Rick Johnson of Cedar, MN
September 30, 2009
Date of Birth: October 13, 1955
Date of Death: September 29, 2009
Age 53 of Cedar passed away peacefully Sept. 29, 2009 surrounded by his family following a courageous battle with cancer. Employed by Hoffman Engineering for 33 years. Preceded in death by parents, Bob and Bertha; father-in-law, James Evenson; brothers-in-law, Jerry Bougetz and Michael Ehrlichmann; niece, Tracy Johnson Kraling. Survived by wife, Mary; children, Roberta, Ben, Jimmie (Julie Moran) and Ricky; grandson, Devin Noblick; 8 siblings, Shirley Bougetz, Robert, Jr. (Rosann), Judy Jenson, Randy (Anna), Kathy (Jim) Kapla, Geri (Larry) Berg, Kris (Dale) Beyer and Theresa (Verdie) Niskenan; mother and father-in-law, Peggy and Robert Anderson and a host of other relatives and many friends.
Gathering of Family & Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends 4-8 PM Monday, October 5th at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr SW, Forest Lake.
Celebration of Life
Celebration of Life 3 PM Tuesday, Eaglebrook Church – Spring Lake Park, 8498 Sunset Road, Spring Lake Park. Memorials preferred.
James E. McMahon Jr. “JJ” of Stacy, MN
September 30, 2009
Date of Birth: September 4, 2009
Date of Death: September 29, 2009
Passed away peacefully on September 29, 2009 at the age of 25 days, surrounded by his loving parents. He will greatly missed and always loved and remembered by his mom and dad, Josie Bullock and Wolf McMahon; his sisters and brother – great helpers and protectors, Angel Isherwood, Anna-Bell West, Kia McMahon, and Destany McMahon; his maternal grandparents, Janet Kletzien, Keith Kletzien and Paul Manney; his paternal grandparents, Sherry McMahon, Dan McMahon, and Noland Thompson; maternal great grandmothers, Leoda Bullock and Roxanne Snellenberger; and loving aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends. Receiving JJ in heaven is his maternal great grandfather; paternal great grandparents; three uncles and one aunt along with many other loved ones.
Funeral Service
A funeral service to honor JJ will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at 3 PM in Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Drive SW, Forest Lake, MN with a visitation beginning at 1 PM until the time of service.
The Ranger Promise
September 29, 2009
Forest Lake SADD Chapter & Roberts Family Funeral Home Presents:
The Ranger Promise
The Ranger Promise is a commitment to make Positive Choices when it comes to getting home alive, whether you or your friends have been drinking.
Please read the promise and leave your full name and email address in the comment box below to join other students and parents across the Forest Lake Area in making Positive Choices. By completing and living in according to this Promise, you will be eligible for prizes throughout the school year.
Students
I understand that it is illegal to drink alcohol until I turn 21, and herby promise my best effort to remain alcohol and drug free. I promise that I will never drive after drinking and I will not get in the car with someone who has been drinking. Instead, I will make a Positive Choice by not drinking or by calling a friend or family member for a ride. I also offer to provide a safe ride for other friends or family members who are impaired from drinking.
Parents
I understand that I am setting an example for my children, and promise to discuss making Positive Choices with them. I also promise to provide a safe ride home for my children if they are ever in a situation where they or their friends safety is jeopardized.
To Sign the The Ranger Promise: Leave your full name and email address in the “leave a reply” box at far bottom of this page, and click “submit comment” For parents, leave childrens name as well.
Drawings for prizes will be held monthly!
Signing the Promise makes YOU eligible!
Watch The Video
Video Series
September 26, 2009
“A Greater Yes – Finding Significance Amidst Tragedy”
September 21, 2009
Jennifer Silvera
Anyone who has lost a loved one whether through sickness or tragedy soon realizes there is nothing easy about grief and nothing simple about loss. There is little that motivates us, moves us or means much to us after experiencing severe devastation and disappointment from life. Yet, one of the best therapies towards healing is to “Do Something” – to find and follow the passion that remains inside of us no matter how small it may feel.
