Roger A. Anderson 5/24/2013
Anderson, Roger Alan born in Fargo, ND on May 9, 1938 died peacefully at Walker- Methodist in Minneapolis, MN on May 24, 2013 to re-join his departed parents Robert Samuel and Ellen Dorothy (Lunneberg). He is survived by his older brother John (Dominique) and nieces Jill and Hannah. Additionally, Roger will be missed by many good friends, including K. David Hirschey and Zoe L. Barta, Matthew and Rachel Hirschey, Katherine and Aaron Jillson, Kristina M. Durant, Alan Heider, and many others. After receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Minnesota and a Master Degree from Bemidji State, Roger spent over 30-years as an educator and swimming coach in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Roger was a recent resident at Kenwood Retirement Community where he served on the Hospitality Committee and enjoyed discussing Jazz and theatrical productions with a rich variety of engaging residence and staff. Roger was a good, wise, and courageous man. Celebration of Roger's life Friday, May 31 at Washburn-McReavy Crystal Lake Chapel. Friends may gather from 1:00-1:30 pm; with sharing of stories of Roger Anderson at 1:30 pm. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Crystal Lake Chapel 612-521-3677 Penn & Dowling Aves. North
Joanna K. Barnett, 5/4/2013
Barnett, Joanna Katherine (nee Lee) Holbrook age 90, passed away on May 4th following a battle with leukemia. Preceded in death by husband, Welton P. Barnett and children, Walter Eugene Holbrook, Joanne Katherine (nee Holbrook) Henderson and Ronald David Holbrook. She will be deeply missed by her daughter, Carolyn Lee Holbrook; her stepson, Welton "Tony" Barnett; her six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, great-great- granddaughter, and numerous relatives and friends. She founded the Cosmetology program in the Mpls. Public Schools, and Career Beauty Academy, the only African American beauty school to ever exist in Minnesota. She was past Worthy Matron of Electa Chapter #3 Order of the Eastern Star PHA, MN Jurisdiction. Services Monday, May 13, St. Peter's AME Church, 401 E. 41st St., Mpls. Visitation 9 AM; Eastern Star Service 10 AM; Funeral 11 AM.
Nora J. Mattsson 4/22/2013
Mattsson, Nora Jasvee Age 87, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2013. Preceded in death by parents, Edwin & Petra Jasvee; and husband, Donald. Survived by children, Deborah (Brian) Tingle, Donald (Lisa), Rand (Julie) and Jeff (Lisa); grandchildren, Nathan (Tiffany), Ryan Walter, Nicole Walter, Nicholas, Peter, Eric, Emily (Jake) Hegman and Kelly; and great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Molly, and Benjamin Hegman. Nora taught 3rd Grade at Hale Elementary School in South Minneapolis for many years. She retired in 1993 and enjoyed skiing, camping and being with family. A service will be held on Monday, April 29 at 5:00 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina. Visitation one hour prior to service at Cremation Society. Memorials preferred to the American Diabetes Association .
Bernice Davitt 4/21/2013
Davitt, Bernice (Martin) age 85, passed away April 21, 2013 at Walker Methodist Health Care Center in Minneapolis. Bernice was born December 4, 1927. Proud University of Minnesota grad, Minneapolis Public School Teacher from 1962-1987, union and political activist. Preceded in death by husband, Bill Davitt. Survived by her children, Cynthia (Greg) Fulkerson, Linda (Wes) Skoglund, Greg (Deanna) Martin; grandchildren, Michael Fulkerson, Rachel Fulkerson, Anne Skoglund, Jenny Skoglund, Michael Van Grinsven, Jesse Martin, Crystal Miller, their families; and her sister, Eleanor Maanum. Funeral services 11 AM Saturday, April 27th at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 1350 Florence St., Baldwin, WI. Visitation 1 hour prior. O'Connell Family Funeral Home Baldwin, WI (715) 684-3434www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com
Published in Star Tribune on April 25, 201Milton E. Kleven 4/11/2013
Kleven, E. Milton age 90 of Edina, died April 11, 2013. He was a Minneapolis Public School Teacher for 34 years; a Hardwood Floor Contractor for over 60 years; a retired Navy Reserve Commander with 33 years of service; and was a friend of Augsburg College. Preceded in death by wife, Dorothy; and 6 brothers and sisters. Survived by children, Bruce (Maren), David (Barb), Barbara (Zane) Birky, and Diane (Philip) Larson; grandchildren, Liv (Sean), Erik (Krystle), Mark (Samantha), Kirsten (Chris), Andy, Sarah (Peter), Brian, and Andrea; great-grandchildren, Sophia, Evan, Emma, Nora, and Isaac; sister, Kay Oyen; brother, Azor (Joyce); nieces and nephews; and many relatives and friends. Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Rd, Edina. Visitation 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Morris Nilsen Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave. S., Richfield and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment Ft. Snelling. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Normandale Lutheran Church. Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226www.morrisnilsen.com
Marilyn Keenan 4/1/2013
Marilyn Keenan of Bloomington, who died April 1 at 82, was good at many things.An excellent pianist and soloist, she turned down an invitation to attend the Juilliard School in New York, one of the nation’s leading training centers for the performing arts, so she could stay in Minnesota.
