In Memoriam

Jim Blood - May 24, 2022

Blood, James Arthur "Jim" of Golden Valley. Beloved husband, father, brother and grandfather passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022, at age 89. He is preceded in death by his parents; Esther and James McKaig Blood; and his sister Lois (Gary) Duffield. Survived by his wife; Donna; and his four children, Lora (Joe), David, Charlene (Mark) and Jim (Kalee); as well as 9 grandchildren, Joe (Jessica), and John, Mitchel (Jordyn) and Madison, Mercedes, Taylor (Amber), Wyatt, Jace and Peyton; as well as 2 great grandchildren: Stella and Lola.

Richard Kinsman - Aug 23, 2021

Richard Benjamin Kinsman, 96, formerly of Fridley and Excelsior, passed away peacefully on August 23rd, 2021. Richard was born in Worthington, MN. After high school, he enlisted in the US Navy and served his country in WWII; upon returning he enrolled at the University of Minnesota, graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. Though he spent many years working for Control Data and other technology companies, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to a variety of pursuits throughout his life. A founding member of the Fridley City Band, he also served on the Fridley School Board. Most importantly though, he was the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for. A man of great faith and also practical jokes. His stories, told with a sparkle in his eyes were at the heart of every family gathering. He was so loved, and will be missed. Richard is survived by children Rebecca (Steve) Angst, Deborah (Robert) Smith, and Kevin Kinsman, grandchildren, Ashley Massey, Jeff Angst, Amanda and Danny Smith, and Tom Kinsman, as well as three great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Beverley, parents, Glenn and Myrtle Kinsman, and brothers, Roger and Jim Kinsman. A private service is planned.

Gina Bryant - Dec 13, 2020

St. Cloud, MN - Gina Procopio Bryant, age 51, St. Cloud, MN, died Sunday, December 13, 2020 at her home in St. Cloud, MN of natural causes. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Benson Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will be one half hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Thursday. Due to Covid 19 masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be observed. Burial will be in North Star Cemetery, St. Cloud, MN. Gina was born April 14, 1969 in Cudahy, WI to Alfred and Joan (Zsebe) Procopio, Jr. She married Robert L. Bryant on August 23, 2003 at Crossroads Church of Cottage Grove, MN. Survivors include her husband, Robert Bryant of St. Cloud, MN; son, Jamison Bryant of St. Cloud, MN; daughter, Samantha Bryant of St. Cloud, MN; parents, Alfred and Joan Procopio of Ham Lake, MN; brother, Joseph (Jessica) Procopio of Owatonna, MN; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gerald and Marilyn Bryant of Inver Grove Heights, MN; sister-in-law, Rebecca (Geno Ferrarini) Bryant of Anchorage, AK; brother-in-law, Randall (Krista) Bryant of Maplewood, MN; aunt, Mary Ann Gagliano and four nieces and one nephew.

Rick Boniface - Feb 28, 2020

Faye Anne Tetzlaff - Nov 27, 2019

Tetzlaff, Faye "Fifi" Anne 06-06-29 - 11-27-19 formerly Faye Anne Boniface, nee Faye Anne Webster passed away after a series of strokes.

Dick Davis - Dec 19, 2018

Davis, Richard Lowell 91, of Fridley, passed away peacefully on December 19th, 2018 at Brightondale Senior Living Center, New Brighton. Richard was born on June 20, 1927 in St Paul to Jesse and Ida Davis. He served in the US Navy for one year at the end of WWII, and received a Doctor of Optometry degree in Chicago, and moved to Seattle. He next practiced optometry in Minnesota. He married Mary Cahalan on Oct. 20, 1967 in Minneapolis. Together they worked for several optometric firms, and eventually developed a practice operating from their home office. Richard enjoyed playing trumpet in community bands (Lex-Ham Band), and collected recorded music. He and Mary shared an appreciation of performing arts, band music and cultural activities. They both enjoyed taking visitors on trips through the metropolitan Twin Cities. They were active members of St. Williams Catholic Church as money counters and ushers. He was predeceased by his sister, Audrey Roseland and his wife of 51 years, Mary, on November 24, 2018. Additional survivors on his side are nephews and nieces, Paula and Keith Roseland (Tustin, CA) and Craig Roseland (Kansas City), and on Mary's side, sisters-in-law Genevieve Cahalan, Gladstone, MO and June Cahalan, Clarkston, WA, and their children and grandchildren.

