Pamela A. Kopel ‘Pam’ age 71 of Rosemount, MN passed away on August 30, 2024, with family at her side. Pam was born on July 18, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN to Leon and Pearl (Hynes) Hazel. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband of 37 years, Steve Kopel, and sister, Joyce A Meyers.

Pam is survived by her husband, Joseph Doug Keating Jr., “Doug”; Pam’s daughters, Nikki Swenson, Stacy (Joe) Monahan and Kelly (Justin) Quade; grandchildren, Cole and Grace Swenson, Adam, Abby and Finlea Monahan and Asa, Eli, Asher, and Ezra Quade; brother, Richard  Hazel, Doug’s children, Shannon (Carey) Masera, Kelly (Patrick) O’Shaughnessy, Michael and Timothy Keating; grandchildren, Hayden, Rory, Kieran, and Flynn,  also by other relatives and many friends.  Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11 AM Thursday, September 5, 2024, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 13900 Biscayne Ave. Rosemount, with visitation from 5-8 PM on Wednesday (9/4) at the White Funeral Home, 14560 Pennock Ave. Apple Valley (952 432 2001) and 1 hr. prior to Mass at Church. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. The family encourages you to wear pink in Pam’s honor. There will be a Celebration of Life at 2 PM at the Lost Spur Golf and Event Center, 2750 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan, MN 55121 following the service at Fort Snelling.

1953-2024

Sheila Gail Smith, age 71, of Chanhassen, MN, passed away on May 18, 2024, at 1pm. She was surrounded by her loved ones holding her hand and telling her they loved her. Sheila was born April 7, 1953, in Anniston, AL. She gallantly battled cancer for six years but couldn't survive a virus that attacked her lungs.

Sheila's first priority in life were her children, Andrea and James, then her love of the court reporting for 45 years, Beatles music, dogs (who were always by her side), being a realtor, following politics, and loving the boundary waters. She was the kind of person who would make sure her loved ones had what they needed before her own needs. Sheila has many friends who love her. She had her joy taken away too soon. Sheila and her husband, Dale Schultz, shared the love of music, singing together in bands/duos, riding motorcycles (she rode her own), traveling, bowling, gardening, reading, watching crime shows, and sitting on the patio of her forever home watching the hummingbirds and flowers grow. Sheila is survived by her husband, Dale Schultz; daughter, Andrea Reynolds Broen (Garrett); son, James Patrick Reynolds, Jr. (fiance, Amy Newman); brothers, Denny (Moi), Barry, Donald Otte (Kerri); nephews, Gene, Troy (Denise), Dustin (Kaylee); nieces, Jenna Mahlen (Ryan), Rachel Hoffman (Mike), Leah Otte, Rebecca "Becca"; as well as numerous friends and other relatives.

Van Slooten, Robert Newell was born March 5th, 1953 and passed away unexpectedly at home on August 25,2022. Whether called Robert, Bobby, or Bob, his kind, gentle soul and innate wisdom will be dearly missed by both family and friends. He worked in construction, taking after his father, and was a meticulous finisher. He used his woodworking talents and passion for the game of chess to make detailed chess boards that he gifted to family. He met and married Margaret, the love of his life, 29 years ago. Together they shared a life filled with treasured memories of traveling, cooking, completing puzzles, and spoiling their beloved pet. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Joyce Van Slooten; brother, Steven Van Slooten; and brother in law, Gary Faaborg. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Van Slooten; sisters, Cynthia Faaborg and Peggy Garbe (Ralph); brother in law, Norman Sivesind; as well as nieces, Colleen (Glenn) Le Prell and Heather (Scott) Klein, and nephews Eric Faaborg, and David (Angela) Faaborg. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Mary Helgesen Gabel (Oct 25,1953 to June 16, 2022)  — a Life to Be Celebrated