She became an influential music teacher in the Minneapolis Public Schools, traveling from one school to another. In the 1960s, she taught a young pupil at John Hay Elementary School named Prince Rogers Nelson, who is better known today as the musician Prince.
A talented crafter, she mastered Norwegian Hardanger embroidery, an unforgiving art form in which every stitch must be perfect because there’s no way to fix the fabric afterward.
“I never saw anyone who could use her hands for crafts like that,” said Sharla Cartwright, 75, of Bloomington, Keenan’s friend of 50 years. “She did needlework and Hardanger beautifully. There wasn’t a stitch out of place. Then she took up painting old milk cans from farms. She was a very creative, artistic person.”
Keenan was tireless. As a young mother in the 1950s, she made money by giving half-hour music lessons in students’ homes for $1, said her son, Todd Keenan of Bloomington. In addition to the piano, she played the clarinet, flute and saxophone.
When not caring for her own five children, she mended clothes for the children of other schoolteachers. In the 1970s, she sold Lowrey organs and costume jewelry.
“I don’t know how she did everything she did,” said Jean Brustad, 86, of Edina, who knew Keenan since the early 1950s. “She even painted the outside of their house. And everything she did, she did well.”
And through it all, Keenan rarely lost her cool.
“I don’t think she ever once raised her voice,” Cartwright said. “She was so gracious and sophisticated and elegant.”
Born in 1930, Keenan was raised on a farm in the southwestern Minnesota town of Belview, and by age 11 she was singing and playing the piano for her mother’s friends. She got a bachelor’s degree in music at the University of Minnesota, graduating magna cum laude, and 20 years later earned a master of arts degree from the College of St. Thomas. In 1952, she married Hughie Keenan.
“I think when she was young she wanted to be an entertainer,” Todd Keenan said. “She was not embarrassed to belt it out in church, and she could sing.”
“She was a fabulous singer,” agreed Cartwright, who sang in the choir with Keenan at Richfield United Methodist Church. “We sometimes did three church services on Sunday, and Marilyn did all the solo work.”
Keenan, who died from complications of breast cancer, was preceded in death by her husband. She is survived by her sister, Phyllis Jordahl; her children, Douglas, Richard, Robert, Penny and Todd, and seven grandchildren. Services are pending.
Patricia C. Van Sistine 4/19/2013
VanSistine, Patricia Carol 88, West De Pere, WI, entered eternal life on April 19, 2013, with her loving family by her side. She was born December 17, 1924 to Alphonse and Everesta VanSistine in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She graduated from Nicolet High School, and attended the Oshkosh Teacher's College where she pursued a degree in education. Patricia (Pat as she was lovingly called) became a kindergarten teacher and taught for 33 years. She taught a short time in Wisconsin, Hawaii, and Australia, but the majority of her teaching years were in Minneapolis. She loved teaching and the opportunities it gave her to make a difference. She believed in giving her students opportunities for self-exploration and creativity. Over the years former students have contacted her and thanked her for being the dedicated and caring teacher she was. Throughout her years of teaching, and after her retirement Pat traveled the world. Every trip became an adventure she treasured very much. Her very close friend Mary Forberg accompanied her on many vacations. In addition to traveling together, they built a beautiful cabin in Ely, MN. There they enjoyed nature and the beauty of the surrounding area. They always welcomed family and friends to both their cabin and home in Minneapolis. After Mary passed away, Patricia returned to Wisconsin to be with her family. Pat's family was one that loved and truly cared a lot about each other. As a young girl, Pat enjoyed spending time with her sister and three younger brothers. With her siblings and in-laws, she loved playing cards and other games. Pat especially enjoyed monthly get-togethers where they reminisced about the past. Generally a little family teasing occurred at these gatherings. Pat also enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews. She took an interest in their lives, and they loved her and appreciated the time spent with them. Her friends in Minnesota and Wisconsin brought joy into her life. These friends were like family, and they took care of each other. Pat loved telling and listening to family stories and with