Donna Jaeger Funeral
Thursday, November 6, 2028 | 11 AM
Donna Ann Gilbert Jaeger passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025 at the age of 94. She was born on August 12, 1931to Max V. and Leona E. (Plantenberg) Gilbert in Denver Colorado. It was the beginning of the Great Depression and Max and Leona had moved to Denver after their April 1930 wedding in Minnesota. Max was a granite cutter and there was work for him in the Denver area. Donna was the first grandchild on both sides of the family so we can imagine the excitement at her arrival! Her middle name of Ann honored both of her grandmothers, Annie Gilbert and (Anna) Barbara Plantenberg. The young family moved to the St. Cloud, MN area later.
Throughout her life, Donna exhibited generosity. According to family lore, she wanted a tricycle for her second birthday, but got a baby brother, Max, instead, She may not have been thrilled in 1933, but came to love sharing August 12th as they grew up.They celebrated that joint birthday for 90 years until Max's passing in 2023. They both also generously shared the same August 12th birthday with Max's grandson, Joshua Gill.
As a high-schooler, Donna participated in drum and bugle corps. She played the bugle although she said she just put the bugle to her mouth and pretended to blow. She played basketball (guess you didn't have to be very tall to play intramural sports) in the days before girls could have varsity teams. Her good buddies from high school, Carmen Gacke Malm and Lois Maehren Volkmuth remained life-long friends. Her interest in sports continued as she belonged to bowling leagues and later golf leagues. Her favorite sport was golf-definitely golf.
Donna graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud in 1949, and showed her adventurous spirit by moving to the "Cities" after doing some further schooling. In the early 1950's she again exhibited her flair for adventure. Her high school friend, Carmen, had moved to Tucson and encouraged Donna to move there, too-assuring her that she could live with the three other roommates and work at the car dealership where Carmen worked. Donna ran the switchboard at the car dealership for the few years that she lived in Tucson. She enjoyed her time there as evidenced by the photos we have of her riding in convertibles, sitting on the shoulders of some muscle-bound guy and partying.
The pull of family brought her back to Minnesota where she met Bob Jaeger at the Press Bar in St. Cloud. Bob and Donna married on January 23, 1960, which was Bob's 35th birthday. The newlyweds moved to Casper, Wyoming, where Bob started a new job in the music business. They moved back to Minnesota to be near both extended families just in time to welcome their beautiful baby, Toni, in March 1961.
Her 25 year career at Chemrex/Rexnord gave her much satisfaction. She excelled at her job. Part of that job was making travel arrangements for co-workers. In those days, airlines would award her travel miles for her own use when she'd book travel for her business associates. Donna and Bob generously shared those miles with many family members.
Donna thoroughly enjoyed being with the large extended Gilbert and Jaeger families. She watched with excitement the achievements and milestones of her nieces and nephews and then great-nieces and nephews, and then even later great-great-nieces and nephews! She was especially fond of her nephew, Joe Jaeger. She and Joe had a special bond and she looked forward to his invitations to join him in his activities. At the other end of the spectrum, she was very proud of those who came before her. She condensed the journals that her great great grandfather, Charles Wesley Woodbury kept starting in 1854. Those journals are now housed at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul as the Gilbert "kids" donated them a few years ago. She got teary-eyed when the journals were turned over to them as she had been the custodian since her dad died in 1983.
Donna was a life-long learner and had diverse interests, especially history and astronomy. All three of the Gilbert sisters got college degrees as non-traditional students. Eileen was first, then Sharon, and Donna wouldn't be left behind. She graduated from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul at the age of 68! Jeopardy was one of her favorite TV shows, and she more often that not knew the answers before any contestant did!
She loved strong female role models in her TV menu-especially Angela Lansbury in Murder She Wrote, and more recently Kathy Bates in Matlock. Several years ago at the Thanksgiving celebration at the Althaus home, Donna wanted to be in charge of mashing the potatoes for the 18-20 people gathered. Don Althaus' mother, who was in her 90's at the time, told Donna that she should let a MAN do that job because the kettle was large and Donna could hardly see over the top of it as it sat on the counter ready for mashing. You could almost see Donna's spine straighten as she redoubled her mashing effort!
