Michael C Gresser Funeral

Friday, June 9, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Gresser, Michael Christian "MC" passed away peacefully on June 2, with his children nearby. Born on the family farm in Albany, Minnesota on February 18th, 1932, the youngest of six children. The farm was lost late in the Great Depression due to his father's illness. He passed away when M.C. was 14. His oldest brother Gerry taught him to lay brick and soon they were hopping trains for the Twin Cities working as commercial masons to support the family. He was a foreman of his first masonry crew at age 19, running the brick work on landmarks like the St. Paul Radison Hotel. He married Joan (Krebsbach) on June 11, 1955, and they proceeded to travel the country chasing large masonry jobs. They had their first daughter, Michelle, in Grand Forks, North Dakota while he ran the Airforce Base project there. Work also took them to Davenport, Iowa where their second daughter Mary Jo was born. They returned home and settled in Eagan in 1963. In 1968 they had their third child, Michael J. A year later they started GRESSSER Incorporated in their basement. He ran the sales and field while she ran the books. Over the years GRESSER became one of the largest and most respected concrete and masonry contractors in the nation, employing more than 200 people, working in 19 states and building iconic structures such as the IDS Crystal Court, the Minneapolis Hilton Towers, US Bank Tower and TCF (now Huntington) Bank Stadium. M.C. and Joan sold the company to Michael J. in 2001. Today the company is based in Shakopee, thriving on the tradition and values he created. Over the years he became a dynamic entrepreneur, involved in local politics and business ventures. He founded an exotic car dealership, developed and owned real estate, owned a hotel, started a general contracting firm and became majority shareholder in several community banks. He loved to help people and prided himself on picking winners. He started construction of the first ever Lifetime Fitness in Eagan by handshake before they secured financing because he had faith that Bahram Akradi would get him paid. They became lifelong friends. In 2003 he backed Mike J. and Matt Barron as they founded Recon Wall Systems. The company now operates in 14 countries with four divisions. He served on Recon's board and still owned his shares when he died. He was also a Nuevo investor in Tradition Bank Shares and cherished his friendship with Reid Evenson at the bank. He and Joan were members of the Twin Cities Viper Club who, especially the Aszmanns and Bretts, were like family. He did all this while enjoying the lake with his family and being a supportive husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He devoted his life to elevating his family to a better station and truly outdistanced his greatest ambitions. A life very well lived. He is proceeded in death by his parents Barbara and Michael Joseph, his brothers Jerome, Leeander and Ralph, his sisters Lorraine (Grimes) and Erma (Hollenhorst) and his beloved wife of 62 years, Joan. He is survived by his daughter Michelle Walston (James) and Mary Jo Stackhouse (Steven - deceased), son Mike (Amy) and grandchildren James (Victoria) and Elizabeth Walston, Michael R. (Sarah), Ellie, Emma and Harrison Gresser and greatgrandchildren Jane and James Daniel Walston. We are grateful for the care given to MC by the staff at N.C. Little Hospice. Memorials preferred to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, 7019 Lynmar Ln., Edina, MN 55435. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 8 from 4-7 PM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 W. 50th Street and Hwy 100 (952-920-3996). washburn-mcreavy.com. Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 9, 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina, (952-929-3317). olgparish.org. A luncheon reception to follow.

Greg Martin Funeral

Monday, June 12, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Martin, Gregory F. age 74 of Richfield, passed away peacefully on 5/30/2023. Preceded in death by his parents. In his very own unique way, he was a blessing to his family and friends. He had an infectious smile and was known for his great sense of humor. A devoted Dallas Cowboy fan, he loved bowling, biking and spending time with his family and friends. He was proud of his 41 years spent with Honeywell and continued later in life with Opportunity Partners. He enjoyed many fun times with his roommates at 13th House. Survived by sisters, Carolyn (Perry) Gehrman and Maribeth (Mike) Sherlock; nephews, Matt (Jamie) Gehrman, Tim (Danielle) Gehrman; nieces, Liz (David) McCoy and Emily (Tom) Purnell; and many grand-nieces and nephews. A special thanks to Bob and Theresa, Opportunity Partners, 13th House staff, Little Hospice, and Park Nicollet medical and Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Opportunity Partners 13th House "In Memory of Greg Martin" to Opportunity Partners, ATTN Pamela Yang, 5500 Opportunity Court, Minnetonka, MN 55343. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Monday, June 12th with visitation 1 hour prior, all at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tom Crowley Funeral

