mary grow the school into a cherished part of the community. For decades, Woodview Terrace Montessori shaped the lives of countless families—something Bill and Mary both considered one of their greatest shared accomplishments.

Outside of work, Bill’s greatest loves were his family, his faith, and golf—playing it, watching it, and talking about it with anyone who would listen. He was a devout Catholic whose faith anchored his life and brought him peace in his final days. To his grandchildren, he was simply “Papa,” a role he embraced with joy and pride.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William G. and Esther Szlaius, and his sister, Dianne Szlaius. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary (Freiburger) Szlaius; children, Catherine (James) McDonnell and William Joseph (Krista) Szlaius; grandchildren, Madeleine, Zachary, and Isabella McDonnell and Anna Szlaius; and step-grandchildren, Veronica, Serena, and William Cavanaugh; each of whom held a special place in his heart. Bill also gained a second family through Mary—her 11 siblings from Dubuque, IA, whom he cared for deeply and loved as his own.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 21, at 10:00 AM with a Catholic Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, 8694 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN.

Age 96 of Maplewood, formerly of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 13, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Donald; parents, Arthur & Anna Lehmann; 3 siblings. Survived by children, Roger, Dennis (Candy), Steve, Karen Cardinal & Kay (Sean Peters); 8 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; also other family & friends.

Verna loved gardening, sewing, quilting, playing cards and spending time with her family.

Memorial service 11:00 AM Friday, October 24^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Interment Union Cemetery.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at South St. Paul Moose Lodge 1088, 5927 Concord Blvd, Inver Grove Heights, following Interment.

Age 55 of Eagan, Minnesota

Passed away from natural causes at her home on October 6, 2025.

Jennifer was born on September 22, 1970, in Winona, Minnesota, to George A. Pozanc and Carole F. Pozanc (Armitage). A 1989 graduate of Winona Senior High School, Jennifer’s love of softball and baseball began early and continued throughout her life. She was an avid Minnesota Twins fan who rarely missed a game.

Jennifer was a lifelong learner and an accomplished academic. She earned an Associate of Arts degree from Waldorf University, a Bachelor’s degree in Writing and Classical Studies from Concordia College, a Master of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Writing and Communication from Bethel University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas, where her studies focused on Technology in Education, Learning, and Development. She was also a certified personal trainer, combining her commitment to education with her dedication to health and wellness.

Jennifer enjoyed writing poetry, hiking, working out, and watching baseball (GO TWINS!). She loved her cats dearly, and they brought her great comfort and companionship.

She is survived by her siblings, Mary Jo Templeton (Chris) of Pine Island, MN; Christopher Pozanc (Bruce Baker) of St. Charles, MN; Josephine Pozanc of Byron, MN; and Georgine Gersdorff (Fred) of Harper Woods, MI. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Ashley Thompson (Adam), Bethany Schroht (Aaron), Taylor Pozanc, and Anthony Horton, and great-nieces and nephews, Parks, Brynlee, Rylee, Rhett, Nash, and Colt Thompson, Olivia and Mackenzie Jacobsen, and Devon and Sawyer Sanford, along with others who brought joy to her life.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her parents, George and Carole Pozanc, and her great-niece, Analisse Thompson.

Jennifer will be remembered for her dedication to learning, her love of God, and the deep affection she had for her cats. She lived her life quietly, thoughtfully, and on her own terms, guided by faith and a steady belief in the goodness and grace that surrounded her.

There will be no formal services, as those who knew Jennifer will remember her in their own personal ways.

Age 78 of Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Joseph; parents, Edward & Alice Schmitz; sisters, Mary Alice & Joan. Survived by sister, Dorothy (Wayne) Thalhuber; also nieces & nephews.

Rita’s warmth and generosity touched everyone who knew her. She had the ability to make people feel seen, heard and valued – and that rare gift will be dearly missed. We are deeply grateful to the Our Lady of Peace Hospice team that provided outstanding, compassionate care for Rita.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM Saturday, October 25^th, at Church of St. Patrick, 3535 72^nd St. E., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1 hour prior to service at church. Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Mendota Heights.

Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice.

Age 75 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away peacefully at home on October 13, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Tony and Betty; brother, Tom. Survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Dawn; sons, Jeff (Suzie), Brad (Renee) & Jay (Jen); grandchildren, Taylor (Seth), Meghan, Allie, Chase, Ella, Blake & Louie; great-grandchildren, Jace, Haze & Ryet; sisters, Theresa (Greg) & Debi; also other family and friends.

Mike had a passion for sports; he loved playing softball, broomball, hockey, and golf. He cherished the friendships built through years of competition and camaraderie.