Travel was important to Donna. She and Bob took some golf vacations, several European vacations and Toni and Donna went to Europe with the OLG choir. Donna and Bob even visited Disneyland on their honeymoon and in the 1980's went to Disneyland. She had great fun on a couple Gilbert sibling trips to Arizona and Ohio.
Some of Donna's happiest times were spent at Webb Lake near Hackensack, MN. Her parents bought property there in 1941, and she spent time there with her Grandpa and Grandma Gilbert during summer vacations. After her parents died, the property was divided among the 4 Gilbert siblings. Donna and Bob built their cabin on her parcel, and that became their happy place. Donna and the builder had a serious disagreement. She said she didn't want a kitchen in the cabin as she didn't intend to cook there. The builder said he wouldn't build it if there wasn't a kitchen. He won.
Donna's greatest love was reserved for her daughter, Toni. How she loved to dress her baby girl in fancy outfits. Good thing Bob worked at Dayton's-they got an employee discount! She delighted in Toni's activities and achievements from her babyhood through her graduation from Normandale College and throughout her adult life. Until her last year or so, Donna relished their "Good Morning" and "Good Night" phone calls.
Phill LaGrandeur played an important part in Donna's life. Phil was married to Bob's sister, Yvonne. After Donna and Phil were both widowed, Phil and Donna became special friends. What a great thing for both of them. They knew each other's families and even shared the same in-laws! They enjoyed playing bridge, jazz music, restaurant meals and even a trip to California to visit Bob and Yvonne's brother Bernie.
Over the past 2-plus years, we've relied on a phrase that was a favorite of Donna's dad-"One day at a time." We'll continue to keep that thought as we move forward.
Donna is survived by her daughter, Toni Jaeger; sisters, Eileen Gilbert and Sharon (Don) Althaus and sister-in-law, Sally Gilbert. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob in 1998; parents, Max V. and Leona E. Gilbert and brother, Max J. Gilbert.
Visitation is at 10 AM prior to the funeral Mass of Christian burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of Grace Choir.
Evelyn Coffey Funeral
Thursday, October 30, 2028 | 10:30 AM
Evelyn Coffey, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on October 18, 2025, at the age of 97, surrounded by her family and loved ones.
Born on August 21, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Rena and Cecil Hughes. Evelyn was the youngest of three children, with her sister Adabelle Nichols and brother Burt Hughes. From an early age, she had a deep love for music. She pursued this passion at Drury College in Springfield, Missouri, earning a degree in music and classical voice, followed by an additional year of study with Dr. Raymond Koch.
Right after college Evelyn joined the St. Louis Municipal Opera Company (The Muny) for a year before her beautiful soprano voice led her to sing as a paid soloist at synagogues, churches, and with the Washington University Opera Company until 1966.
On November 28, 1952, Evelyn married the love of her life, Jack Coffey, at the Old Cathedral in St. Louis. They shared 34 wonderful years of marriage until Jack’s passing in 1987. Together, they moved to Edina, Minnesota, in 1966, where they raised their three daughters. Evelyn continued sharing her gift of music as both a choir member and soloist at Lake Harriet Methodist church. Evelyn became a Catholic in 1982 and joined Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, where she shared her musical gift in the Schola choir.
She cherished her time spent playing card games with friends and family, especially Phase 10 with her three beloved grandchildren. She loved taking long walks, traveling to the North Shore each year, and, in royal fashion, raising corgis. Not to be forgotten, her current furbabies - Cody and Teddi.