Mary Helgesen Gabel, beloved wife and mother, passed away on June 16th, 2022, after a four-year battle against fibromyalgia and cancer. Mary was an accomplished graphic designer, musician, writer, editor, publisher, crafts, and business woman, who founded her own graphic design business in 1998.  She obtained her Bachelors degree in Music Therapy and Masters degree in Music Education from the University of Minnesota and a degree in graphics and web design from the University of the Arts. Mary played the flute, piano, guitar and sang in the Pendle Hill choir, where she was formerly on the Board of Directors and was a founding member of the Racial Justice Committee.  She was also a life-long advocate and activist in issues related to equality, human rights, and the environment. Mary was also a member of Providence Friends Meeting in Media, PA and a former manager of marketing and development at the engineering firm, Bruce E. Brooks & Associates.  After retiring, Mary spread her love by creating crocheted slippers, shirts, stuffed animals, blankets, shawls, back-packs and more, for her family, friends, and grandson.  She leaves behind her husband, Medard, children, Tobias and Zoe, grandson, Tycen, sisters, Rebecca and Jane, brothers, Tom and Jim, sisters-in-law Julia and Rebecca, brother-in-law Tom, and many close friends.  A memorial service will be held at Providence Friends Meeting on July 23rd, 2022 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the Gabel family would appreciate donations to a 529 College Education Fund for Mary’s children and grandchildren. Checks can be made out to College America. More details to this will be posted on Mary’s Facebook page.  Arrangements were provided by Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home  15 E. 4th Street, Media, PA 19063 www.haganfuneralhome.com

OBITUARYDecember 4, 1951 ~ October 21, 2021 (age 69) 

Roger Lowell Turner, 69, of Hackensack, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2021.  Roger was born on December 4, 1951, in Greenbush, Minnesota to Harold and Betty (Svir) Turner. Roger graduated from Burnsville High School in 1971 and went on to work in the bakery industry, proudly serving as the Chief Mechanical Engineer of McGlynn Bakeries in Eden Prairie, Minnesota through the mid-90’s. He then moved up to Hackensack, where he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and pulling tabs at the Muni.  Roger is survived by his parents, Harold and Betty; children, Christine (Chad) and Wesley; grandchildren, Sheridan, Melanie, Kirstin, and Lily; siblings, Carol (Greg), Marla (Gary), Alanna (Bob), Richard, Susan, and Timothy (Kim); and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ila.  A celebration of Roger’s life will be held on his 70th birthday, Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 1 - 3 p.m. at the American Legion in Hackensack, Minnesota. Private interment at Kahbakong Cemetery in Taylors Falls, Minnesota will be held at a later date. Roger’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Rebecca Wirtz with CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center, and to the staff at St. Croix Hospice and Golden Horizons-Crosslake, for the kind, compassionate care that they provided to Roger.

Richard David "Dick" Ranft, age 69, passed away at his home in Shakopee on January 13, 2022.  Dick was a free spirit and very creative. He will be remembered as an artist, a gardener, a cook and a fisherman. Dick marched to the beat of his own drum which included his love of classic rock & roll. He won his battle against stage 4 throat cancer but ultimately lost his battle due to natural causes.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Meredith and Albert Ranft, his brother, Pete, and his sister, Cathie.  Dick is survived by siblings, Peggy Deichelbohrer (Dave), Steve, Mark (Jill), John, Mary Munoz, and Trish Potter (Al) and many nieces and nephews. Dick will be missed greatly, but his family knows he is in a better place. Please check the McNearney Schmidt Funeral Home website for future details on a Celebration of Life, tentatively planned for the middle of May.

