Richard W. O’Neil
May 15, 1945 – January 15, 2025
Richard W. O’Neil, age 79, of Shoreview, MN, passed away on January 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Richard was born on May 15, 1945 and raised in the West 7th area of St. Paul. His life was defined by his love for family, his deep faith, and his lifelong commitment to learning.
Richard is survived by Susan; daughters, Kathleen and Eleanor (Mordy); and his cherished grandchildren, Anthony, Jacob, and Mira. He will be missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Richard was an active CPA and had his own practice with many clients, one of whom was his brother, Danny O’Neil who owned Nakashian-O’Neil.
Richard was a man of many passions. He found peace and joy in nature, often spending time outdoors where he could connect with the world around him. A phenomenal cook, Richard was known for preparing meals that brought family and friends together, always with a dash of humor and heart. He had a love of animals and considered each pet a friend.
A lifelong learner, Richard had a deep appreciation for reading and history. His curiosity and intellectual spirit were central to who he was, and he inspired those around him to never stop exploring and asking questions.
A deeply religious man, Richard lived by the principles of his faith and his commitment to AA, which guided him through life with strength and humility. He was a loving father who imparted these values to his daughters, offering wisdom, encouragement, and unwavering support throughout their lives.
Richard’s legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were touched by his warmth, generosity, and the example he set in his faith, his family, and his service to others.
Richard Dennis
1945 – January 28, 2025
No additional information at this time.
Phillip Dean Reichenbach
July 10, 1945 – April 29, 2025
Phillip Dean Reichenbach of Nisswa, age 79, died April 29, 2025. Phil was born in St. Paul on July 10, 1945, and grew up in South St. Paul, spending summers at the family cabin on Middle Cullen Lake in Nisswa. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Angela; sister-in-law, Sandy. Survived by children Kelly (Brian) Jacobson, Nic (Erica); siblings Paul (Mickey), Rick, Bob (Cathy) and Sue (Chris) Stevens; grandchildren Will and Molly Jacobson. He graduated from Cretin-Derham Hall High School, where he played football, hockey and baseball. He attended St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, where he played hockey, and graduated from the University of St. Thomas – Minnesota, where he was an assistant hockey coach. Phil retired from 3M Cottage Grove in 2007, moving full-time to the family cabin on Middle Cullen Lake where he enjoyed spending time with nearby family, playing fetch with his black lab Zoe and crappie fishing. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play baseball and softball as well as support them in any other activity that they decided to try. He eagerly looked forward to his annual winter Mexico trip with Rick, spring crappie trip with the Licks, spring walleye trip with the Woogs, and 50-year-running fall goose hunting trip with Saskatchewan and Georgian friends as well as his son and nephew Steve. Phil’s character left an impression on everyone he met; the memory of his quick wit, self-deprecating humor, endearing nicknames and big heart will endure through his large circle of relatives and friends in Minnesota, Saskatchewan and Georgia, who will certainly be telling ‘Phil stories’ for years to come. There will be a graveside service for family, and this summer there will be a Celebration of Life for his friends and family to gather (date to come).
Timothy J. Sullivan
December 24, 1944 – July 14, 2022
(Editors Note – Tim died in 2022 but we only learned of his death in June 2025, hence it is included here.)
The most beautiful stones have been tossed by wind and smoothed by water. Just like stones, we have been polished by the gifts of our fathers… The wisdom of their years, the strength of their values, and the patience of their understanding. Timothy J. Sullivan was a man of loyalty, generosity, and charity. He was a family man who sacrificed to provide. The world will little note, nor long remember what he said here, but can never forget what he did here.
At the end of each day at dusk, our American colors are retired. Just as taps remind us in it’s call, day is done, gone the sun… all is well, safely rest. In the very early morning of Thursday, July 14, 2022, fading light dimmed our sight. We gave thanks and praise for our days, ‘neath the sun, ‘neath the sky and after 77 years, we let our dad Tim go. Your guiding hand on my shoulder will remain with us forever.
Mr. Sullivan was born in St. Paul, MN, and had been a longtime Delran neighbor. His home had contributed to the manpower of our great nation, upholding the American ideals of freedom in the United States Navy, retiring as Commander in 1987. Tim enjoyed hitting the links and had the opportunity to scratch on courses such as Spyglass Hill and Pebble Beach, among others. Mr. & Mrs. Sullivan enjoyed traveling and time at home, Tim filled his time woodworking, figuring out crossword puzzles and watching golf tournaments on TV.