Evelyn is survived by her three daughters, Kathy Arp with her fiancé Steve Kensinger, Pat Coffey, and Judy Hinz with her husband Chuck Hinz; and her three cherished grandchildren, Charles Hinz (Logan Halliday), Jack Hinz, and Sarah Hinz (fiancé, Ben Jackson). She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Geusz, many loving nieces and nephews along with her beloved Missouri cousins and longtime friends Gretchen, Sharron/Bill, Elaine and many others.
We want to express our gratitude to the Allina Hospice Angels that helped us care for our Mom though her journey: Abby, Julie, Mary, Megan, Karla , Tim and many others. We would also like to express our gratitude to the OLG Communion Minister’s: Maureen, Linda, Lu Ann, Rosemary, and Marie that shared the Eucharist and their love and friendship.
Her grace, warmth, and love of music will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 30th at 10:30am with visitation beginning at 9:30am, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, MN: 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436. The burial ceremony will take place on Friday, October 31st at 11:00am at Fort Snelling National Cemetery: 7601 34th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55450.
Memorials preferred to Second Harvest Heartland Food Bank, St Jude’s Children Hospital and to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.
Barbara Johnson Funeral
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | Noon
The Rodman siblings are all together again with the passing of Barbara Jean Rodman Johnson on Sept 30, 2025. Barb, age 90, was preceded in death by parents Anna and Joseph Rodman, and 6 sisters and 6 brothers. She is survived by loving husband of 65 years Richard and children Jennifer Eggers (Robert), Lynn Searle (Hugo) and Neil Johnson (Jill). She is the beloved grandmother of William, Lucy and Joey Eggers, Jake, Ashley and Nick Johnson and Carys Searle. Her fierce love of family made her a special Auntie to numerous nieces and nephews.
Barb was born September 22, 1935 in Hermansville, a small town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She was proud of her Croatian American heritage and her parent's immigrant story. Barb graduated valedictorian from Hermansville High School in 1953. She attended Michigan State University, graduating in 1957 with an elementary education degree, the first in her family to attend a 4 year university. She often said her years at MSU where the best of her life. She would boast that as a student she never missed a home football or basketball game. In her later years she would attend the MSU - Gopher basketball games and at one game she passed a note to Coach Izzo. In 2014, Barb and Dick made a "bucklist" trip to the Rose Bowl to watch MSU beat Stanford. Barb was an avid sports fan throughout her life, and top of her list were the Green Bay Packers. She was a Packer shareholder and made multiple trips to Lambeau Field for pre-season training camps.
Barb taught elementary school in Edina from 1957 - 1961, and later while her children where young, taught as a substitute in the Minneapolis School District. In 1975 she embarked on a new career with Dayton Hudson Corp. She excelled in her role as a sales clerk in the bed and bath department. She loved helping people pick out things to make their homes more beautiful and comfortable, and she had a knack for it. This led to her being honored in the Chairman's Club for top performers several times.
Barb became a friend to everyone she met.
Visitation is at 11 AM prior to the Mass of Christian Burial.
Memorials preferred to the N. Bud Grossman Center for Memory Research and Care Fund at the U of MN Medical School.
Miguel Roberto Nunez Perez Funeral
Tuesday, October 28, 2028 | 10:30 AM
Mary Richards Funeral
Friday, October 17, 2025 | 11 AM
Mary (Schuler) Richards (87), previously of Cook, MN and Edina, MN died peacefully at a memory care facility on September 29, 2025, surrounded by family.
Mary was born in Munich, ND on June 18, 1938, one of eleven children. She graduated from Munich High School in 1956. She earned a degree in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth and later, a Master of Nursing Education from the University of Minnesota.
She married Chuck Richards in 1961 and raised 2 children. She was a stay-at-home mom until the children were school-aged and then continued her nursing career.
She held various nursing positions: pediatrics, public health, elementary school nurse and finally, nursing instructor for 25 years at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN. Mary contributed a chapter to a nursing textbook and wrote articles for nursing publications.
Chuck and Mary retired to their home on Lake Vermilion in 2001. Mary was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cook, MN. She enjoyed bible study, baking, book club, sewing, and volunteering at the thrift shop. She traveled the world. Most importantly, she enjoyed spending time with her children and 4 grandsons.
