Ruth Berg was generous and gentle, a hardworking mom who rarely let students at Minnehaha Academy pass her desk without a high-five.

John F. Carlson became a janitor for the love of the school both he and his children once attended.

On Wednesday, the two were mourned by staff and students at the south Minneapolis Christian school after they were killed in a natural gas explosion at the school.

Berg, 47, who was engaged to be married this fall, had worked at the school for 17 years. Carlson, who was 82, had worked there for 14 years, having come out of retirement to do so.

"As our receptionist, [Berg] welcomed everyone with a smile and was always willing to go the extra mile to help our students, families, and staff," the school wrote about her on its Facebook page. "She will be greatly missed. Please keep Ruth's family, and our school community, in your prayers."

Later, it confirmed the death of Carlson, whose body was removed from the rubble about 8 p.m. The school called him "Minnehaha's biggest cheerleader."