Roberta Ihnen

Roberta Ann (Dietz) Ihnen, age 90, of Burnsville, MN (formerly of Sanborn, MN) passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at United Hospital, St Paul, MN. Roberta was born on January 2, 1930, to Walter and Precious (Johnston) Dietz at home on main street in Sanborn, MN. Roberta worked for many years in her parent's store, Dietz Fairway, starting at age 8. She graduated from Sanborn Public School in 1948 and continued her education at St. Olaf College and Mankato Business School. She then worked in the Twin Cities for FW Woolworth district office for 1 year. On September 9, 1951, she married Gilbert Ihnen at Friedens Ev. Reformed Church in New Ulm and the couple moved to his family's farm southwest of Sanborn, where they lived nearly their entire life and raised their 3 children. She was a long-time member (70+ years) of the Eastern Star, Sanborn Legion Auxiliary, and Sanborn United Methodist Church. Roberta enjoyed sports, music, dancing, and most enjoyed time with her family. She had recently celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends, hosting a party at The Rivers in Burnsville, MN, where she lived the past 7 years. Roberta was very patriotic, enjoyed meeting and visiting with people and knew most everyone and their family connections within her local area. She originated and promoted the annual Watermelon Days get-together held at the American Legion in Sanborn as a way to keep people connected. Roberta was active in her church and was also an active Community Club member. She is survived by her children Mark (Karin) of Foley, MN, Shari (Paul) Lindemann of Eagan, MN and Keith (Lori) of Mounds View, MN and grandchildren - Kortney (Eric) Aeikens, Brent (Michelle) Ihnen, Brady (Kelsey) Lindemann, Austin Lindemann, Christina Ihnen, and Kevin Ihnen; great grandchildren Isaiah, Elijah and Joylyn Aeikens and Teagan, Reed and Emilia Ihnen. She is also survived by her twin brother Burton (Betty) Dietz, Raleigh, NC and sister-in-law Elizabeth Dietz, Anoka, MN. Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gilbert (2005); sisters Remona Petersen, Ruth McCrary, Bernice Engeswick, Clementine Schroeder and Charlotte Starken; brother Wayne Dietz; brothers-in-law Bert Albertson, Pete Petersen, Dick McCrary, Russell Engeswick, Leander Starken and brother-in-law/sister-in-law, Palmer and Leone Bush. Visitation 1 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, February 28, 2020 Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel 407 N. Jackson Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Visitation 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am Saturday, February 29, 2020 United Methodist Church 201 South Main Street Sanborn, Minnesota, United States 56083 Service Information 10:30 am Saturday, February 29, 2020 United Methodist Church, Sanborn, MN 201 South Main Street Sanborn, Minnesota, United States 56083 Interment Information Sanborn City Cemetery 33067 200th St. Sanborn, Minnesota, United States 56083