the help of many relatives and friends she researched her family history. She is very proud of her heritage. She loved both of her parents very much and appreciated the values they lived by. They influenced her life and helped her to become a very kind and compassionate person. Pat had a very strong faith and enjoyed going to Old St. Joe's Church in West De Pere with her brother Don. It is the same church she attended as a child. The parish community welcomed her presence each Sunday and looked forward to her smiling face. Pat enjoyed going to the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings with several of her family members. She was one of the most popular attendees. Vendors and other visitors to the market looked forward to seeing her. She had a special love for sunflowers, generally purchasing just one to take home each week to put in a vase in her apartment. Patricia loved feeding and watching birds and other little animals that came to eat on the feeders on the balcony of her apartment. She also enjoyed knitting, reading, and making jewelry. Patricia was a very generous and giving person all of her life. It was important to share what she had with others. Pat will be dearly missed by her siblings and in-laws: Jean (Mark) Plummer, Jerome (Karen) VanSistine, Dave (Janet) VanSistine, and Don VanSistine. She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews: Steve (Mimi) Plummer, Mike (Ann) Plummer, Kim (Mike) VanDen- Langenberg, Dan (Cathy) VanSistine, Toni VanSistine, Linda (Charlie) VanSistine-Yost, Paul (Sue) VanSistine, Lori (Tripp) Maher, Tom (Janelle) VanSistine, Mary Kay VanSistine (Mike Willard), Chris (Terry) Hasselbacher, Sue (Gene) Simons, Lisa (Pete) Anderson, and Patti (Keith) Christianson, great nieces and nephews, friends, and Bernie (Toni's dog). Pat was preceded in death by her parents: Alphonse & Everesta VanSistine, sisters-in-law: Faunie VanSistine and Joan VanSistine; nephews: Mark Plummer Jr, and Peter VanSistine, and her very close friend, Mary Forberg. A Celebration of Pat's life will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Norbert College Parish at Old St. Joseph Church. Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem officiating. Inurnment will be in Mt. Calvary, De Pere. Please visit www. ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the VanSistine family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Pat's memory. Pat's family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, Spiritual and Pastoral Care Team, and the ninth floor staff at St. Vincent Hospital, unity Hospice, Fr. John Tourangeau, O. Praem, Sister Laura Zelton, and Old St. Joe's Parish Community for their care and support. A special thank you to Diane (D.) and Kathy, Pat's neighbors/friends, who watched over and enjoyed spending time with her. "Pat, we know there is a sunflower waiting for you in heaven. We love you so much."Published in Star Tribune on April 21, 2013Donald E. Hughes 3/25/2013
Hughes, Donald E. Age 80, of Golden Valley, MN. Passed away on March 25, 2013. Counselor and teacher in the Minneapolis School District for over 30 years. Preceded in death by parents, Jim and Myrtle; brother, Milton and nephew, Roger. Survived by loving wife, Helen; daughters, Elaine (Jay) Hromatka and Diane (Tom) Rolando; grandchildren, Ben, Sam, Mike and Maddie; many relatives and friends. Memorial gathering 6-8 PM Wednesday, April 3 at the Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave. S., Edina, MN 55435, (952) 924-4100. Memorials to the Southwest High School Foundation in memory of Donald E. Hughes.
Matthew U. Johnson 3/11/2013
Johnson, Matthew U., Jr. 65, retired educator, died March 11, at his residence in Memphis, TN. Service Friday, March 15 at 12 Noon at St. Andrew AME Church, 867 S. Parkway E., Memphis. Family will receive friends at the church Friday beginning 10 AM. Interment at Rosenwald Cemetery in Brownsville, TN. His career included serving as Area Development Director for the United Negro College Fund; history teacher and athletic director for North High School in Mpls; and history teacher in Memphis. His community involvement included coaching youth athletics and AAU teams. He was a member of St. Peter AME Church in Mpls, St. Andrew AME in Memphis and Charles Street AME in Boston; NAACP Silver Life Member; and Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Survived by his wife, Dr. Carol Rawls Johnson; a daughter, Christina Johnson of Nashville; sons, Rucker Johnson of Berkeley, CA, Paul Johnson of Mpls & 5 grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Fisk Univ., 1000 17th Ave., Nashville, TN 37208.
