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.
Williams, Patricia
Age 71 of Rosemount, formerly of Inver Grove Heights
Called home peacefully, surrounded by family on March 2, 2020. Preceded in death by parents, Melvin & Juanita Bornhoft. Survived by loving son, Christopher; daughter, Elise (Jeffry) Mademann; grandchildren, Brendan, Myles & Julia; brother, John (Margie) Bornhoft; also other loving family and many friends. Pat lived her faith serving as a Pastoral Minister at St. Patrick’s in Inver Grove Heights, St. Thomas More in St. Paul and St. Thomas Becket in Eagan. She will be remembered for her laugh that filled the room, her ability to see the good in everyone she met and ability to Love her family and friends unconditionally.
Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Monday, March 9th, at the Church of St. Thomas Becket, 4455 So. Robert Trail, Eagan. Visitation 9-11 AM prior to Mass at church. Interment St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery. Memorials preferred to RAGOM and Payitforwardfund.net
Whaley, Dorothy (Laska)
Our phenomenal mother, age 96, achieved her heavenly reward for a life well-lived on March 5, 2020. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Nancy; brothers, Robert, Albert and John and her husband of 55 years, Arthur D. Whaley Sr. She will be missed by her proud children: A. Dennis Whaley Jr. (Susanne); Patrick (Nan); Michael (Karen); and Colleen (Mark) Hegstrom. She is also survived by cherished grandchildren: Jeanna, Pete, Josh, Mike, Joe, Jaclyn, Todd, Chad, Nicole, Brian, Christine, Tara, and Shari; 23 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Mom was proud of her Polish heritage, her St. Paul east-side roots, and her long career at 3M, where she finally retired at the age of 77! She was the poster child for an active retirement: Mom loved golfing, line-dancing, darts, cards – you name it. She spent over 20 winters in Mesa, AZ, enjoying life with snowbird-friends from all over the country. She especially loved our family outings and celebrations, never turning down an invitation for a party, concert, birthday, or road trip. She was a devout Catholic and long-time member of St. Michael’s Church in W. St. Paul. More than anything, she loved being a mom and grandma. Mom was a selfless and devoted mother, providing unwavering support and unconditional love to her lucky family.
We will celebrate our mom’s life with a 1-hour visitation at 10 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM, on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole Ave. W. St. Paul, MN 55118. Our family would like to thank the compassionate caregivers at Southview Senior Living, Regions Hospital, Southview Acres TCU, and HealthPartners Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Church of St. Joseph and HealthPartners Hospice Hope Fund.
“We love you, Mom ~ 143”
Kuhnly, Duane H.
Age 83 of Inver Grove Heights
Owner of Kuhnly’s Accounting Service for 40 years.
Passed away peacefully, Monday, March 2, 2020. Born 7-30-36 in Scandia, MN. Graduated from Lindstrom-Center City High School and later business college. Started Kuhnly’s Accounting Service in 1966. Served a combined 9 years in the Minnesota Air National Guard and the US Air Force. Preceded in death by parents, Edward & Lillian Kuhnly; brothers, Donald, Elwood, Arnold & Herbert; sisters-in-law, Sylvia & Fran. Survived by wife of 61 years, Carol; daughters, Kirsten, Erika (Robert) Moser & Stephanie (Randy) Golnitz; granddaughters, Katlyn & Haley Moser, Sarah Jorgenson & Rachel Golnitz; sisters-in-law, Phyllis & Margaret “Peg” Kuhnly; also many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Duane enjoyed golf, reading, playing cards, especially Texas Hold’em and cribbage, cruises, camping and RV winters in Texas. A true sports fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, U of M teams and attended Minnesota State Boys High School Hockey Tournaments for 70 years. He especially enjoyed attending daughters and granddaughters swim meets, games of soccer, hockey or softball, karate tournaments, band or choir concerts and theater productions. He spent many years coaching girls softball and boys hockey teams in IGH. Also, he was a 10-time champion at the Kuhnly Family Jart Tournament. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with family. Memorial service 11 AM Friday, March 13th, at First Presbyterian Church, 535 20th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Visitation 9:30 AM to 11 AM prior to the service with lunch to follow. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Family requests in lieu of flowers memorials to the IGH B.E.S.T. Scholarship Foundation.
Mckinley, Carol
Age 67 of Cottage Grove, MN, formerly of Red Wing, MN
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on March 2, 2020. Preceded in death by son, Benjamin McKinley; parents, Lloyd & June Bishop; sister, Pat McCord. Survived by loving husband of 44 years, Darold; children, Rachel, Steven (Brandie), Rebekah (Branden) Swanson & Kristina Parris; grandchildren, Nevaeh, Nicholas, Draivyn, Gabrielle, Benjamin, Joel, Naomi, Alaina, Emily & Björn; brother, Wayne Bishop; sisters, Connie (Ted) Nolan & Janice (David) Rogers. Carol’s main purpose in life was to serve the Lord. She was a great help to her husband in starting a church in Louisiana Missouri. After that they were church planters in Norway for 4 years and in Sweden for 3 years. She headed up the Women’s Group at Southside Baptist church for several years. She really loved her Bible. Outside of church activities, she enjoyed gardening, sewing, knitting, cross stitching and most any craft. Everything had to be just right or it was taken back apart and started all over. She also loved reading. She was never idle, even watching a show, she had to be working on something. She loved her children and grandchildren, always sewing and crafting for them. She always made holidays and family events special. Funeral Service 11 AM Saturday, March 7th, at Southside Baptist Church, 5613 So. Robert Trail, Inver Grove Heights, MN. Visitation 10:00 am to 11:00 am prior to the service at the church. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing, MN
McCahey, Joyce L. (Mattson)
Age 90 of South St Paul
Died February 21, 2020. Her family was with her as she peacefully and amazingly took her last breath. She was mother to Tom, Mark (Mary), Lori and Jean; grandmother to Kathleen (Joel) Budd. Joyce is survived by her brother, Thomas L Mattson of Northbridge, MA along with nieces and nephews, Christopher, Geoff, Leah, Erica and Jennifer. Joyce was born at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis to parents, Len and Olga (Hansen) Mattson and raised in St Paul. Joyce graduated from Johnson High School in 1947. She married Eugene J McCahey Jr “Red” in 1953 and they raised their family in South St Paul. Joyce was an extremely passionate golfer. She began her 30+ year career as a realtor with Burnet Realty in 1977. She had an endless circle of family and friends that love and admire her very much to this day. We will celebrate her at 2 pm Monday, March 2nd, at First Presbyterian Church, 535 20th Ave No. South St. Paul. A visitation will begin one-hour prior. We offer a heartfelt thank you to all her caregivers at Eagan Pointe Senior Care and Brighton Hospice. You all have been a blessing. Private interment at Fort Snelling Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to Joyce’s favorite charities; Ronald McDonald House or the Animal Humane Society.