Roy P. Gillis, Jr. Funeral

Tuesday, September 13 | 11:00 AM

Gillis, Roy P., Jr. Age 90, passed away September 3, 2022. Preceded in death, by his wife, Joanne. Roy worked for Unocal (Union 76) for 35 years, retiring in 1996. He was a faithful husband, loving father and caring grandpa. Roy believed that "attitude was everything" and exuded enthusiasm for life and all the people he met along the way. A devoted sports fan, Roy loved watching football, especially the Minnesota Vikings. Survived by his children Catherine (Roy Taylor), R. Peter, Anne Harris (Peter) and Joe (Cindy); 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother Larry (Letha), many other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian burial, Tuesday, Sep 13, 2022 at 11:00 a.m., Our Lady of Grace Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN 55436; Visitation, Monday, September 12, 5-7 p.m. at Washburn McReavy, 5000 West 50th & MN-100, Edina, MN 55436, (952-920-3996) and one hour prior at the church. Private Interment. Memorials preferred to De La Salle High School.

Matthew Brinkman Funeral

Friday, September 9 | 11:00 AM

Aged just 65 years, of Payson, AZ. Formerly of Colorado and Minnesota, amongst other landing spots over the years. The world has unexpectedly lost one of the good ones. He was oh very young and we were not ready for this. 

So who was this amazing man?

Matt was a massive caregiver by nature and nomadic for the love of his family. He embodied so many things that we, as humans, should all strive to be. Following his college education at the University of Northern Colorado, he spent formative years in  Minnesota where he ran his own successful business, had close friendships too numerous to count, and was an integral part of his sister’s family. Being the man who did anything for those he loved, he relocated to Roswell, NM to care for his disabled parents at a time in his life when most people settle down and have families. He freely gave those years and dedicated himself to giving his mom and dad everything. When they moved to Kentucky, he had another stint in Minnesota and then, shortly following his sister’s untimely passing, he moved to Denver, CO to be close to his younger brother, Joe, as well as niece, nephews, and friends in the state. His family was everything to him and when Joe relocated to Florida, Matt wasn’t far behind, following his best friend like a moonshadow. For reasons known only to him, Matt moved to the mountains of Arizona just a few years later and his story found its conclusion there on July 22, 2022.

He talked a tough game ("I'm gonna cloud up and rain all over you"), but can't keep it in that he was soft to his core, made of marshmallow inside. Well, that and rum. His love of his family was only rivaled by his love of golf and Notre Dame. The man had a great game on the links and the legend of his expletive-laden golf teachings will live on forever. He was a true 18-hole sensei. Matt didn’t attend Notre Dame but believed with all his heart that he was an Irishman. He loved the school’s sports program more than some people love their first-born child. So hey Lou Holtz, if you’re reading this, seek this guy out when you hit the afterlife and maybe, another Saturday night, play a game of cribbage – you won’t regret it.

And hey, Notre Dame, if you’re reading this – what’re the chances you’ll let us spread his ashes in the north end zone? Pretty please?

Matt Brinkman aka Uncle Ralphie aka Uncle Boo… now that morning has broken it's safe to say that there will just never be another like him. The kind of guy who can pull off a mustache. Who always smelled good. Who could make anyone laugh to tears. To say he was an uncle, a son, a brother, a friend… those definitions are too small, too shallow to describe the impact he made on others’ lives. Too generic to capture how important he was to so many.

Matt - you’ll live on within us. It's a wild world and the weight of missing you is unbearable... somehow we'll collectively put one foot in front of the other and carry forward.

Thanks for listening whenever an ear was needed.

Thanks for showing up, it mattered every time.

Thanks for always ending a phone call with “I love you”.

Thanks for the seemingly infinite happy memories.

Thanks for the hole in our hearts.

Preceded onto the peace train, into what comes next, by father (Gerald), mother (Dallas), sister (Meg). Survived with unbelievably broken hearts by brothers Joe Brinkman (of Naples, FL) and Jake Brinkman (of Columbia, KY), former brother-in-law Bob Marshall, beloved nieces/nephews Nick, Luke, Cassie, Matt, Katie, and Tom (and families). Many great-nieces and nephews that he adored. And we can’t forget his partner in crime – his treasured, charismatic scarlet macaw Pierre. Other family and friends throughout the country. Everyone loved the stubborn SOB. 

Visitation 10:00 AM on 9/9/22 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church (5071 Eden Ave, Edina, MN) with funeral service to begin at 11:00 AM, same venue. Interment to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Matt’s name and hug those you love a little closer.

Gene Thelemann Funeral

Thursday, September 8 | 10:30 AM

Eugene (Gene) Thelemann, Age 81 of Edina died peacefully on August 30, 2022, surrounded by family. 