On October 22, 2009; Jennifer Silvera, widow of Lino Lakes Police Officer Shawn Silvera, will explain that A Greater Yes does not replace or justify the loss, instead it helps us choose how to fill our one precious life. In a community event hosted by Roberts Family Funeral Home, Jennifer will talk about A Greater Yes that is in store for the life that remains in us.
The event, held at the Roberts Family Funeral Home, is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:45pm, Jennifer will speak at 7pm. Following her talk, Jennifer will be available to sign copies of her book BELIEVE – A Young Widow’s Journey Through Brokenness and Back.
In September of 2005, Jennifer Silvera opened her front door to three uniformed police officers delivering a devastating message: her husband, Shawn had been killed in the line of duty. From this place of tragic loss, followed by unimaginable grace, love and ongoing restoration, Jennifer brings her message of encouragement.
Please bring a non perishable food item to benefit the local food shelf.
Wreaths Across America
September 21, 2009
Roberts Family Funeral Home is one of over 700 family owned funeral homes in 45 states supporting the Wreaths Across America project. From now thru November 1st people throughout the Forest Lake area may honor and pay tribute to our nation’s veterans buried in either Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, or a local cemetery in the Forest Lake area. For only $15 you may sponsor a Christmas Wreath to adorn a veteran’s grave. Wreaths are placed by volunteers at over 300 cemeteries during ceremonies honoring our heroes on December 12th 2009. As part of their membership as exclusive Veterans & Family Memorial Care Providers, Roberts Family Funeral Home has been designated an official Wreath Sponsorship Outlet. If you wish to sponsor a wreath please visit, or call the funeral home at 651-464-4422
Wreaths Across America, a non profit 501-c3 organization, was formed as an extension of the Arlington Wreath Project. The Arlington Wreath program was started by Morrill Worcester in 1992 with the donation and laying of 5000 Christmas wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. This became an annual journey for Mr. Worcester.
It was relatively obscure until 2005 when a photo of the stones adorned with wreaths and covered in snow circulated around the internet. The project received national attention. Thousands of requests poured in from all over the country from people wanting to emulate the Arlington project at their National & State VA cemeteries which spurred the creation of Wreaths Across America. Unable to donate thousands of wreaths to each state, Mr. Worcester conceived the idea of sending 7 wreaths (one for each branch of the military as well as POW/MIA). In 2006 with the help of the CAP and other civic organizations, over 150 locations held wreath laying ceremonies simultaneously.
The Patriot Guard Riders volunteered as escort for the wreaths going to Arlington. This began the annual “Veterans Honor Parade” that travels the east coast in early December. By 2007 the requests for more wreaths grew. The Worcester family established the non-profit group Wreaths Across America to further promote Veterans remembrance. The mission Remember, Honor and Teach characterize the projects goals perfectly.
By 2008 over 300 locations held wreath laying ceremonies in every state, Puerto Rico and 24 over seas cemeteries. Over 100,000 wreaths were placed on veterans graves. Over 60,000 volunteers participated. WAA reached out to thousands of children with the message of Remember, Honor and Teach. The importance of honoring each and every veteran as an individual is stressed. The wreath laying is now held annually on the second Saturday of December. December 13, 2008 was unanimously voted by the U.S. Congress as “Wreaths Across America Day”. Wreaths Across America would not be successful without the help of the volunteers, many active organizations and the generosity of the trucking industry. By offering sponsorships to the public, Wreaths Across America hopes that one day every veteran’s resting place will be adorned with a wreath. We need your help to make this a reality. For more information on the program or to honor a veteran please visit or call Roberts Family Funeral at 651-464-4422
Growing Through Loss Series
September 15, 2009
The purpose of this series is to provide an opportunity for individuals to obtain information and support for a variety of loss and grief issues.
Place:
St. Bridget of Sweden Catholic Church
13060 Lake Blvd, Lindstrom, MN
Time: 7-9 PM
Registration: 6:45 – 7 PM
Lecture: 7-8 PM
Small groups: 8-9 PM
Schedule
Each session is complete in itself. You’re welcome to attend one or all.
