Jim LoPesio Funeral

Monday, August 11, 2025 | 11:00 AM

James "Jim" LoPesio, age 94, of Edina, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 4, 2025.

Survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Caterina; children, Dino (Patricia) LoPesio, Vito (Laurie) LoPesio, Carla (Carter) Aguilar, Jim Jr. "Gino" LoPesio, Antonio "Tony" LoPesio (Dave), Gina LoPesio; grandchildren, Nico, Marco, Santino, and Sienna; sister-in-law, Mimma Gumina; brother-in-law, Pino Salerno; also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Preceded in death by parents, Domenico and Immecolata LoPesio; and daughter-in-law, Lena LoPesio.

Jim was very proud of his Italian heritage. He was an accomplished accordion player and enjoyed playing for friends. He was a musician, a retail business owner and a real estate investor. Above all, Jim was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed.

Visitation 4-7 PM, Sunday August 10 at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th Street. Entombment St Mary's Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Grace Church or American Cancer Society.

Violet May LaRue Funeral

Thursday, July 31, 2025 | 11:00 AM

Violet May LaRue (Burnos) was born September 9, 1936, to parents Agnes and Lucian Burnos in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Violet was sent to her eternal home on July 16, 2025. She was preceded in death by her son, David LaRue, and by her siblings Adeline, Tusha, Willie, and Charlotte.

Violet was the sunshine to everyone who met her. Those who had the privilege to know her, loved her infectious smile, her fun loving nature. Her journey on this earth was marked by love; compassion for helping others; her dedication to providing for her 8 children by working various jobs, including at Reuben Lindh Learning Center in South Minneapolis helping other single moms by teaching them skills to help their disabled children. We ask that you remember Violet not by the way her life ended; but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on those who had the pleasure of knowing her. 

Violet is survived by her brother, Jim Burnos (Sharon); her 7 children Paul (Cheryl), Lori (Michael Pew), Jon, Mark (Robin), Ron, Jerry, and Jennifer (Dennis Donnay); in addition to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Visitation will be at 10:15 AM prior to the and Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation be made in Violet’s name to Our Lady of Peace (hospice care) in St. Paul, MN. 

Violet was a force of strength and will be greatly missed by all.

Robert ‘Jerry’ O'Brien Funeral

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | 11:00 AM

Robert “Jerry” Jerome O’Brien, 90, of Edina, MN, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Born on November 11, 1934, in Westboro, Wisconsin, Jerry was the son of Robert and Verna O’Brien. The oldest of 8 he grew up in a loving and lively household, eventually earning his degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota. He proudly served in the U.S. Army before embarking on a long and successful career as a Sales Engineer with The Trane Company.

Jerry married the love of his life, Shirley Mae O’Brien, and together they shared 71 devoted years. Their marriage was a beautiful example of enduring love, partnership, and deep mutual care.

He was the proud father of Richard, Mary Brigid, Sean, Shannon and Patrick (Emily), and beloved uncle, and mentor to many. Jerry was preceded in death by sons Richard and Sean, daughter Mary Brigid, and sisters Julie, Beth Ellen, and Sharon. He is survived by his sister Juanita and brothers Steven, Michael, and Joseph, along with a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and extended family—each of whom he loved deeply. Jerry was also blessed with a strong circle of friends who enriched his life and whom he enriched in return.

Jerry had an active and joyful spirit. He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, the Serra Club, and Christ Renews his Parish. He refereed college and high school football for many years and he also loved playing tennis and skiing.

Those who knew him will remember his warmth, his friendliness, and the kindness he showed to everyone he met. He had a gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and appreciated.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass. Burial will follow at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, an organization close to Jerry’s heart.

Jerry lived a full, generous, and joyful life. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

John Carlin Memorial Mass

Friday, July 25, 2025 | 10:00 AM

John Carlin, a beloved adventurer, fisherman, and devoted family man, passed away after a courageous 19-month battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, Mar. 19, 2025. His signature fishing hat, thick Minnesota accent, his unique "Carlinese" lingo, and his huge heart were just a few of the many things that made him unforgettable.

John was born on July 8, 1968 in Minneapolis. He was raised in Edina, MN, and spent much of his childhood at his family's cherished cabin, "Bu-Ca-Si," on Lake Mille Lacs, where his love for fishing and the outdoors was nurtured. Some of his favorite memories were fly-out fishing trips to Canada with his father, Bing. A natural athlete, John co-captained Edina High School's hockey and football teams, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

John's world changed forever when his mother, Jane, passed away suddenly in his early teens. Determined to honor her, he poured himself into sports and academics, ultimately attending the University of Notre Dame, where he played hockey for the Fighting Irish. A knee injury ended his collegiate hockey career, but he cherished the forever friendships, football games, and his beloved Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Even after a successful college career, John did not seem to fit the mold of getting the typical corporate job in the city. His passion for the outdoors and adventure was his beacon to head to Alaska. John continued his summer sportfishing guiding gig on the Mulchatna River in the remote Alaskan Bush. After several years of guiding, he purchased Alaska Trophy Fishing Safaris (ATFS) in 2002, running it with passion and dedication. His love for the Alaskan wilderness was unmatched; he built a cabin on the bluffs of Cook Inlet, overlooking Mount Redoubt and Mount Iliamna. When not fishing, he spent nearly a decade coaching hockey at Soldotna High School.