Marilyn Nagovsky - Nov 3, 2018

Nagovsky, Marilyn Jean (Wige) Of Cambridge MN. Passed peacefully on November 3, 2018, in St Michael, MN, at the age of 86. Born in Litchfield MN, on January 3rd, 1932. She moved to Cambridge with her husband for most of her life. She is survived by her children, Linda (Richard) Prigmore, Jim (Beth) Nagovsky, Ben (Kathy) Nagovsky; and son-in-law, Scott Brietzman; 8 grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Carolyn Wige; brother, Robert Wige; husband, Lowell Nagovsky; and daughter, Louise Brietzman.

Bob Scott - Jul 26, 2018

Scott, Robert L. Age 90, passed away on July 26, 2018. Survived by children, Mark (Paula) Neuman-Scott, Janet Scott & Paul (Michele) Scott; grandchildren, Zachary Scott, William Ibister, Danielle (Eirik) Magnuson; seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by beloved wife, Betty; parents Walter and Anna; and sisters, Esther, Louise, and Marie. Bob loved reading, music, attending plays, art museums, brunches at Meritage, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, but most of all, Betty Rose. As a supporter of the arts and a musician, Bob lent his trombone and euphonium talents over the years to the NE Orchestra, Fridley City Band, Star of the North Band, Centennial Community Band, and the Michael Servetus Unitarian Band. He retired as Professor Emeritus, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Communication Studies, in 2000. Due to the reach and quality of his scholarship and teaching, he received numerous recognitions and awards, including being part of the inaugural ten person group recognized by the Speech (National) Communication Association as the charter class of "Distinguished Scholars," a Hall of Fame for a distinguished career in the study of communication. He was an advisor for over sixty graduate students. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank the staff members of New Perspective Senior Center Roseville and Health Partners Hospice for their dedicated and compassionate care.

Linnae Stensrud - Jul 13, 2018

Stensrud, Linnae June (Bauer) age 72, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 13, 2018 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, after a courageous battle with cancer. Linnae is survived by her four children, Ron Bauer (Julie), Greta Bauer (Nicole), Laura Smith (Paul), and Jenny Bauer (Anna); siblings Kevin Stensrud (Sharon), Jeanette Andresen, and Jeff Stensrud (Brenda); and her grandchildren, Freya, Cassondra (Brent), Aeric and Jonah.

John P Connors - Mar 13, 2018

John P. Connors, 92, longtime resident of Robbinsdale, MN. Passed away March 13, 2018. Preceded in death by wife Gail and daughter Deborah. He is survived by daughter Bridget, granddaughter Thomasina (Tommi), remarkable great grandsons Jamison and Declan, special cousins Drs. Marv and Kathy Brooks and Tom and Deborah Tharaldson and many friends. Known to many as Papa, he was a proud husband, father, devoted grandfather and great grandfather. He was a longtime employee of the United States Postal Service, a wonderful musician, playing saxophone in numerous bands around town over the years, even playing a presidential inauguration. He was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage. He was a master Irish Soda Bread maker and you considered yourself special if you made it on the Soda Bread list. Papa always had a smile on his face, a good story to tell and if it was later in the afternoon a good martini. He was deeply loved by his family; his presence will be greatly missed.

Meredith Schurr - Dec 13, 2017

Meredith Ann Schurr, age 69, of St. Anthony Village, went to be with her Lord on December 13, 2017. Meredith is survived by her husband of 48 years, David, children, Joanna (Franz) Eggenweber, Matthew (former wife Amber) Schurr, and six grandchildren: Evan, Gabriel and Karsten Schurr; Kendra, Vienna, and Kaden Eggenweber as well as sisters Marjorie Lund, Nancy (Allan) Boucher, and brother Martin (Ann) Lund. Meredith lived in Brooklyn Center where she participated in 4H and Campfire Girls. her junior high and high school years were spent in Blaine, and she graduated from Spring Lake Park High School. Following the completion of a B.S. in Medical Technology at the University of Minnesota, she worked for the Minnesota Department of Health doing virology and cytogenetics. Later, she worked at the Fridley Plaza Clinic's lab until she left medicine to raise her family in Fridley, and later in St. Anthony Village. Meredith has always been involved in cooking, music, entertaining, gardening, sewing and quilting. She enjoyed having people visit her home and was an excellent cook. She participated in Homemaker extension groups in both Anoka and Ramsey counties and was a member of MN Quilters and local garden clubs. An avid rock gardener, Meredith also held leadership positions with the MN Chapter of the National American Rock Garden Society. Because of her love for God and others, she was an active member of Grace Evangelical Free Church, where she participated in and led various ministries; for example, she led VBS/Backyard Bible Clubs and was a Sunday School teacher. She was active in the prayer ministry, where for years she wrote regular prayer devotionals. She cared about evangelism and spiritual formation and was passionately involved in outreach projects, visitation/Evangelism Explosion and the Equipping the Saints discipleship program. As a singer and euphonium player, she was a member of the church choir and orchestra, as well as a soloist and an interim choir director. With the choir, she served on three short-term mission trips to Austria and Nigeria. Being with the Fridley City Band for over 40 years was also a wonderful outlet for her euphonium playing and leadership ability. She also served a while as president and in other leadership positions. Meredith was a leader among women. She was enthusiastically involved in women's ministries at church and was a workshop speaker at and helped organize district women's retreats. For over 20 years, she touched so many women's lives through her leadership of monthly Christian Women's Club (Stonecroft Ministries) outreaches, which were held at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul. More recently, she had been the St. Paul Area Representative. Leading events wasn't all she did; rather the individual relationships she nurtured in her leadership team and in her neighborhood Bible study groups, both in Fridley and in St. Anthony, were very important to her.