Gene was born in Le Sueur, MN on March 13, 1941. He attended the country school and graduated from Le Sueur High School. He married Rita Osborne of St. Peter on September 25, 1965, and raised 5 beautiful children on the family farm in Le Sueur. He was a member of the Military reserve, worked for O’Brien plumbing, graduated from Normandale, and retired at Menards in Eden Prairie.

Years of farming cultivated a deep connection and reverence for nature. It was a spiritual source of inspiration and sustenance for Gene as he planted goodness and harvested eternal love throughout his life. He loved spending time in prayer every Friday at Our Lady of Grace for Adoration and he was active within the Spring Forest Qigong Healing Center community. He was loved by everyone he met and his zest for life was infectious. A kid at heart that enjoyed dancing, singing, and humming to whatever tune moved him. He had a knack for bringing people together with a family volleyball game, endless basketball competitions of horse, swimming at Lexington Lake on hot summer evenings after hoeing in the beans, followed by a sweet treat at the red barn. Gene was a devoted family man and proud Papa that was blessed with so many wonderful memories with his grandkids. His joyful, playful spirit will live with us, and we are truly blessed with the time we had together. Be inspired by Gene’s lighthearted spirit and stop to smell the roses, hug a tree, meet a new friend, be a love radiator, or hum a little tune.

Gene is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita; 5 children, Tim Thelemann of Elk River, Robert (Geralyn) Thelemann of Watertown, Sheila (Keith) Bianchi of St. Paul, Rachel (Chad) Thelemann-Reil of Minneapolis, and Emily (Sara) Thelemann-Evans of Minneapolis; 9 grandchildren, Alex, Aidan, and Sophie Thelemann; Grace Bianchi; Finn and Eloise Hubbard; Emma, Spencer and Frankie Reil; one sister, Eleanor Ostrowski of Duluth; 3 sisters-in-law, Helen Thelemann, of Cleveland; Evie Thelemann of St. Peter and Margaret Taylor of Minneapolis, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Gene is preceded in death by his parents Art and Mary Thelemann; brothers, Dr. Art Thelemann Jr., Leroy Thelemann, Maurice Thelemann; sister-in-law, Bern Thelemann; brothers-in-law, Larry Ostrowski, William Osborne, Tom Meyer; niece, Katherine (Thelemann) Guettler; as well as other loved ones.

Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday September 8, 2022 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina, MN 55436. Visitation will be held on September 7, 2022 at 5:00-8:00 P.M., at the Gearty Delmore Funeral Chapels, 3960 Wooddale Ave. S., St. Louis Park, MN 55416, and visitation one hour prior to the start of Mass at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers a donation to Minnesota Landscape Arboretum or Tree Trust Transforming Lives and Landscapes.


You may make a donation to Our Lady of Grace through a memorial gift through the link below.

Dolores Novotny Funeral

Friday, September 2 | 10:30 AM

Novotny, Dolores L. 90, longtime Edina resident and employee for NY Life Insurance for 35+ years, passed away on August 26, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents John R.& Catherine L. Novotny, Brother Stanley J. Novotny. She is survived by love ones Jim & MaryJo Faustgen, Grayce & Mike Grohovsky, John & Laurie Faustgen, Joseph & Diane Faustgen, Mike & Becky Faustgen. Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:30am with visitation one hour prior at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina. Interment Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Myra Hensel Funeral

Thursday, September 1 | 10:30 AM

Myra C. Hensel passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at her home in Edina, Minnesota. She was 97. Born to Dennis and Susan Klingelhutz on April 4, 1925 in Chanhassen, MN. She retired after a long career working in both grocery and retail, as well as a nanny and residential hostess.

She was a devout Catholic, attending Our Lady of Grace for 40 years. Mom loved to cook and entertain. Myra was a loving mother and will be remembered for her gourmet meals, love for shopping and card playing. A champion 500 player.

Myra was predeceased by husbands, Maurice P. Powers (1959; father of her children) and Henry J. Hensel (1982); siblings, Daniel A. Klingelhutz, Marie S. Nien, Rosella "Sally" Koehnen, Florence A. Hess-Deuffert, Evelyn F. Wartman-Brown, Aloysius "Al" H. Klingelhutz, Luella C. Neidenfeuhr, and Thomas O. Klingelhutz; and grandson, Christopher M. Johnston (2011).

Myra is survived by her six children, Sandra Moore (Peter), Sharon Johnston (d/Robert), Susan Rogers, Jacqueline Powers, Thomas Powers, Nancy Garrett (d/Robert); 11 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She loved her family.
Memorial Mass to be held on Thursday, September 1, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436. Visitation beginning at 10 AM. Burial at 1:15 PM at Shakopee Catholic Cemetery (Formerly St. Mark's), 830 10th Avenue West, Shakopee, MN 55379.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Park Nicollet Methodist Hospice, 6500 Excelsior Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Kathleen Puff Funeral

Friday, August 26 | 10:30 AM

Kathleen M. Puff passed away surrounded by her family on April 16th, 2020, in Saint Paul. Kathleen enjoyed spending time with all her children, travelling, and celebrations of all types. She was born in St. Paul to Parnell and Loretta Sullivan. Growing up, Kathleen enjoyed many outdoor activities including dance, skating, and swimming. After graduating from Wilson High School, she attended St. Catherine’s University, receiving a B.A. in Elementary Education. She loved teaching and retained an interest in Education, even after retiring.