Tim is the widower of his late wife Jeanne (nee Syme) Sullivan. He is survived by his boys, Michael & his wife Jacquelyn, and Matthew and his wife Michelle. Tim is the proud grandfather of; Meghan Sullivan Tanner Sullivan & his wife Summer, Kate Sullivan, and Stephen Campolongo. He is the brother of; Sandy & her late husband Dan Krakowski, Betty & her husband Bill Warner, Colleen & her husband Peter Ciampa, Patrick & his wife Mimi, and Daniel & his wife Carla. Tim is also survived and will be sadly missed by his brother-in-law James Syme & his life partner Cheryl as well as many nieces and nephews.
In honor of those who have sacrificed. In tribute to those who have fallen and in gratitude to those now serving, United States Navy military honors were rendered at graveside privately.
Robert (Bob) Sanders
December 19, 1944 – September 19, 2024
(Editors Note – Bob died in 2024 but we only learned of his death in July 2025, hence it is included here.)
Robert (Bob) Sanders, of Rosemount, MN gracefully entered God’s kingdom after a decade-long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Bob was born in St. Paul to Mary and Robert Sanders Sr. and graduated from Cretin-Derham Hall High School in 1963. He later received a degree from the University of Minnesota and worked a long career in human resources. Before entering retirement, he managed to find the time to completely refurbish his youngest daughter’s house while splitting time between Canada and Minnesota for his work. This earned him the nickname “Bob the Builder.” He never missed an opportunity to take vacations every year with his “girls” and spending free time with extended family.
Prior to the onset of his illness, Bob was an avid golfer who in his retirement worked part-time at two different golf courses leaving just enough time to sneak in a round almost daily. As much as he loved golf, his world revolved around his family. He was a loving husband of 53 years to wife, Donna. They met standing in line for class schedules at the University of Minnesota, and the rest as they say, is history. Upon reflection, Donna said that Bob never said no to her when it came to doing the things that made her happy. That was also true for his two daughters. With his wife, they were top of the mountain, and he shared his selfless love freely with them.
His focus was always on making everyone else’s lives better, and he took every possible opportunity to do it. He maintained handwritten calendars every year that included every birthday, anniversary, passing and special occasion – so he could reach out to share it with you. He had an infectious smile and a sense of humor that could make you double over with laughter. He had a gentle kindness about him that immediately put you at ease. Even when his disease had progressed and he couldn’t speak, he still expressed his appreciation and gratitude daily to the lovely staff that cared for him at The Moments, his memory care facility.
He is survived by wife Donna Sanders of Rosemount, daughter Stephanie Brandt (son-in-law Bruce) of St. Paul, daughter Stacy Sanders (son-in-law David) of St. Paul, sister Mary Najdek (Audie) of Coon Rapids, sister Jeanie Hudson (Bob) of Blaine, brother Jim Sanders (Bea) of Shoreview and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by parents Mary and Robert Sanders Sr.
He will be so missed by family, friends and all who knew him.
John R. Jansen
April 4, 1945 – July 5, 2025
Loving Father and Grandfather, friend to many, IBEW 110 member, poop plant electrician, inspector, Cretin High School Graduate (Class of 1963), cab and truck driver, former Teamster and ASME member.
Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and spent the past 27 years in Pine City. John dedicated his service and brought a smile to everyone’s face. A longtime member of St Luke’s parish as a youth, John supported the church and church camp on Bone Lake. John also served at St Mary’s Church as an usher and made Booya each year.
Dedicated union supporter and Catholic, brave enough to ask the important questions: Why wouldn’t you want a quiet mass? If the sermon goes past five minutes, does all that need to be said?
His lovely children will dearly miss him: Ryan (Stacey) Jansen and Katelyn (Steve) Rustin. Grandchildren: Mariah, Sarah, Benjamin, Abigaile, Caleb, Cayden, Caroline, and Charlotte. One great-granddaughter Astreia, and brother Joe Jansen, with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Evelyn Jansen, and Sister Judith Berg.
Michael J. Giefer
March 11, 1945 – July 30, 2025
Michael Joseph Giefer (Michael), of Mendota Heights, born on March 11, 1945, passed away at home surrounded by loving family on July 30, 2025, at age 80.
Michael was born in Seattle, where his father was stationed as an Army officer during World War II. The oldest of four, he grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Saint Paul.
His father nicknamed him Moony because he would “moon” over little things that made him sad. But he was a happy kid who loved books, fishing, swimming, tennis and sailing at the cabin. In high school, his friend group earned the nickname “The Owls Club” for their late-night poker games. His friends simply called him Chief.