Mark Schmitz - Nov 29, 2017

Mark H. Schmitz, age 85 of Champlin, passed away on November 29, 2017. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee. Mark will be deeply missed by his children, Thomas (Kirstin), John (Jodi), Ann (Terry) Hesli, Katie; grandchildren, Brad, Kyle (Megan), Nick (Vianey), Zach (Vanessa), Bryan, Chris, Brody, Riley (Bri); great-granddaughter, Elena; long time special friend, Janice Sparks; sister-in-law, Dolores Schmitz; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Mark retired from Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. and was involved with City of Champlin for over 30 years. Mark was a hobby musician and played clarinet in many bands, including North Suburban Community Band, Fridley Community Band, Fountain Hills (AZ) Band, and Mesa (AZ) Community Band. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoors enthusiast, and hobby farmer at Hannah Lake.

Patricia Ireland - Mar 27, 2017

Ross Larson - Dec 6, 2016

Age 85 Of New Brighton and Battle Lake, MN Passed away Dec. 6, 2016. Preceded in death by parents, Ellen & Gunard. Survived by wife of 61 years, Mary; daughters, Kristine (Dan) Mrosak, Judy (John) Donovan; sons, Mark, Steve (Cindy), Brian; 9 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. Jerry was an Air Force veteran and was the Northeast Metro's premier dentist for over 50 years. Jerry will forever be present in the gardens of New Brighton and Battle Lake.

Bob Randall - Sep 8, 2016

Robert Randall, Age 62 of Fridley, passed away on September 8th 2016. Bob will be remembered for his great smile and warm friendship with everyone that he met and loved. Also for his exceptional photography, music abilities, mechanical knowledge, master craftsmanship and love for the outdoors especially the BWCA and mountains and rivers of Montana the favorite places in his heart. Bob's perfect ending for the day was to sit around the campfire and share stories with his friends and family. He was a member of many musical groups including the St. Paul Police Band and Fridley Band. He was preceded in death by loving parents Joe and Vivian. He will be deeply missed by siblings, Stephen (Carol) Randall, Susan (James) Fischer, Jeff (Stella) Randall, Jack (Patricia) Randall, David (Ursula) Randall; many nephews, nieces, aunts, cousins and very dear friends.

Harris Hornseth - Aug 1, 2016

Hornseth, Harris R. Age 85, of Spring Lake Park, peacefully ended a life well-lived on August 1, 2016. He was born December 15, 1930 to William and Dorothy Hornseth in Rochester, Minn., where he attended high school and junior college. During four years in the U.S. Navy, Harris served as an electronics technician aboard the USS Fort Mandan and met Carol Hallman of Chicago, Ill., whom he wed in 1955. They raised four sons and enjoyed retirement and grandchildren until Carol's passing in 2000. Harris' later years were enriched by two subsequent marriages to Marjorie and Lucille, both of whom also preceded him in death. Harris was a systems engineer for Northwestern Bell Telephone in Rochester, Owatonna and Minneapolis for more than 35 years. Drawn to music at a young age, he played several instruments, especially the trombone, and sang choral music. Harris enjoyed camping and fishing in northern Minnesota with family and friends, and was an avid automotive tinkerer and enthusiast. In retirement, he was active in church, civic groups, and community bands. All who knew this kind, gentle and honorable man will miss and remember him with a smile. Survived by sons John (Jane), Tom (Carla), Jim (Beth), and Gary (Kirsten); brother, Darrell; eight grandchildren; one great-grand daughter, and special friend Nancy. Private committal service and interment with honors at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Earl James McNeal - Feb 12, 2013

Age 88, of NE Minneapolis, Preceded in death by wife, Vivien; daughter, Janice; and brothers, Lloyd and Don. Survived by children, Sherry McNeal, Deborah Smith (Tim), James McNeal (Sarah), Lori Reece (John) and their families; partner, Edna Baron and her children, Cheryl, Beverly and Susan; sister, Peg Opatz (Gerry). Member of the Shriners and all the many bands in which he played the tuba.

