Ruth Ann Kane, age 54, of Cottage Grove, formerly of Hastings, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Preceded in death by husband, Patrick; parents, Eugene and Marilyn; and sister, Elizabeth Armstrong. Survived by children, Christopher and Emily “Emma” and Chase Rand; grandchildren, Hailee, Maddison, Quinn, and Cooper Rand; siblings, Joseph (Susie) Pitra and Rose Defiel; companion, Jeffrey Hebeisen; and many nieces and nephews. Ruth cherished spending time...

Anton “Tony the Taxman” Modrynski, age 84, formerly of Cottage Grove, born September 30, 1934. Waiting for him at Heavens gate, his wife, Wilma, the love of his life for 69 of his almost 85 years. He will be deeply missed by their children, John (Shelley), Jayne, and Wendy. Their grandchildren, Matt (Sara) Brown, Jason Brown, Joshua Schroetter, Ashleigh (fiancé, Nik Esch) Schroetter and great granddaughter, Izzy. He is also survived by sisters, Joyce (Bruce) Walker, Audrey...

Donald “Don” Paul Jepson, age 84, of Cottage Grove, passed away on September 18, 2019. Memorial services 11 AM with visitation beginning at 10 AM, on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at Norris Square Chapel, 6995 80th St S, Cottage Grove, MN 55016. Interment will be at St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery. Don Jepson was born on May 14, 1935 in St. Paul, MN to Earl and Violet (Spurr) Jepson. He grew up in St. Paul where he graduated from Cretin High School in 1953, where he was an active...

Barbara B. Christensen, age 87, of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2019.  Visitation 4-7 PM, with Memorial Service at 7:00 PM, Thursday, September 19th, 2019 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove. Refreshments and a light meal will be served during the visitation time. Private interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Barbara Bernadine Christensen was born September 14, 1931 in Johnsburg, Minnesota to John...

Marjorie “Marge” Nelson, age 74 of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Sept. 11, 2019 with her daughters by her side. Memorial service will be 11 am on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove with visitation from 9 am until the time of service.  Interment Newport Cemetery. Marjorie Jean Nelson was born April 19, 1945 in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota to Odin and Esther (Nettestad) Jenson.  She graduated from Pelican...

Nicholas “Nick” A. Blees Jr., age 69 of Cottage Grove, passed away on September 10, 2019. He is preceded in death by his father, Nick Sr.; brother, Brian and nephew, Billy. Nick is survived by his loving wife, Pat; children, Nick III (Chris), Christina (Jesse) Ploessl; grandchildren, Nick IV, Joe, Natalie, Lydia, and Ben; mother, Antoinette; siblings, Greg (Sandee), Marie (Bob), Terry (Corrine), Steve (Josie), and Jeff (Terry); sister in law, Sally (Ken) and Cathy (Paul);...

Florence J. “Flo” Tripp, age 86, of Cottage Grove, MN, passed away on September 7, 2019. She was born and raised in Hayward, WI. She was married for 68 years to the love of her life, Myron.  She worked for 35 years at Tinucci's in Newport, MN, where she belovedly was known as "Flosey." She was an excellent cook, and had many of her recipes published, including several in Taste of Home magazine. Her love of baking combined with her impeccable flare for...

Ronald E. Johnson, age 76, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2019. Preceded in death by parents, Elmer and Lorraine. Survived by loving wife of 54 years, Sandra; children, Mark, Craig (Lisa), and Cindy; and grandchildren, Tori and Jason. Ron proudly served in the US Navy as a Lieutenant in the Vietnam War. Memorial Visitation 4-8 PM, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove, MN, 55016. Private family interment at...

Robert “Bob” Brings, age 69, of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 5, 2019. Preceded in death by parents, Jerome and Geraldine. Survived by loving wife of 46 years, Bonnie (nee Shankey); sister, Carol (Dale) Conner; other family and friends; and fur baby, Jake. Bob retired from BNSF Railroad after 40 years. After retirement, he enjoyed golfing and watching sports especially his beloved Vikings. Celebration of Life 11 AM with visitation...

Harper B. Williams, age 70, of Bloomington, passed away on September 1, 2019. Preceded in death by his parents, Brice Williams and Elizabeth Edwards. Harper is survived by his significant other. Durkee Thompson; children, Annaliza (Stephen) Cornwall, Richard (Christina Funari) and Elizabeth Williams; brothers, Mark (Cindy) Williams, Randy (Staci) Leeds, Rick (Sheila) Williams; sisters, Dottee (Bill) Duran, Aimee (Tate) Metcalf; grandchildren; Azilanna, Kalissa, Nolan, Josh, Bailee,...