Audrey C. Hanson 2/23/2013
Hansen, Audrey C. age 93, of Richfield, MN. Survived by loving family. WWII veteran. Member of Eastern Star, Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church and the American Legion. She was a retired District 1 school teacher. Funeral service Friday, 3/1, 12 noon at Lakewood Chapel, with visitation 1/2 hour prior to service. Interment Lakewood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charity of donor's choice. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
Francis "Tom" Randall 12/5/2012
Randall, Francis "Tom" age 80, of Waconia, passed away on Tuesday. Retired administrator of the Minneapolis Schools. Preceded in death by his son, Tom. Survived by his loving family: wife, Mary Lou; sons, Mike (Anne) Randall, Paul (Debra) Randall; grandchildren, Nikki Randall, Jack Randall, Derek Randall, Erin Randall. Mass of Christian Burial Friday 11:00 AM, St. Joseph's Catholic Church (41 First Street East) in Waconia with visitation 1 hour prior to the Mass at church. Interment church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Johnson Funeral Home-Waconia 952-442-2121 www.johnsonfh.com
Wayne K. Sether 10/30/2012
Sether, Wayne Karl Age 75 of New Brighton & Ft. Myers, FL. Preceded in death by parents Walter & Alice Sether, formerly of Maplewood. Survived by loving wife of 48 years, Pat; daughter, Laura (John Deisz) Sether, Cedar Falls, IA; son, Steve Sether, Minneapolis; adored granddaughter, his "little Peanut", Lila Deisz, Cedar Falls, IA; brothers, Donald (June) Sether, North Oaks & Richard (Patricia) Sether, Leesburg, FL.; many nieces & nephews. Wayne had a fulfilling 32 year career in the Mpls Public Schools as a teacher & administrator. During his retirement he filled his time with volunteer work, teaching computer skills to seniors at SeniorNet, teaching AARP 55 Alive classes, and serving for 10 years on the board of his FL condo association. Wayne was a talented woodworker and an all-around do-it-yourselfer who was never happier than when working on one of his projects. During his lifetime he traveled to at least 20 countries and enjoyed every minute of it. He loved winters in Florida and had a passion for learning on the internet; but more than anything he loved his family & friends. One of his great strengths was staying in touch with and bringing together extended family and friends. He will be forever remembered for this buoyant spirit, his humor, and his generosity in helping others. Special thanks to the caring staff at the U of M Masonic Cancer Center, the U of M Hospital, and especially the remarkable Dr. Erica Warlick, whose compassionate care and friendship sustained Wayne and his family throughout his illness. Memorial Service 11 am Saturday in the Miller Funeral Home Chapel, 6210 Hwy 65 NE, Fridley with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Memorials preferred to the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation Fund #1955 for MDS research. Online condolences may be left at:www.millerfuneralfridley.com (763) 571-1300
Phyllis Thornley 10/20/2012
Whenever Gladys Sheehan stopped at her friend Phyllis Thornley's house, she couldn't help but be impressed by all the books. They were everywhere. On the dining room table. In and out of bookshelves. On top of TVs and by living room chairs.
Books were Thornley's passion, and for much of her life, her livelihood.
Thornley, who died Oct. 20 at the age of 87, worked for nearly three decades as a librarian and administrator, much of it with Minneapolis Public Schools. In 1973, she also served as president of the Minnesota Association of School Librarians.
"She read everything," said a son, Stew Thornley, of Roseville. "She read not only to learn, but for the love of reading."
A lifelong Minneapolis resident, Thornley developed that love while growing up the daughter of a teacher during the Great Depression.
After graduating from Central High School, she enrolled at the University of Minnesota, where she earned undergraduate degrees in political science and elementary education and later, a graduate degree in library science.
Along the way, she worked as a librarian at University High School and later at Folwell Junior High in Minneapolis. She also served a stint teaching library science at the University of Minnesota and later became media services administrator with Minneapolis schools.
After retiring in 1983, Thornley worked as a consultant for library education at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul and as a proposal writer for the state Education Department. She was chairwoman of the Minneapolis Television Network and served as a judge for the Minnesota Book awards.
Stew Thornley said some of his earliest memories are of sitting on the living room couch alongside his older brother, David, as his mother read to them, including comics from the Sunday Tribune. "We'd be looking at the pictures as she read," said Thornley, who has authored more than a dozen books about local sports and sports history, including "On to Nicollet," a history of the Minneapolis Millers minor league baseball team.
A niece, Sheryl Gallup, of Blaine, said books were frequent birthday and Christmas gifts from her aunt. "If I got a Peter Pan book, it was the classic Peter Pan, it wasn't the Disney version," Gallup said. "She'd give us all these books that were just timeless."
Gladys Sheehan, who got to know Phyllis Thornley when the two were librarians in Minneapolis, said Thornley was "a scholarly woman" with "high ethical standards."
She said that when reading materials used in public schools in the 1960s came under scrutiny for their lack of diversity, Thornley headed a committee of Minneapolis teachers and librarians to select books that better represented all races and both genders. "She believed strongly in fairness" Sheehan said. "She wasn't a crusader, but she knew what the right thing was to do."
Thornley also enjoyed travel -- she visited Europe, Australia, South America and Antarctica -- and also enjoyed gardening and baseball. Growing up near Nicollet Park, she got hooked early on the Millers, who played only a few blocks away. More recently, she shared Twins season tickets with a daughter-in-law and attended games weeks before her death.
Thornley was preceded in death by her husband, Howard. In addition to Stew and his wife, Brenda Himrich, she is survived by son David and his wife, Dorene, of Minneapolis, and grandson Ray. A memorial service will be held at noon, Nov. 10, at the Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel in Minneapolis.