Oct. 5–Sarah Mitzuk- “No, You’re not crazy, you’re grieving”
Oct 12– Jim Trudeau, former Forest Lake Police Chief, Washington County Sheriff- speaking on Law Enforcement & Notification of Loss
Oct. 19–Cathy Seehuettter and panel speaking on child loss
Oct. 26– Sandy Swenson and Gina Doyscher speaking on spouse loss
Nov. 2– Ed Holland “Where is God when it Hurts?”
Nov. 9– Linda Lehman “How to Get through the Holidays
For more information contact Directors:
Gloria Larsin 651-257-1047
Beth Lawrence 651-464-3395
Marlene Padrnos of Forest Lake, MN
September 15, 2009
Date of Birth: June 9, 1935
Date of Death: September 14, 2009
Beloved Wife, Mom, Grandma, age 74 of Forest Lake, formerly Roseville, went to be with the Lord on September 14, 2009, at her home in Forest Lake, surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by her parents, John and Cecelia Selchow. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 52 years, Dick; daughter, Cindy (Dave) Magnuson; sons, Cory Padrnos and Rick Padrnos; grandchildren, Aaron, Haley and Joshua Magnuson, and John and Jay Padrnos; sisters, Diane (David) Rannow and Janet (Ron) Hidden and many other relatives and friends.
Memorial Service
Memorial Service 10:30 AM Saturday, September 19th at Forest Lake Christian Church, 420 W. Broadway Ave., Forest Lake, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM until time of service. Interment Sunset Memorial Park, Minneapolis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial preferred.
The Kennedy Homestead
September 11, 2009
In 1993, going thorough the attic of the old Forest Lake Floral before we it was razed making way for our new store, my Dad & I stumbled across an old chest that belonged to my Uncle. Among his belongs in the chest was old metal sign my Dad held up and said, ” I have story for you here.” My not so honest Uncle was visiting Ireland in the 70’s and found himself in Duganstown in Wexford County at the birthplace of JFK’s great grandfather who immigrated to the US in 1848. For this purpose I’ll call him “Dave” decided that the sign attached to the Home that read “The Kennedy Homestead” was better off with him. Fast forward a couple of years, I was in Boston, and visited the JFK Library where there is an area based on JFK’s Irish Heritage with artifacts and video footage of JFK when he was there in 1963. Watching the video of JFK at his great grandfathers birthplace and I saw quick glimpse of the sign that Dad & I pulled out of the chest a few years back. When I returned I called local resident Howard Lestrud, who belongs to an organization called KPIC- Kennedy Political Items Collectors. Howard took some photos of the sign and sent them to other collectors and confirmed, the sign I saw in the video, was the same one I had in my office. Politics aside, I have always admired the Kennedy Family for their commitment to public service, and have been amazed at the ups and downs they have been through over the years. With that, and their Irish heritage I have been intrigued to say the least.
For anyone who is has very little time left on earth, to plan a funeral to best remember & celebrate a life lived, and to create a healing experience for loved ones is remarkable. Ted Kennedy did that when the world said goodbye to him a few weeks back, the best part I thought was his funeral procession from Hyannis Port to the JFK library going through Boston landmarks significant to he and his family. Everthing planned just the way Teddy & his family wanted it.
Watching Ted’s funeral on TV, I thought about the sign. Should I donate it to the JFK Library, maybe bring to Ireland when visiting cousins and return to where it came from? Perhaps sending it to one of the Kennedy Cousins, or keeping it my family for generations to come? Time will tell, but currently it’s in a great place.
Mary Louise Kuefler of Forest Lake, MN
September 4, 2009
Age 81 of Forest Lake, passed away Sept. 3, 2009 surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by son, Thomas James in 1977; parents, John and Lily Dale; 9 brothers and sisters. Survived by husband of 62 years, Harry; children, Candy (John) Baldwin, Jon (Debbie), Steve (Christine), Mark (Lori) and Christopher (Lori); 12 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Service
2 PM Sunday, September 13, 2009 at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 Centennial Dr. SW, Forest Lake with visitation beginning at 1 PM till time of service. Family interment Wanamingo Lutheran Cemetery, Wanamingo, MN.