Nancy Maki of Forest Lake, MN
January 30, 2009
Nancy passed away at her Forest Lake home unexpectedly but peacefully on January 30, 2009 at age 57. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold F. Swanson. Nancy will be deeply missed by her husband, Darrel; children, Jason (Morning Star), Noelle (Bruce), Angela (Abel), Michael (Heidi) and Alicia (Dan); grandchildren, Devin, Skylar, Jayden and Brayden; her mother, Audrey Swanson; brothers and sister, Harold Jr.(Colleen), Richard, Pam (Larry) and Tim (Sara); father and mother-in-law, Franklin and Ellen Maki; other relatives and many friends. Visitation 4-8 PM Wednesday, Feb. 4th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. Funeral service 11 AM Thursday, Feb. 5th at the funeral home with visitation beginning at 10 AM until time of service. Children are welcome to attend.
Patty Walters of Forest Lake, MN
January 30, 2009
Age 55 of Forest Lake died on January 30, 2009 at Windy Acres Assisted Living of ALS. Patty graduated from Hopkins Eisenhower and worked at Control Data and Medtronics. Survived by husband, Arnie, employee of Northwest Airlines; daughter, Mary, student at St. Catherine’s College; parents, Robert and Armella McKenzie of Hopkins/Forest Lake; extended families, Mary DeMuth, Karen Buntrock, Chris Addison, the McKenzies, the Mudricks and the Walters families; lifetime friend, Deb Lubotina and neighbors of Columbus/Forest Lake. A special thank you to everyone for all of your prayers and support. Visitation 2-5 PM Sunday, Feb. 1st at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake and continuing Monday 9 AM – 10 AM at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Monday, Feb. 2nd at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 1250 South Shore Drive, Forest Lake. Interment Calvary Cemetery, Forest Lake with lunch and fellowship following at the Forest Lake VFW. Memorials preferred.
Raymond Dwayne Bodle of Stacy, MN
January 28, 2009
Age 77 – of Stacy Formerly of South St. Paul Passed away peacefully at home on January 28, 2009. Preceded in death by loving wife, Kathryn in 1999; parents, Edna and Milton; brothers, Papp, Ed and Bud. Survived by children, Kathy Jo (Haupt) (Tom) Schnack, Nick (Diane) Haupt, Beth Ann (Haupt) (David) Johnson and Duane Bodle; grandchildren, William “Kip” (Juli) Schnack, James (Kim) Schnack, Jonathan Johnson, Kristina Johnson, Benjamin Bodle, Trent (Angela) Twitero and Karmen (Mike) Tossett; great grandchildren, Hailey and Brandon Schnack, Zachary and Megan Tossett, Landon, Gerrit, Ava and Ellery Twitero; honorary great grandchildren, Tess, Allie and Tucker Sibbald; sister, Norma Jean “Sis” (Roy) Johnson; brother, Gene “Ole” (Iona) Bodle; nieces and nephews and friends. Visitation 3-7 PM Monday, Feb. 2nd at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. Funeral service 11 AM Tuesday, Feb. 3rd at the funeral home with visitation beginning at 10 AM until time of service. Interment 2:30 PM Tuesday, Feb 3rd General Lutheran Cemetery, South St. Paul.
John G. Jarvis of Hugo, MN
January 27, 2009
John George Jarvis was born July 29, 1925 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Paul G. and Irene (Boland) Jarvis.
John served our country in WWII as a US Navy Motor Machinist’s Mate. He was united in marriage to June I. Busson. June preceded John in death on January 25, 1996.
John passed away on January 27, 2009 at the St. Cloud Veterans Administraton Medical Center at the of 83 years.
He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Ankenbauer and her husband, Lawrence; granddaughter, Jennifer Berhow and husband, Wade; an anticipated great grandchild; and sister, Ruth Serier; as well as other relatives and friends.
A family graveside service was conducted at Fort Snelling National Cemtery on Thursday, January 29, 2009.