Mary is proceeded in death by her loving husband, Chuck Richards and several family members. Mary is survived by children Nancy Randolph (Daniel), Greg Richards (Sandy), and grandsons, Kyle Randolph (Nicole), Collin Randolph, Gavin Richards, Garrett Richards and several siblings and family members.
Visitation will be at 10 am. A lunch and private burial will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Croix Hospice Support Foundation or College of St. Scholastica Nursing Program Fund.
Ava Rudnicki Funeral
Friday, October 10, 2025 | 11:00 AM
Ava Mary Rudnicki, age 72, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2025. Born in Little Falls, Minnesota, Ava was the beloved daughter of Paul T. Rudnicki and JoAnne (Schlichting) Rudnicki.
Ava’s early years were rooted in faith and community. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from St. Francis High School in Little Falls. Ava continued to grow in her faith and was known by many to be a spiritual person. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from St. Cloud State University and later received her Master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.
Her career in social work began in Luverne, Minnesota, where she served with compassion and dedication. She later joined Hennepin County, October of 1980, where she continued her work until retirement in 2016—always advocating for those in need with grace and empathy.
Ava had a zest for life and a spirit of adventure. She traveled extensively, exploring cultures and landscapes around the world. She found joy in hiking, browsing estate sales, and crafting beautifully personal greeting cards that touched the hearts of many. Known for her quick wit and warm humor, Ava always had a clever quip ready to brighten someone’s day.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and JoAnne Rudnicki. Ava is survived by her siblings Claire (Robert) Mahling, Paula (Paul) Tesch, Stephen Rudnicki, and Jennifer Hewitt; and by her step-siblings Adrene (Herald) Hadley, Cathie (Jim) Fosburgh, Jim Deminsky (Cheri), John Deminsky (Jan), Mark Deminsky (Elaine), and Mike Deminsky. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward her memory with love.
A funeral Mass will be held in celebration of Ava’s life on October 10,2025, 11:00 a.m. with visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, Minnesota.
Ava’s legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely.
William John LeVoir Funeral
Monday, October 6, 2025 | 11:00 AM
William John LeVoir of Edina MN, was born on October 3, 1957 and died on September 26, 2025. He was 67 years and 358 days old. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Holly Zimmerman LeVoir, daughter Alissa, son Tony LeVoir (Kim), brothers Ken (Elaine), Tom (Terry), Mike (Pam), Pat (Wendy), sister Bonnie (Steve) Graupner, sisters-in-law, Laurel, Donna and Julie Zimmerman, and many much loved nieces and nephews.
A lifelong resident of Edina, Bill graduated from Our Lady of Grace elementary school, Benilde High School, and the University of Minnesota, where he met Holly, the love of his life.They had an incredible marriage and loved to dance and make each other laugh. Bill made friends easily and had very close, life-long friendships with his classmates and colleagues. He had a quick wit and enjoyed making people laugh as much as he enjoyed laughing. He had a successful career as VP of Sales at Mackay Mitchell Envelope Co., where he worked for 40 years and made life-long friends with his colleagues.
Bill was a quintessential family man. He loved coaching his children in sports and traveling with his family around the world, especially to Spain, where his wife traveled for work and where his daughter now lives. They consider their Spanish friends, “family.” From the age of 14, Bill suffered from ulcerative colitis. Throughout his life he had serious health consequences but he powered through with a smile and a joke. He was on the football, track and basketball teams in high scjimlanserhool. Bill was a 50-year practitioner of martial arts (4th degree black belt), a single-digit handicap golfer and an avid fisherman. He had a special place in his heart for his friends.
Visitation at 10 AM prior to the Funeral Mass at 11 AM. There will also be visitation at Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel on Sunday, October 5 from 5-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Crohns/Colitis Foundation, American Cancer Society, or any charity of choice.