Pamela Rose Connelly June 2021

Phyllis Michels April 7, 2020 

Michels, Phyllis C. 66, Apple Valley, joined our Lord Tuesday, April, 7, 2020. Her sisters were blessed to be by her side during her final days after a 2 week separation due to Covid. Phyllis had a strong faith, loved being an aunt, reading, bowling and lending a helping hand. We all miss her baked goodies at our Sunday gatherings. She loved cross stitching with her Control Data friend's Stitch-n-Bitch group. Travelling with her Aunt Pat brought her joy. Her large, eclectic music collection was well used and enjoyed by many. Phyllis's laughter, sense of humor and great facial expressions remained with her through years of vision loss and brain function decline. We were all blessed by her presence in our lives. Preceded in death by parents: Walter and Euphelia. Survived by siblings: Candace (Don), Mary (Jerry), Wayne (Mary), JoEtta, Karla (Steve), Teresa and 10 nieces & nephews. Christian Mass at Mary Mother in Burnsville TBD,

2020

Johnson, Michael D., age 66, of Burnsville, MN, passed away September 17th after a short battle with CJD, a rare and aggressive neurological illness. 

Mike was born in Minneapolis May 22, 1953, and later moved to Burnsville. He welcomed his daughter Michelle in 1972 and later, granddaughter Mali. Mike loved attending Mali’s many activities including Drumline, musical recitals and plays, athletic competitions and he very much enjoyed sharing art projects with her and was proud of her academic achievements. Mike owned and operated an electrical contracting business for nearly 50 years. At the age of 40, he graduated from the MN River School of Fine Arts as “Most Distinguished Student.” A prolific painter in the realistic style, his art became his avocation. He loved travel -- especially to Mexico—where he and his love of more than 30 years, Carole, spent many months visiting remote towns and villages, usually driving their small RV.

Mike had many hobbies including remodeling and flipping homes, motorcycling, kayaking, scuba-diving, hiking, pickle-ball and fitness training.

He dearly loved his family and many friends including survivors: wife Carole Gaskell, daughter Michelle Johnson (Brett “Freddie” Myer), granddaughter Amalia “Mali” Myer, sisters Linda Tutko, Susan Johnson, Cynthia Johnson, Teresa (Gene) Stimson and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by parents Robert and Beverly Johnson.

Mike Dolney, age 65, took his final breath on January 29, 2019 surrounded by his girlfriend and his children, at his home in Prior Lake, MN. An aortic aneurysm on his heart quietly released him to heaven while he was sleeping, and he did not suffer. The Chaplin had just finished a beautiful prayer, and we all accepted the finality of life with a sense of comfort and peace.  A celebration of Mike’s life will be on Friday, February 8 at 4 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 2 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake.  Mike lived a life of love, adventure, and entrepreneurship. Mike was always a larger-than-life kind of person. When he danced through a doorway, you knew the party had started. When he spoke, you listened. When he loved, he did so with a huge hug and a smile. Mike was someone who made people feel welcome, and who loved with all his heart.  Loving relationships surround Mike’s life story. He was lucky to have a very patient mother, hard-working father, and strong relationships with his siblings. And when he married his high-school sweetheart, Gwenn, he got to hang out with his best friend for 33 ½ years. When he lost his companion, he lost himself and was wandering without purpose. Mike was saved by his girlfriend, Mary, who taught him how to love again. With a partner by his side Mike had the attention, hugs, and a skip in his step that allowed his confidence and smile to shine once again.  Mike was an adventurer. As a young man he hitchhiked from coast to coast with his buddy, Butch, and $117. Jamaica and the Caribbean Islands became a favorite vacation with friends where he practiced and perfected the true “ya mon” lifestyle. His travels brought him to Spain to see the MotoGP motorcycle race and he visited all but a few states to watch races and explore new places. He shared his love of travel and adventure with Gwenn and his children as they road tripped across the country in a van or a motorhome.  Mike was an entrepreneur, a business man, a salesperson. He could sell ice to the Eskimos, if he wanted to. His dreams became reality when he became the owner and manager of Burnsville Motorsports. He took pride in introducing others to the love of motosports. The closing of the motorsports business hit Mike at the core but his passion for motorcycles never waiver. After Burnsville Motorsports, Mike shifted his skills of management and ownership to the family welding business, DG Welding and Mfg where he spent the rest of his career.  Health complications invaded Mike’s story beginning in 2016 and continued for the last few years as he suffered from sepsis twice, 2 open heart surgeries to repair his aortic root, and the lasting effects of multiple strokes. Mike’s quality of life changed, and Mary was right by his side as they worked through hours of therapy and finding a new normal. The stroke made it impossible for him to be independent. He struggled with finding the right words, so his jokes fell flat – Mike’s worst nightmare! When the day came, Dad was able to sign the hospice paperwork on his own and he was clear about what came next. Mike’s motto was “drive fast, take chances.” Mike has always been a brave guy. This was no different.  Mike is survived by his his children Andrea (Steve) Mullenmeister, Adam (Melody) Dolney, and Anna (Matt) Ribikawskis, and grandkids Jaxson, Hayden, Devyn, Jace, Ellie, Aria, and Lexi. His girlfriend, Mary Peterson, and her children Teri and Kelly. His brothers and sisters Allan Dolney (Micky Young), Tom (Denise) Dolney, Pat (Joyce Meyer) Dolney, Mary Beth (Mark) Peterson, Jon (Jodi) Doleny and Liz Dolney. Many other family members, cousins, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and friends.  Mike was met in heaven by his wife, Gwenn (Beahan) Dolney, his parents Ambrose and Delores (Mooney) Dolney, sister-in-law, Lori Dolney and mother-in-law, Jane Beahan.