Helping People
January 23, 2009
Last year we initiated a grief support group facilitated by Therapist Lee Erickson from the Center for Grief Loss & Transition located in St. Paul. We recently formed an alliance with Lee where he helps our families with their grief and loss following the funeral, and are in the process of scheduling additional grief support sessions for March of this year. We are grateful to have such a great resource with the education and experience that Lee brings to help those in need. Lee will also be regular on this blog, here is more information about Lee Erickson:
Lee Erickson is a member of the professional staff at the Center for Grief, Loss and Transition in St. Paul, Minnesota. He provides therapy for adults, children and adolescents and facilitates both the spouse loss and homicide loss therapy groups.
Lee became interested in grief and loss after the unexpected death of his brother in 2002. In his late thirties, he went back to school to pursue a master’s degree in counseling and psychology, which he completed in 2006. Lee also has a Licensed Professional Counselor licensure which he received in June of 2008.
“I have always been interested in grief and loss and being with people during what, for many, is the most difficult time in their lives. I’ve come to learn that grief is a process that changes as we move through it and that there can be meaning and purpose for those who engage with their grief,” said Erickson.
Lee previously worked in advertising, marketing and communications and was a recruiter for a staffing company. He has lived on both coasts but landed back in Minnesota to continue his education. Lee holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Lee has partnered with Roberts Family Funeral Home in the Spring of 2008 when he led a 10-week Grief Support Group at Roberts Family Funeral Home in Forest Lake.
“I was really touched by the courage and bravery of the people who attended the Grief Support Group sponsored by Roberts Family Funeral Home. Here were people had lost a loved one who came together to share stories and friendship with one another. I found the people and the stories to be inspiring,” said Erickson.
Terry R. Carroll of Wyoming, MN
January 18, 2009
Beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa. Age 52 Of Wyoming. Went to be with His Lord on January 18, 2009 surrounded by loved ones. Preceded in death by parents, Gordon and Katherine Carroll and father and mother-in-law, Al and Aloha DeMorett. Survived by wife of 28 years, Deb; son, Jarrod (Carmen); granddaughter, Emma Grace; brothers, Tim, Jerry (Terry) and Tom (Sandra); half-brother, Chuck; half-sister, Ann; brothers-in-law, Doug (Kit) and Dan (Peg) DeMorett; and nieces and nephews. Funeral service 7 PM Thursday, Jan. 22nd at Forest Hills United Methodist Church, 1790 – 11th Street SE, Forest Lake with visitation beginning at 5 PM. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
The Perfect Funeral
January 17, 2009
” A kiss on the cheek and a handshake” is how Roger Vannelli started off his eulogy for his Grandfather Ron Vannelli last thursday at St. Andrews Church in St. Paul. I can remember at Vannelli’s restaurant years ago with Roger’s brother Tony, and Grandpa Ron greeted him with just that. One of the few memories I have of Ron being around the Vannelli Family over the years as it was a funeral I will never forget. I was running late yesterday and as I walked in the back of St. Andrew’s there was the entire St Thomas Academy Hockey Team dressed in uniform as the pall was being placed on Ron’s casket. I was wowed by their presence as I was looking for my wife amongst the many gathered to say goodbye to Ron, as two of his sons coach St. Thomas and Ron was the their biggest fan. The music, the message from the Priest, scriptures readings that Ron had picked, and three of best eulogies I have witneesed were all a part to celebrate his life. As Ron’s casket passed through the lined hockey team with their sticks raised was a fitting conclusion before he was entombed at Calvary Cemetery. Everything about this funeral was great, and the eulogies made it perfect. Roger, Ron’s son Mark, and grandson Robbie captured everything about their Dad and Grandpa, the stories and memories they shared told Ron’s life story and touched all who there. Ron’s celebration of life concluded at Gabe’s in the Park, where 82 year old Bill Jeans said to me, “It’s the best funeral I’ve been to, and I’ve been to many.”