Visitation will take place from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, with a memorial service following at 6:00 PM on Thursday, October 23rd at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights.

04/19/1937 ~ 10/12/2025

Jane peacefully went home to Jesus on Sunday October 12th, surrounded with love.  Her very last words were “I Love You Too” on October 9th.

Jane was born to Tony and Agnes Gumlock in her Grandmother’s home in Arlington, SD.

Jane married Donald Dean Salmon in 1957, and together, they had 4 sons.

They divorced in 1968 and Jane never remarried.

She raised her 4 boys on her own, living mostly in St. Paul, MN.

Jane worked various jobs throughout her life and retired from Travel Tags in Inver Grove Heights.

Jane lived out most of her retirement years with her son, Mark; and his wife, Cyndi.

Jane is proceeded in death by her sister, Barbara Thill; and her husband, Jerry Thill

of Great Falls, MT; her son, Michael Salmon; and her granddaughter, Casey Salmon.

Jane is survived by one brother, Robert Gumlock (Karen); 3 sons, Dave Salmon (Nancy), Robert Salmon, and Mark Salmon (Cyndi); 7 nieces and nephews, 14 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.

Jane will be laid to rest in her beloved hometown Arlington, SD with her family at Arlington Cemetery.

A private family gathering will take place at a later date to be determined.

Age 79 of Edmond, Oklahoma, formerly of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota.

Mary graduated from South St. Paul High School in 1964.  She graduated from St. Cloud Nursing College and served 10 years as a registered nurse in the United States Air Force.  After serving in the Air Force, she worked at Divine Redeemer Hospital in South St. Paul, where she met her future husband, Peter.  She retired from Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville.

Mary is preceded in death by husband, Peter; parents, Arthur & Mirrella Pirkl; brothers, Charles & Ken Pirkl. Survived by sons, Luke (Stefanie) & Peter III; siblings, Mark Pirkl, Joan Weber, Susan Wethern; Peter’s parents, Peter Sr. & Naomi Patton; sisters-in-law, Sharon Pirkl, Mary Lou Pirkl, Claudia Wright; also many nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

Funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, October 10^th, at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Hts. and can be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a25104593267618. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, South St. Paul.

Memorials preferred to the Oklahoma Animal Humane Society.  In honor of Mary’s favorite color, please wear purple.

Age 78 of Inver Grove Heights, MN

Passed away on October 5, 2025. Born on December 4, 1946 in West St. Paul, MN. Diane is preceded in death by husband, W. Richard “Dick” Heinrich, who passed away August 20, 2025; and brother, George (Sue) Weber.  Survived by her daughters, Lynn Heinrich and Lisa Heinrich; grandchildren, Ryan Tessman and Jack Tessman; sisters, Barb (Dan) Stone, Cheryl (Gary) Pawlenty, Annette (Andy) Gross and Elaine Weber and their families; sisters-in-law, Beth Marschall and Corinne Brengman and their families.

Funeral Service will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, October 18^th, at Good Shephard Lutheran Church, 7600 Cahill Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 1 hour prior to service at church. Interment Riverview Cemetery, St. Paul.

Age 84 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 5, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Jacques; parents, Tom & Mary Helm.

Survived by children, Tom (Ann), Kim, Lisa (Bill) Lund, Ryan (Amy), Kelli (Don) Lesher; 24 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Helm; also other family & friends.

Donna grew up in South St. Paul, but she was a longtime resident of Inver Grove Hts. She was a homemaker who raised her kids, grandkids and a few neighbors. The last few years she suffered with Alzheimer’s. It was hard to watch someone who had a great memory slowly forget.

Funeral Service 11:00 am Monday, October 13^th at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights. Visitation 9:00 – 11:00 prior to the service. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery.

Thanks to Suite Living staff and Suite Living Hospice for such wonderful care.

Age 79 of Inver Grove Heights

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on October 1^st, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Norman & Selma Himle; sister, 2 brothers. Survived by loving husband of 62 years, David; sons, Mike (Kathy) & John (Kari); daughter, Salli (Kevin) Eiden; grandchildren, Jessica Boie (Jason), Jason Mannin (Ashley), Garrett Eiden (Ingrid), Ali Eiden, Katy Setzer (Jordan), Jake Mannin; 8 great-grandchildren, also many other family & friends.

Norma loved to spend time with family, working in her garden nurturing her flowers, listening to music, crocheting and knitting.

A Celebration of Norma’s Life will be held 4:00 – 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 7^th with a short remembrance service at 6:00 PM at Roberts Funeral Home, 8108 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN.

The family would like to thank Accent Care Hospice for their Amazing Care!