Tuesday, June 6, 2023 | 11:00 AM

Thomas "Tom" Clair Crowley, of Edina, MN, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023 at the age of 82. Tom was born in Welton, IA to Vince and Clare Crowley, and he attended Maur Hill Prep before graduating from St. Benedict's College in Atchison, KS. In 1964, he and his wife Ann began their life together, and Tom started his almost 60 year career. Tom directed countless financing projects in the real estate community and was known for his ability to make each deal a win-win situation for all involved. He played a key role in arranging financing for notable projects ranging from the AT&T Tower to the Mall of America. In 2013, he was inducted into the Minnesota Real Estate Hall of Fame. He was still working on deals at Colliers before he passed. Also a lover of fast cars and motorcycles. Tom was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Pat, Bill, Jerry, Jack, and Jim. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ann; children, Matt (Mary Jane), and Angie (Andy) Porter; grandchildren, Cella, Jane, and Patrick; sisters-in-law, Peggy Faulhaber and Rosemary Faulhaber; and many nieces and nephews. They will dearly miss his generosity and warmth, and especially his charm and gift of the gab.

Services will be held on Tuesday, June 6, at 11 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at Our Lady of Grace Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in Tom's name.

Arlene Finley Funeral

Wednesday, June 7, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Finley, Arlene Patricia (Langner) died on May 30, 2023 at age 85. She was daughter of Irene Langner (Sprague) and Mike Langner and sister of Kathleen Fike, all deceased. She was born in Minneapolis on July 28, 1937. She spent her youthful summers on Lake Minnetonka (Crystal Bay) and grew up in the Bryn Mar neighborhood. She graduated from Basilica grade school, Holy Angels High Academy (1955), and attended St. Catherine’s University and the U of M. Survived by husband Pat of 64 years, son, Tim (Linda) of Plymouth and grandchildren, Kate, Lauren (Remington), Matt and Jack and great-grandson, Remi, son Michael (Christine Fitz) of Breezy Point, son Patrick (Robin Parmley) of Phoenix and grandchildren Ryan Sydney and Ben, daughter, Colleen Koncilja (Frank) and granddaughter, Kaitlin. Also survived by sister-in-laws, Annette Ashton, Jackie Finley and Carol Finley and brother-in-law, Kevin Finley (Sally) and nephews, Scott and Gregg Fike. Arlene was a member of Our Lady Grace Parish for 59 years. She started the initial funeral guild in 1978 and volunteered in many other ministries. She was a member of St. Frances Xavier Guild, Genesis group and St. Charlie’s bridge group. She had an uncanny memory for people she met. She never forgot a name or face. Arlene loved to read, eat hot fudge ice cream sundaes and play bridge, but her special calling was sending greeting cards to people celebrating birthdays or anniversaries, mourning a loved-one or just brightening the day of a sick friend. We thank everyone for your outpouring of love and support during these last days, especially the wonderful staff at N. C. Little Hospice. Mass of Christian burial at OLG at 10:30 AM on Wednesday June 7, 2023 with reviewal one hour before. Burial at St. Mary’s cemetery. Remember Arlene by sending a card to someone today. In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to Basilica of St. Mary, Holy Angels or Fr. Cassidy Endowment Fund at OLG.

Steven and Kathi Graff Funeral

Friday, May 26, 2023 | 9:00 AM

Graff, Kathi of Hopkins, MN peacefully passed away on April 15th, 2023 after 72 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, mother and father. Kathi was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. She survived by her three children, Nicholas, Justin and Regina and her nine grandchildren.

Graff, Steven Edward of Hopkins, Mn, peacefully passed away on June 19th, 2022 after 71 wonderful years. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother. Steven was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend. He was survived by his wife Kathi, his three children Nicholas, Justin and Regina and his beloved nine grandchildren.

Funeral will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, 5071 Eden Ave Edina, MN 55436 at 9:00 AM on May 26.

Janet Konezny Funeral

Tuesday, May 9, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Janet Catherine (Gossman) Konezny passed away peacefully at Friendship Village in Bloomington, Minnesota on April 18, 2023. She was six days shy of her 90th birthday.

Janet was born on April 24, 1933 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Lee and Lucille (Hanlon) Gossman. She grew up in Minneapolis with her two brothers, David and Dennis, and was only 15 years old when her father passed away. Janet graduated from the Academy of the Holy Angels in 1951, then attended Minnesota Business College and the Estelle Compton Modeling School.

In 1958, Janet was hired as a Stewardess with Northwest Orient Airlines. It was a glamorous and prestigious position during the Golden Age of air travel. She flew for three years, excelled at the job, embraced the opportunity to travel, and glowingly reminisced about her experiences. She made lifelong friends and was active in the leadership of the Northwest Orient Airlines Ex-Stewardess Association for many years.

