Funeral

Barbara Barrett Funeral

Thursday, May 9, 2024 | 10:30 AM

Barrett, Barbara Ruth 78, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on March 24, 2024. She served in the Navy from 1967 to 1969. Barbara grew up in Gilbertville MA, and was a dedicated RN at Abbot Northwestern for 40 years. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Roger Barrett, sons Gene and James Barrett, daughter-in-law Amy Barrett, son-in-law Alexander Barrett, grandsons Ian and Micheal Barrett, sister Marsha Dowling, brothers Don and Kenneth Beaudin, nieces Kelly Kucia, Courtney Dowling, Michelle Beaudin, nephew Paul Beaudin and friends of 40 years Jeanne Boesel and Sally Lundquist. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Wanda Beaudin, and her son Jeff Barrett. Please email jim@brts.us to receive burial and memorial service information. Contributions in her memory can be made to Wounded Warriors.

Colleen Helen Wahl Funeral

Thursday, April 25, 2024 | 10:30 AM

Colleen Helen (Corbett) Wahl of Edina, Minnesota passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024 in the morning sunlight surrounded by her adoring husband Jim and five children.

Growing up in Hopkins, Minnesota, Colleen blossomed amidst the warmth of an Irish Catholic household, surrounded by nine beloved siblings. From those roots, she cultivated a radiant personality characterized by warmth, a tireless work ethic, and an unwavering devotion to family and community.

It was fate that led her to Jim, her high school sweetheart, at a spirited basketball game, and together they crafted a life filled with boundless love and cherished memories. Their journey was graced by the presence of five children, who brought immeasurable joy, and later by the laughter of 15 adored grandchildren.

As a dedicated realtor, Colleen didn't just sell houses; she welcomed clients into her extended family, tirelessly striving to match each one with their perfect home. Throughout her 87 years, her infectious spirit touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and joy. She taught those around her the power of a genuine smile, a warm greeting, and the transformative impact of seeing the best in others. Today, we celebrate her remarkable life and the countless hearts she uplifted along the way.

Survived by her husband Jim, her son Steve (Susan), daughter Lisa Reilly (Mike Reilly), daughter Karen, son Chris (Barb Recke), and daughter Leslie Stageberg (Brad Stageberg) and grandchildren Shannon (Reilly) Daugherty, Connor Reilly, Ryan Reilly, Mike Reilly, Caitlin Reilly, Zach Wahl, Jake Wahl, Matt Wahl, Corbin Wahl, Brendan Wahl, Caden Wahl, Makenzie Wahl, Ben Stageberg, Casey Stageberg and Jessica Stageberg.

Celebration of life will be Thursday, April 25 at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina. 9:30 AM visitation, 10:30 AM service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Asscoiation.

Marie Pfannenstein Funeral

Thursday, April 4, 2024 | 11:00 AM

Marie Feien Pfannenstein, age 86, of Edina, passed away from cancer on February 3, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. Marie grew up in St. Cloud, MN and attended Cathedral High School. After graduation, Marie attended St. Alexius (Mary College) in Bismark, ND to study nursing. As a registered nurse, she returned to St. Cloud to work in the psychiatric unit at the Veteran’s Administration. Marie married Ron Pfannenstein and moved to Minneapolis to begin Ron’s career at Honeywell. This would be the first of many moves made for Ron’s career. They enjoyed a two-year stint in Washington, DC in the late 1960’s.

The couple were blessed with three children. Marie supported her children’s many extracurricular activities and could often be seen at the ice arena during skating lessons or hockey games. She loved celebrating holidays and trying new recipes. Marie was a woman of strong faith who was active in the community. She served as a Sunday School Coordinator at Our Lady of Grace and was a member of the St. Francis Guild.

When Marie and Ron’s children were older, she returned to her career as a nurse and became the In-Service Director at Edina Care Center. She retired from that position in 1985 to move to Brussels, Belgium for over four years. She loved to travel and had a thirst for knowledge. Marie and Ron later moved to Long Island, NY and then Chicago, IL before returning to settle in Edina.

Marie is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Ron; children, Laura (Ralf) Lorenzen, Matt Pfannenstein, Mike (Molly) Pfannenstein; grandchildren, Katherine and John Lorenzen, Kyle, Ben and Jake Pfannenstein; many relatives and friends.  Preceded in death by parents, Mathias and Marie Anna Feien; and an infant sister.  She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren. Above all she was a loving and devoted wife, mother and Nana, and will be missed. 

Funeral service is Thursday, April 4th at Our Lady of Grace Church at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior and there will be a luncheon immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Sister Jean’s Cookie Cart, 1119 W Broadway Ave, Minneapolis, 55411.