He was a graduate of Cretin High School, the University of Minnesota, Georgetown University Law Center, earning his JD with honors in 1970. He later attended the University of St.Thomas and became a CPA.
On a spring evening in 1971, Michael met the love of his life when he asked a young woman named Donis to dance. Married in 1973, they raised four children and shared more than 50 years of love and life together.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Michael took a keen interest in his children’s careers and his grandchildren’s schooling and activities. He had a natural warmth and ease that made everyone who walked through the door feel instantly welcome.
He spent most of his career as a tax and estate attorney, rising to Vice President at Fiduciary Counseling, Inc. (FCI). Michael made many valuable contributions and close friends over his 25 years at FCI. He retired in 2007 at age 62.
Michael’s favorite place was the family cabin on Big Trout Lake in central Minnesota. There, he could be found on boat cruises with the family, watching eagles and great blue herons, walking in the woods, enjoying wild raspberries, and swimming out with the loons—often venturing farther from shore than anyone thought reasonable.
Following in his mother’s footsteps, Michael was an avid birdwatcher, especially in retirement, and was often seen with binoculars, his birding vest, and floppy hat. He was a regular at nature preserves across the Twin Cities and made an annual spring trip to the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas to catch the migration.
Michael was sharp and well-read and, once you got him going, could speak at length on a variety of topics, from string theory to the Minnesota Vikings’ prospects every year. He was looking forward to the coming season with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
A voracious reader and a lifelong student of history and current events, Michael is fondly remembered sitting in his chair nightly, reading the paper, the latest issue of Astronomy magazine, MN Conservationist, or a massive history book (and usually falling fast asleep in that chair).
Michael was a loyal viewer of Almanac and CNBC, where he kept a close eye on Minnesota affairs and the stock market. Always curious about the world, Michael enjoyed travel, good conversation, Charles Schultz Peanuts cartoons, the music of The Beatles, and, yes, ABBA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Janet, and his sister Katie (John Chadwick).
Michael is survived by his loving wife of more than 50 years, Donis; son Paul (Melissa Johnson) and their children, Maya and Molly; son Andy (partner Meggan Ellingboe); daughter Ann Marie (Maureen Arbogast) and their children Cavan and Ryland; son David (Traci); sister Judith Gage (Albert); brother William Giefer (Cindi); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His family would like to thank Senior Helpers and Grace Hospice for their professional and compassionate care for Michael.
William F. Haskamp
June 12, 1945 – June 12, 2025
Rosemount, MN – Bill passed away peacefully on the morning of his 80th birthday, holding hands with his bride of 49 years, Romayne. A lover of his family and friends, if you were lucky enough to know him, you will never forget him. He had a brilliant mind, adventurous spirit, strong faith and unmatched sense of humor. A leader, writer, reader, traveler, photographer and storyteller – he never stopped learning or laughing. His passion for life was contagious.
Survived by his wife Romayne, children Christopher (Corey) Haskamp, Jennifer Haskamp (Michael Swanson), grandchildren, Will and Lucy Haskamp, and four-legged companion Bailey.
John “Red” O’Gara
1944 – October 4, 2025
No additional information. Private service held.
Don Danneker
1945 – November 6, 2025
Don, age 80 of West St. Paul, passed peacefully on November 6, 2025 surrounded by family following a brief illness.
Don was preceded in death by his father, Frank; mother, Delores; brother, Bob; granddaughter, Kelsey; son-in-law, Ben Kurth; and step-father, John Haider.
Don is survived by his wife of 58 years, Claudia; children, Mike (Kris), Rob (Maria), Dawn; grandchildren, Bret, Britney, Brad, Frank, Lucia; great-grandchildren, Nora, Summer, Naomi, Lena, Halle; and many other family members and friends.
A product of St. Paul’s West End, Don attended St. James Catholic School and graduated from Cretin High School (’63). While playing for the prominent Christie DeParcq Legion baseball team, he met his future wife, who was the sister-in-law of the team’s coach, and they married April 29, 1967.
For three decades, Don was a diligent public servant, first with the United States Postal Service, then with the West St. Paul Police Department for 26 years, retiring in 1994 as an investigator.
In retirement, Don continued to serve his community through participation on leadership boards including the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, and WSP Challenger Legion Post 521 baseball.
A son, husband, father, coach, supporter, golfer, and friend, “Papa” was a man of honesty and integrity, and will be missed by all.
Memorial services will be private.