Kathleen married Marvin Puff on July 1st, 1950, and they were blessed with 8 children. “Marv and Kathy” travelled to Hawaii, Florida, Arizona, as well as many trips to visit family in the Twin Cities and across the upper Midwest. In her later years, she enjoyed living independently until 90 years old, watching the Bachelor, enjoying birthdays, holidays, good meals, travelling to Italy, Hawaii, and Florida while always worrying about her children and grandchildren.

Kathleen was preceded in her passing by her husband, Marvin, her brothers, Kenneth and Parnell (Buddy) Sullivan, and her sister, Merle Mahowald, with whom she shared a very deep bond due to their large families.

Kathleen is survived by her 8 children (Michael, Mary, John (Pam), Barbara, Teresa, Thomas, Arthur, and Ellen) and her five grandchildren (Sam, Connor, Hannah, Sophia, and Maria).

There will be a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church in Edina (5071 Eden Avenue) on Friday, August 26th at 10:30am with visitation one half hour prior to the Mass. There will be a luncheon at the Church following the Mass (please take the Benton Avenue exit on Highway 100 and take the West Frontage Road to access the church).

Lida Elizabeth Miller Funeral

Monday, August 15 | 10:30 AM

Lida Elizabeth Miller was born in Tremont, Illinois on March 9, 1934 to parents Josephine Garden Robison and Leslie Archie Robison. She was the oldest of three sisters and one brother. When she was eleven, her family moved to Wapello, IA, where she graduated from high school. Lida graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a two year teacher's certificate in elementary education in 1953, and met her future husband, Kermit Miller, at work. They married in 1955 and had a truly loving marriage that endured until his death in 2001. She had three daughters, Melissa, Beth and Marla.

Lida lived in Iowa and Wisconsin for most of her adult life, teaching elementary school-fifth grade was her favorite. She enjoyed her teaching career and enjoyed her time at home with her daughters. Lida was an enthusiastic fan of their activities and went to most home and away events. When Melissa was in high school, Lida returned to college at UW-EC where she received her Bachelor of Education degree and then returned to work full-time.

In the early 1970's, the family bought a cabin on a lake in Northern Wisconsin and that cabin (which later became a larger home) became the center of the family's summers. Lida and Kerm liked to fish and socialize with their many friends. They enjoyed vegetable gardening and Lida made countless containers of applesauce for the family.

Lida and Kerm also enjoyed an annual fishing vacation in Canada where they saw their long time, dear friends Billie and Don Gilkerson. The two couples had a great time fishing for northern and walleye and watching the kids enjoy the water. After retirement, Lida and Kerm spent their winters in Mesa, Arizona where they made many new friends and enjoyed the company of longtime friends. They also enjoyed a tour of Europe and several other trips within the United States. After both their husbands died in 2001, Lida and Billie Gilkerson continued to go to Mesa for many years, enjoying the warmth of the Arizona winters in contrast to the cold of the Midwest.

After Kerm died, Lida moved to the Twin Cities to be closer to two of her daughters and grandchildren. She made good friends in her condo building and enjoyed going to plays, concerts and lectures with them. Unfortunately, COVID put an end to these outings and Lida reluctantly moved to the Golden Valley area to be closer yet to children and grandchildren.

One of the things Lida was proudest of was that she attended all her grandchildren's high school, college, and graduate school graduations. She also attended all six weddings; travelling to such exotic destinations as Des Moines, IA, Cancun, Mexico (where she enjoyed a catamaran ride) and Siena, Italy. Her grandchildren knew they were loved by her.

Once when talking to her daughter, Lida commented that her life had been a good one and that it had turned out pretty much the way she had hoped. I think that's a great epitaph.

Lida was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Helen and her brother Archie. Lida's surviving family includes her sister Barbara Harvey, and her daughters and families: Melissa Miller and Ron Schiferl, Beth and Kevin Florey, and Marla and Richard Walters. They are also survived by six grandchildren and spouses, Matthew and Hailey Walters, Andrea and Christian Engelen, Suzanne and Bryan Kuehn, Christina and Nick Bass, Gregory and Vanessa Walters, and Natalie Schiferl and Andrew Shipe. She also has eight great grandchildren - all four years old or younger.

A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, MN on Monday, August 15 at 10:30 AM, with visitation starting at 9:30, and lunch following. Lida will be buried next to her husband at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in McGregor, IA.