Jim Meares Funeral

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 | 10:30 AM

James "Jim" Thomas Meares, 82, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2024, at Benedictine Living in Shakopee, MN. He was born on February 6, 1942, in Chicago, to James and Ethel Meares. Jim grew up in the Village of Evergreen Park, attending St. Bernadette Catholic School and was later part of the first graduating class of Brother Rice High School in Chicago. He graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1967. Afterwards, he served in the United States Army from September 1967 to September 1969 as the Chaplain's Assistant at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. Jim married Geraldine (Gerry) Wagner on November 29, 1969, in Chicago. They had four children together, Jamie, Maggie, Trina and Mike.

Jim was a proud longtime resident of Eureka, IL, where he served as Alderman of Ward IV for 26 years and was a founding member of St. Luke's Catholic Church. He worked at Caterpillar for over 30 years where he enjoyed working with people all over the world. Jim loved spending time with his family, golfing and camping. He enjoyed traveling in retirement with his wife Gerry. Jim always had the ability to make people laugh with his dry and witty sense of humor.

Jim is survived by his wife Gerry; children Jamie (Mike) Pohl, Maggie (Juan) Delgado, Trina (Joby) Brown, Mike (Katie) Meares; sisters Mary Kay (the late Richard) Ring, Ann (Ed) Conroy, brothers-in-law Clare ( the late Kathy) Wagner, Russ (the late Mary) Wagner, Dave (Sandy) Wagner, Jim (Michele) Wagner, and sister-in-law Lorrie Roddy, his nine grandchildren; Alex, Gretchen, Ethan, Audrey, Caitlin, Sebastian, Avery, Benjamin and Eli, as well as many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his father James, mother Ethel (nee Quinlan), stepfather Arthur Stortz, parent in laws Clarence and Teresa, brother-in-law Richard Ring and sisters-in-law Kathy and Mary Wagner.

Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Our Lady of Grace in Edina, MN at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be one hour prior and there will be a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the National Library Service for the Blind.

Father Bob Schwartz Funeral

Friday, February 23, 2024 | 10:00 AM

Click here to view a livestream of the Funeral.
Click here to view a livestream of the Vigil Liturgy of the Hours.

Father Bob Schwartz, retired priest of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, was returned to the Lord on February 18, 2024, the 57th anniversary of his ordination. He is survived by his siblings, Bill (Jeannie), Howard (Margaret), Ron (Dorothy) and Carol, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents Aaron and Margaret, his brother Lenny, and his beloved dogs Shadrach, Nala and Amos.

Memorial Mass for Father Bob in Ghana - Click Here

Father Bob was ordained February 18, 1967, and his life of ministry was extensive. Over 23 years, he served as pastor of both St. John Neumann in Eagan and Our Lady of Grace in Edina. He studied in Rome at Gregorian University, authored the awarding winning book, Servant Leaders of the People of God, and he received a Doctorate in Sacred Theology. He also served on the Archdiocesan Chancery Staff for nine years, was the President of the National Organization for Continuing Education for Roman Catholic Clergy (NORERCC) for two years, served as a Police Chaplain, and taught at the Saint Paul Seminary. In retirement, Father Bob generously served many parishes, his retirement community, Carondelet Village, and gave of his time to Catholic Charities. He was instrumental in establishing Our Lady of Grace Senior High School in Ghana. His passion was serving the poor and developing opportunities for families to access Catholic Education.

Many thanks to Carondelet Village, Symphony Care, Pro Ecclesia Sancta Sisters,  his priest support group, friends, family and drivers and all those who cared for Father Bob after his spinal cord injury that resulted in his paraplegia. Father Bob’s circle of care allowed him to continue to live a full and meaningful life in service to others.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Our Lady of Grace Memorial Fund, or to the Ghana Ministry - RISE & SHINE Fund.

Mary Crowley Funeral

Thursday, June 13, 2024 | 10:30 AM

Mary Kathryn Popehn Crowley of Bloomington, Minnesota, passed away gently January 13, 2024 in her sleep, with family by her side. She was born on July 1st, 1927 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Anna and Albert Popehn. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, husband Jim, her son, Jim, brothers Art, Fran and Dick, son-in-law Bill, and great granddaughter Sydney. She is survived by four children, Kathy Peltier, Pat, Tom (Liz), Julie (John Harrington), eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Mary was a devoted wife and mother. She was devout in her faith and dedicated to the Catholic community. She loved a good garage sale and with a keen eye for the market, became a skilled antique collector and dealer. She loved spending time during the summer at the family cabin and winters in Florida. Mary and Jim enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with family and many delightful friends. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, June 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation one hour prior at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina. Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.