On April 22, 1961, Janet married the love of her life, Roman (Ray) Konieczny. The couple raised three sons, John, Ronald, and Gregory, in Edina. She was a supportive spouse to Ray and a devoted mother to the boys. She was a constant presence at their sporting events, cherished weekend trips to their cabin on Woman Lake and adored the family dog, Razzle. She told everyone she met incredibly detailed stories about her sons and their families.

After raising their three sons, Janet worked as an Office Manager for Hennepin County's Children & Family Services at Sabathani Community Center for over 10 years. She was also a tour guide for Leimandt Convention & Tours and a top salesperson for Holiday Clubs International and Minnesota Rusco.

Janet was a devout Catholic and had an unwavering faith in God. She was also very proud of her Irish heritage. Janet was passionate about the visual arts, traveling, and meeting new people. She enjoyed walking in Bredeson Park, joining friends for coffee at Jerry's Foods, and hearing other people's stories. Her six grandchildren brought her incredible joy and she was enthusiastic about supporting them and attending their events.

Janet is survived by her sons, John of St. Louis Park, Ronald (Jeryn) of Deephaven, and Gregory (Susan) of Edina; and her six grandchildren, Adelaide, Emma and Hannah Konezny, and Chase, Roman and Stuart Konezny. Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Roman (Ray) Konezny; her parents, Lee Gossman and Lucille (Hanlon) Rock; and her brothers, David and Dennis Gossman.

Mass of Christian Burial, Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave. Edina. Visitation on Monday May 8, 2023 from 4 to 7 PM at Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, and prior to Mass. Interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities in Janet's honor.

Joseph Christensen Funeral

Friday, April 14, 2023 | 11:00 AM

With great sorrow, the Christensen, Arms and Halverson families commemorate the passing of our kind, brave, generous, and immeasurably creative and artistic son, brother, father, and friend, Joseph Michael Christensen, also known as Joey. 

Joey was most proud of his children, Stella, Rose and Luke, and considered each of them his true friend. He basked in Rose’s accomplishments in sports and her passion, smile, and kindness, in Stella’s academic focus, humor and resilience, and he loved spending time with Luke, playing video games or hanging out in his studio; they spent many hours keeping each other company. He loved his large and sprawling family, and Molly, his friend and former spouse of many years, with whom he co-parented their children.  

A passionate consumer of culture, a follower of the zeitgeist, and a runner of long distances, Joey was a well-known, respected and prolific artist, a painter and sculptor most well-known for his singular ability and talent in the world of ceramics. In his own words, Joey captured his art form: The nature of clay is to bring to life any form that one can imagine, and skill will allow for. The fluid nature of turning a pot on the wheel brings the mind to the still point that seems to be so lacking in life. Time seems to flow away. 

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 9, 1973, Joey grew up in Eagan with his parents, Joe and Teresa, brother Matt, and two sisters, Melissa and Mary. The family enjoyed summers at the Whitefish Chain, a place that inspired Joey with a love of nature, fishing, and being in the woods. He spent formative years working in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. He attended St. John's University, where he grew his talent for ceramics under the instruction of Sister Dennis Frandrup O.S.B. Upon graduation, Joe worked for a variety of established potteries, eventually securing an apprenticeship with Mark Hewitt in Pittsboro, North Carolina. During his time at the Hewitt’s, Joe became part of their family. In addition to pottery, Joe learned much about organic gardening, how to balance family life and being an artist, and, in the aftermath of Hurricane Fran, how to chop down trees. It was also in North Carolina that Joe pursued training for and competing in triathlons. As with many things Joe attempted, he didn’t just participate in these events, but won them through the combination of talent, hard work, and ambition. These qualities also helped him run a successful art business for over 25 years. The very best of all his wonderful traits endure in the three beautiful children he and Molly share.  

Joe is survived by his children, Stella Catherine (19), Rose Keenan (15) and Luke Beaudoin (9), their mother, Molly Christensen; his parents, Joseph J. and Teresa Christensen; Siblings Matt (Ruth), Melissa (Christopher) and Mary Teresa (Tyson), Irish sister Rebecca (Mickey) and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles who are devastated by the loss of Joey. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Joey’s children at either  GoFundMe or to a trust set up by Joe’s parents for the benefit of his children:  The J. M. Christensen Children’s Fund, 5101 Vernon Ave. S., Suite 400, Edina, MN 55436.