After a 10-year friendship, John and Melissa Carlin moved to Homer, AK, building their dream timber frame home overlooking Kachemak Bay. In 2005, John proposed in a spectacular setting—at 10,000 feet on the Ruth Glacier near Denali. They married in 2006 in an intimate ceremony in Palm Desert, CA, and welcomed their daughter, McKenna Jane, in 2007. In 2010, John's family became complete when he gained his bonus daughter, Melinda Joan. John passed on his love for wanderlust to his family, meticulously planning family fishing trips, adventures, and time at their remote cabin across Kachemak Bay.

John's battle with cancer began in August 2023, but he refused to let it define him. Despite undergoing treatment each week, he continued seeking adventure and traveling...fishing for salmon and halibut on Kachemak Bay, visiting family and friends in his hometown of Edina, MN, ice fishing on the Kenai Peninsula and Lake Louise, bone fishing on Oahu, vacationing in Kauai, and spending an entire summer working, while battling cancer, on the Mulchatna River with Melissa and McKenna by his side. His will to live was fierce, and his spirit remained unbreakable.

John's life was a testament to his resilience, determination, and his faith. He was a man of integrity, generosity, and humor, touching countless lives with his wisdom and warmth. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Jane (Butler) Carlin and his father Julian Peavey Carlin.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Melissa Patricia Carlin; daughter, McKenna Jane Carlin, both of Homer, AK, and Melinda Joan Baudoin of Novato, Calif.; grandchildren, Mason Alexander, Georgia Grace "Gigi", Abigail Rose Cartright, also of Novato, Calif.; sister, Kristin Carlin of Kasilof; stepmother, Emily Carlin; step-siblings, Jason, Adam, Lorna and Angie, all of Edina, Minn.; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Angelina and Archangel Trinidad, of Blackshear, Ga.; sister-in-law, Monica Cochran and husband, Greg, and their daughters, Maya and Sophia, also of Blackshear, Ga.; brother-in-law, Michael Trinidad and wife, Debra and their daughter, Lyndsey, Trinidad, all of Atlanta, Ga.; and several beloved cousins.

Rather than flowers, please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN).

JJ Ihrke Funeral

Thursday, July 24, 2025 | 11:00 AM

Jamison Joel "JJ" Ihrke, 54, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 9, 2025, after bravely facing ALS with quiet strength. Born on February 9, 1971, in New Prague, Minnesota, JJ's life was one defined by dedication to family, professional excellence, and a passion for sports, travel, and good company.

JJ is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Regina Anne Ihrke; his sons, Gavin and Nolan, whom he proudly guided through life's milestones and shared many adventures; his mother, Carole Ihrke; and his brother, Andy Ihrke (wife Erica, nieces Bella and Bryn) and in-laws Rosemarie Bacci, Rhonda Marcucci, Renee and John Manworren (Brittany, Max, Katie, Jack, Tiffany, Wesley, Jordon), Roger and Kris Bacci (Luke, Aly and Jake). He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Ihrke, father-in-law Raymond Bacci and brother-in-law Larry Marcucci.

A 1993 graduate of Drake University with a Bachelor's in Actuarial Science, JJ went on to become a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society and a Member of the Academy of Actuaries. His career was marked by integrity, expertise, and an enduring work ethic.

JJ's memorable presence shone through his quiet confidence and deep patience. He was always there for his boys-whether teaching life lessons, attending school events, or sharing their mutual love for sports, music, and especially golf. An exceptional golfer and avid fan of the Cubs, Nebraska Huskers, Chicago Bears, and Edina's local teams, his hobbies often led him and his family to explore ballparks, golf courses, and beaches, as well as the beauty of Italy. At home, he found great joy in grilling steaks, breaking bread with loved ones, and relaxing with an old fashioned and a cigar while listening to the Foo Fighters or the sound of trumpets.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to ALS Association, Team Gleason, or I Am ALS in JJ's name.

A gentle breeze, a memory bright, A love that shines, a guiding light. Though parted now, your spirit stays- Forever near, in countless ways.

Mary M Roberts Funeral

Wednesday, July 16, 2025 | 11:00 AM

Mary "Peggy" Roberts, 96, of Edina, MN, died Thursday, July 3, 2025. She was born on May 27, 1929 in Dubuque, Iowa, daughter of William and Mary Moran. She married William Roberts of Dubuque, Iowa on October 1, 1956.

Peggy lived a full life that revolved around her Catholic faith and the love she had for family. She was proud of her Iowa roots and being one of eight Moran siblings. She was a true matriarch who connected with children of all ages and consistently supported both her children and beloved grandchildren, cherishing every moment she spent in their lives. She was the epitome of selfless, always there to lend a helping hand to relatives, friends and neighbors. Never one to sit still, she enjoyed many activities such as tennis, bridge, entertaining, gardening, chair yoga, and taking walks. Always strong and independent, she was famously known for cutting her own lawn until well into her 80s. Her favorite saying, "Mercy, Mercy," often brought a smile to those who knew her. She will be missed.

Surviving are her four children, Ann (Jack) Enright of West Roxbury, MA, Nancy (Brent) Friendshuh of Apple Valley, MN, Bill (Ann) of Edina, MN and Michael (Sallyann) Roberts of Duxbury, MA; her grandchildren, John (Crystal), Brian (Karla) and Andrew Enright, Kate, Alison and Jack Friendshuh, Shae (Mike) Hoeffel and Kai Roberts, and Michael, Maggie, Jackie and John Roberts; and her great granddaughter, Holland Hoeffel.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Blake Roberts; her husband, William Roberts; and her siblings, Janet, Kathleen, William, John, Roger, Patricia, and Joan. Memorials may be given to The Our Lady of Grace Memorial Fund.

Visitation will be 10:00 AM prior to the Funeral Mass.