Myron P. Yurkew - Feb 5, 2013

Age 85, of Columbia Heights, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Myron was born on March 17, 1927 in Minneapolis to Steve and Katherine Yurkew. His parents and all of his siblings, Tony, Sue, Julie Stella and John preceded him in death. Myron was a lifelong resident of Minneapolis, spending the last 54 years in Columbia Heights with Judie, his wife of 55 years. Myron was a successful businessman, founding a construction company in 1967, which he ran until he retired in 1983. He was a talented musician, playing several instruments, including the trumpet and saxophone and he was a skilled carpenter, spending many hours building and maintaining a lake home in Aitkin, Minnesota. Myron is survived by his wife, Judie; and daughters, Susan Yurkew (James Quail), Linda (Bob) Seibel and Tracy (Jon) Durand; and his four grandchildren, who were the light of his life: Austin (23), Carley (18), Sam (12) and Natalia (9).

Jane Marie Bjerke - Oct 26, 2012

Bjerke, Jane Marie age 50, of Fridley. Graduate of Fridley High School 1980. 1984 graduate of the U of M. Jane was a social worker for Bethany Care Center and also worked many years at Mary T. She was loved by all she met, was very generous & had an upbeat personality. She was preceded in death by parents, Oscar & Christine; grandparents, and aunt, Bernice (Les) Elliott; uncle, John Edward Erickson. Survived by uncle, James (Charlene) Mayer; aunt, AnnaMae Erickson; cousins, Debbie (Larry) Wonder, Dennis (Debra) Erickson, James Elliott; special family, Urban (Martha) Grausam, Suzanne (Greg) Thurler, Marian Calabrese & her sons Steven and Tony, Carol and Mike Wilm; also her extra special buddy, PIPER.

Bev Kinsman - Sep 16, 2012

Kinsman, Beverley J. (Van Voorhis) 83, of Coon Rapids, MN formerly of Fridley and Excelsior, passed away on September 16th, 2012. Preceded in death by parents, one brother and one sister. Survived by husband, Richard; daughters, Rebecca (Steve) Angst, Deborah (Robert) Smith; son, Kevin Kinsman; grandchildren Ashley Massey, Jeff Angst, Amanda Smith, Daniel Smith, Thomas Kinsman; great grandchildren, Emily Massey, Dylan Massey, Joshua Massey and many friends. Funeral service Monday, 2PM at GracePoint Church, 2351 Rice Creek Rd, New Brighton, MN. Visitation one hour prior to service. Memorials preferred to the Northeast Orchestra,

Art Krause - Jul 2, 2010

Age 88, of Spring Lake Park. Retired from Long Island Lighting Co. in NY after 30 years. Preceded in death by sisters, Elizabeth Labus and Eleanor McIlvaine. Survived by loving wife of 61 years, Lillian; son, John (Annette); grandchildren, Zachary Krause and Mallory Teter.

Jack Krichen - May 11, 2010

Age 61 of Fridley. Associate Dean at the School of Business and Technology Capella University. Survived by loving wife of 35 years, Susan; loving daughters, Amy (Alan Jr.) Schmeling, Catherine Krichen (Dean Holmboe Jr.); grandchildren, Max and Alison; many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Marv Loff - Jul 24, 2008

Age 76, of Spring Lake Park, MN passed away peacefully at home July 24, 2008. Preceded in death by parents, Eino and Hilma of Bovey, MN. Survived by wife, Diann; sons, Steven (Linda) and Eric (Jill); grandchildren, Jacob, Andrew, Morgan, Allan and Rosie; as well as many other relatives and friends. Marvin was a CPA with Ernst & Ernst and Virchow Krause in Minneapolis. Active member of the Fridley Band and German Band. Playing the tuba brought Marv great happiness. Long-time member of the Fridley American Legion and VFW.

Betty R Scott - Apr 8, 2006

Scott, Betty R. Age 76 Died April 8, 2006 From complications of colon cancer. Survived by husband, Robert; children, Mark (Paula) Neuman-Scott, Janet Scott, Paul (Reta) Scott; grandchildren, Zachary Scott, William (Susan) Ibister, Danielle Ibister (Doug Waxon), Tyler Roers; father, Kenneth Foust; sister, Patricia Buxton. Preceded in death by mother, Dorothy. Betty excelled at clarinet and continued playing throughout her life. She was a founding member of the Fridley City Band and the NE Orchestra. At the time of her death, she was a member of the NE Orchestra, St. Paul JCC Orchestra, Centennial Community Band, and Michael Servetus Unitarian Society Band. The family thanks Regions Hospital nursing staff, Cancer Care Center and palliative care unit for their dedicated and compassionate care.