LuAnne R Luebke Baden   June 24, 2018

2017

Dan J. Peick, age 64, of Apple Valley, passed away on July 15, 2017 from cardiac arrest. Through the years, Dan gave his love to people in so many ways. His favorite way to connect to people was through his music – either playing guitar with them, recording them playing, or coaching young players. Dan also was ready to help friends and family fix their cars, lights, Nintendo controllers; and make their guitars play better. Dan worked at Carestream Health for almost 13 years, wanting to work in health care to pay back all of the support he had received from his heart problems through the years. In 2015, he was awarded a patent for the drum of an x-ray printer. Dan loved spending time with his daughters and grandchildren: going out to eat at different restaurants, going to the MN State Fair, and watching the grandchildren’s activities. Road trips were Dan’s preferred vacation – he loved to go to Chicago (maybe even for lunch). He reveled in the energy and excitement of New York City and the peace we found on the beaches of Cape Cod. What will be most missed by Brenda, his wife, are the daily walks with Dan – most of the time at the Como Zoo & Conservatory. He had a great love for the Como Zoo, as he grew up in St. Paul, and he had fond memories with his family at the zoo.   Dan is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Patricia Peick. He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Brenda; daughters, Kazia (Dustin) Juell and Rebecca Peick; grandchildren, Logan and Holland Juell; siblings, Roberta (Don) Olson, Dianne (Don) Greeman, Janet (Gerry) Och, Catherine (Dwight) Pilon, Tim (Denise) Peick, Jean (Lyle) Stanley, Richard (Tami) Peick, Gerald (Trisha) Peick and Michelle (Ron) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, other family and many friends. A gathering of memories and sharing will be held 6:30 PM Thursday July 20, 2017 at the White Funeral Home Chapel, 14560 Pennock Ave Apple Valley (952-432-2001) with a gathering of friends and family from 4 to 8 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

Stephen J. 'Bomber' Wensmann (2015) 

Wensmann, Stephen J. "Bomber" age 62, of Farmington, passed away September 9, 2015. Memorial service will be held 11 AM Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 at White Funeral Home, 20134 Kenwood Tr., Lakeville (952-469-2723). Memorial visitation 4-8 PM Monday Sept. 14 at the funeral home and also 1 hour prior to service. Memorials will be forwarded to Stephen's favorite causes by his family in lieu of flowers. 

Paul Lowinske (2015?)

Jamie Anderson (2014)

Anderson, Jamie 60, passed away June 12. Jamie is survived by his parents Jim and Joanne; sisters Julie (Bob) Rutkiewicz, Jacqui (Matt) Koosman and brother Jeff (Dorie) Anderson; children Bridget (Pat) Connell, Ryan and Colin Anderson; grandchildren Sam and Lauren Connell. Jamie was a free spirited entrepreneur with a love for new experiences. He loved live music, a good hot sauce and golfing. In heaven we imagine he is completing his bucket list: fly fishing, traveling, coffee tasting and learning the piano, all while rocking his new brown hair. Funeral service is Wednesday, June 18th at 11 am at Our Lady of Grace in Edina 952-929-3317.