Not many of us will have funeral like Ron Vannelli’s, but any funeral that establishes the significance of a life lived is perfect.
Kelly
Donna M. Houle of Marine On Saint Croix, MN
January 13, 2009
Beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma, Age 61 of Marine On St. Croix. Passed away January 13, 2009 at her home. Preceded in death by parents, Mary and Victor Johnson; brothers, Howard Johnson, Marvin Johnson, Vernie Johnson and Paul Johnson and mother-in-law, Blanche Houle. Survived by husband of 44 years, Larry Houle; daughter, Brenda (Keith) Mielke; son, Jim (Susan); grandchildren, Joe Houle, Jacob Mielke, Amanda Houle, Lucas Mielke and Megan Houle; brothers, Robert “Rabs” (June) Johnson, Milton (Shirley) Johnson, Bruce (Judy) Johnson, Arnie Johnson, Glen (Alice) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Laurel Johnson, Ruby Johnson, Marlys Johnson and Erin Johnson; father-in-law, Lloyd Houle; sister-in-law, Sue (Rod) Morkert; brothers-in-law, Jack (Renate) Houle, Paul (Lana) Houle, and Bob (Betsy) Houle; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Gathering of Friends 2-6 PM Sunday, January 18th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake. Memorial service 11 AM Monday, January 19th at Elim Lutheran Church, 20971 Olinda Trail North, Scandia with a gathering one hour prior to service. Interment Elim Lutheran Cemetery, Scandia.
Got Tim?
January 8, 2009
When starting any new business most everyone goes through ups and downs, one of the most challenging times we’ve had in our short history is the transitioning of funeral directors. I had never met Tim Tarmann , but when he called I knew of him and his excellent reputation. Tim was looking for a change and agreed to meet with me one afternoon, soon after we met I asked him about the death his friend/colleague’s son. Within ten minutes of meeting Tim, I knew he was the one as he talked about the experience of Robert’s death and funeral. I could tell he had the passion for helping people and was put on this earth to be a funeral director . After a couple of weeks working together it was amazing to see him work with families, the way they responded to him and the way he cared for their loved ones. Often times I’ll introduce Tim to my hockey friends as the funeral director who prepared the body of a certain Minnesota Hockey Idol.
“Where did you find him? “He’s the best!” are a few comments I get on a regular basis, when one particular family came to view their Mom, and there were mostly tears of joy because she looked so beautiful. At our remembrance service last month I introduced Tim as the greatest funeral director in Forest Lake, as he was humbled by the ovation he received from those in attendance. Obviously I am biased, but please go to our testimonial page to see why I, and many others are blessed he called me that day a few years back. Happy New Year!
Kelly
Wanda Rae Mathewson of Forest Lake, MN
January 5, 2009
Beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma, Daughter and Sister Age 67 of Forest Lake passed away Jan. 5, 2009. Preceded in death by twin brother, Warren Stout. Survived by her husband of 34 years, Bob; children, Robert Neil (Nancy) Mathewson, Sheri (Pat) Manning, Cyndee (Steve) Wadsworth, Debra (Mike) Sellers and Rick (Mary) Mathewson; 8 grandchildren, RJ (Jillian) Mathewson, Vicki (Brandon) Kernan, Claire Manning, Shannon Wadsworth, Jamie Sellers, Tom (April) Sellers, Candace (Anthony) Taylor and Kristine (Rob) Turner; 6 great grandchildren, Carter Sellers, Ashton Lamers, Madison Sellers, Allison Sellers, Anthony Taylor, Jr. and Michael Harmon; parents, Hugh and Marjorie Stout; sister, Donna (Gene) Benson; nephews, Shane (Gina) Benson and Joel (Wendy) Benson; several great nieces and nephews; other beloved relatives and friends. Memorial service 6 PM Thurs. Jan. 8th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW with a gathering of friends beginning at 5 PM.