Susan Horrock May 17, 2014

Susan Kathleen Bruckner, age 60 of Hudson, WI, passed away May 17, 2014 at Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury, MN.  Susan was born September 16, 1953 in Aberdeen, Maryland, the daughter of Albert and Evelyn (Lafferty) Horrocks.  Susan graduated from Burnsville High School, the class of 1971.  Susan had worked as an executive assistant in the medical and legal fields.  She was united in marriage on February 14, 1999 in Hudson to Geoffrey Alan Bruckner. 

Susan enjoyed being outdoors and appreciated bird watching, gardening and setting sail on the river.  She also enjoyed the peace and tranquility of reading.  In her earlier years, Susan was active with softball, rollerblading, handball, biking and cross country skiing.  Most important to Susan, was her family.  She cherished her time with her husband, children, grandchildren and treasured pet, Freckles.  

Susan will remain in the hearts of her loving husband, Geoffrey; son, Matthew (Stephanie) Skoglund of Roberts; step-daughter, Nicole (Kevin) Murphy of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Anthony & Catherine Skoglund and Theodore Murphy; mother, Evelyn Horrocks; father, Albert Horrocks; siblings, Mike (Donna) Horrocks, Marcia Marchan and Kevin Horrocks.  

2012

Daniel Edward Swenson, 58A Memorial Service for Daniel Edward Swenson, 58, of Flippin, Arkansas will be 2:00PM Sunday, July 15, 2012, at Kirby & Family Funeral Home in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Daniel died July 11, 2012 at Baxter Regional Medical Center.Daniel was born August 16, 1953, at Minneapolis, Minnesota to Willard and Arlene Olson Swenson. He married Sheryl Hammerlind August 1, 1981. Dan and his wife, Sheryl, worked hard as a team in the construction industry for many years. They moved frequently and eventually chose Flippin, Arkansas as their permanent home and opened the Derksen Portable Building Business. Dan also built custom urban chicken coops often being referred to as the "Coop Meister". He treasured the life and the friends he found here in the Ozarks never taking any of it for granted. Dan will be remembered as a man of few words, but when he spoke everyone listened.  He is survived by his wife, Sheryl of Flippin, Arkansas, sister, Carol R. Lanning and brother, Elliot W. Swenson of Burnsville, Minnesota: Uncle Harley and Aunt Gloria Swenson of Prior Lake, Minnesota; one niece, Amber Hallin of New Prague, Minnesota and nephew, Sean Lanning of Burnsville, Minnesota; three great nieces and one great nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents.  Arrangements are by Kirby & Family Funeral & Cremation Services. Please visit our online guestbook/obituary at kirbyandfamily.com.

Betty Annette Gallagher (2011)

Gallagher Betty Annette, age 58, of Florence passed away December 26th 2011 as a result of a long battle with cancer. Her husband was at her side when she drifted up to the Lord.Betty was born to Jerry & Ethel Owensby on June 10th 1953 in San Angelo Texas. She was a graduate of Burnsville High School, Burnsville Minn., she also attended college at San Jose State and North Texas State.  She was a long time dedicated employee (flight attendant) at Northwest/ Delta airlines for over 32 years. Betty is survived by her husband Jerry, their son Kyle and granddaughter Rose, her father Jerry Owensby, her two sisters Margaret Vogt and Gerri Gay Murphy and their 5 sons.  A Memorial Church service is set for January 14th at Holy Cross Immaculata Church at 10:00 am with a "celebration of life gathering" for family and friends following mass.  Published in the Kentucky Enquirer on December 31, 2011

Joan L Olson Thomas Dec 18 2011

Robert J Wallis July 22, 2011