Gone But Not Forgotten

David John Steinick – November 27, 2018

Dave Steinick passed away at age 73 on November 27, 2018. Dave joined the Galaxies (students from Harding High School in St. Paul) on drums in 1962 after their original drummer left the band. Dave was from Hill High School. In 1963 the band changed names to the Mystics (also known as Michael’s Mystics) as they discovered another local band was called Johnny and the Galaxies.

In 1965, the Mystics released a 45 with “You Ran Away” and “Hi Bird” on the local Bear label. The band packed the local teen clubs and ballrooms and became one of the most popular local dance bands in the Twin Cities.

Dave left the band in 1966 and later was a member of Seraphic Street Sounds. This group gained fame for their unique and varied song selections and their vocal harmonies. One of their songs (“Without Love”) was included on the Money Music album produced by Peter Huntington May.

The Mystics were inducted into Rock Country Hall on May 27, 2006 at the Medina Ballroom.

Dave was living in Cottage Grove at the time of his passing.

Tom Campbell

 

Jim Johnson – August 27, 1943 – September 26, 2019

Jim Johnson passed away today at age 76.

Jim was an original member of and leader of the Underbeats who formed in 1962 as a four-piece rock band that played a lot of Chuck Berry songs and some of the more obscure R & B songs.  Jim insisted on long and frequent practice sessions before they played live in public. The group would record nine 45’s from 1964 to 1968, many of which received airplay on the Twin Cities Top 40 AM stations including their first 45 in 1964 “Foot Stompin’” (a cover song by an obscure Los Angeles group called The Flares) which resulted in the group being called The Stompin’ Underbeats.

Jim wrote a song “Sweet Words of Love.” The group played the song at a job at the Kato Ballroom in Mankato when they opened up for the Everly Brothers who heard the song and asked Jim if they could record it. He turned them down as the band was going to release the song on their second 45.

The band’s final 45 featured a song written by Enrico Rosenabum with James Walsh on lead vocals called “It’s Gonna Rain Today” which was very different compared to earlier songs by the group. This song was a foreshadowing of the songwriting and music style that was ahead for the band.

Jim left the band for two years while he served in the military and fought in Vietnam from September, 1966 to September, 1968. Back in Minnesota after serving his country, Jim informed the band that is was time to move to Los Angeles, as they had become the top dance band in town and had to move to Los Angeles in order to become a national band.

The Underbeats left town in their orange school bus – converted to a band vehicle and arrived in Los Angeles in late 1968 and moved into a house in Sun Valley.  Thanks to their manager Steve Freeman, they obtained jobs at Gazzarri’s and then the Whiskey A Go Go, both were popular music venues on the Sunset Strip.  Thousands of young people would fill the sidewalks on the Strip in the late 1960’s checking out rock bands at the numerous Hollywood clubs.

By the spring of 1969 the band had changed names to Gypsy, based on a comment made by bass player Doni Larson: “Look at us – we are living like gypsies.” The band quickly landed a record deal with Metromedia and released their first album (a double album) in August, 1970. The songs were in the progressive rock style. The album contained songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100: “Gypsy Queen” and “Dead and Gone.” After some changes in the lineup, a second album on Metromedia called “In the Garden” was released in 1971.

Gypsy played national venues on the west coast and east coast and were on the bill for the Atlanta Pop Festival in August, 1970, one of the largest concerts ever in the United States. A number of bands that played at Woodstock in 1969 played at the Atlanta concert, including Jimi Hendricks.

Gypsy released two more albums, this time on the RCA label: “Antithesis” in 1972” and “Unlock the Gates” in 1973. The RCA albums had limited commercial success.

By 1975 Gypsy was struggling to survive amid personal issues and lead singer and main songwriter Enrico Rosenbaum exited the band. A new version emerged with Jim Johnson as the lead singer.  This version of the band released a 45 with two songs written by Jim: “Magic in My Life” and “Don’t Stop for Nothin’.” Both songs were covered by The Fifth Dimension that year and included on their ABC album “Earthbound” produced and arranged by Jimmy Webb.

In that time period, another album was recorded in North Hollywood and exists only as a test pressing.

With Gypsy basically over by the late 1970’s, Jim Johnson started a new band called The Steamers with Stan Kipper on drums and vocals and Brad Palmer on bass guitar. The band performed around the Los Angeles area and wrote songs for Universal Movies that were included in some films.

The Steamers released one album (self – titled) in 1982 on an independent label.

In 1988, Ray Charles recorded a song written by Jim Johnson called “Too Hard to Love You” which was included on one of Ray’s albums. Jim Johnson was present at the recording session.

In 1993, Jim Johnson left Los Angeles and returned to Minneapolis and a new version of The Underbeats formed and played around town.  Jim also played with the James Walsh led version of Gypsy for a number of jobs.

In the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, Jim started a new group called Calvin James and Bad Influence, a blues band.

In 2003 Jim released a new CD by Calvin James called “It Ain’t Over” that featured eleven songs recorded by Jim and various local and national musicians.

Jim continued to perform for various reunion shows up until the last several years when health issues arose and he retired from playing.

For many years, he celebrated his birthday at Shaw’s Bar and Grill on University Ave. NE in Minneapolis. Many musicians, friends, and fans turned out for these parties every August.

In July, 2019 Jim was diagnosed with esophageal cancer and was hospitalized on Tuesday, August 20^th with pneumonia and an infection and elected to check out of the hospital the next day and return home, forgoing any further treatments.  Jim was in hospice care at Saint Therese of New Hope at the time of his passing.

Tom Campbell

 

Peter Huntington May – June 5, 1939 – November 18, 2019

Peter May passed away at age 80 on November 18, 2019. He was at his home in Eden Prairie at the time of his passing.

His career covered a wide number of jobs in the music business including: on air radio personality; newscaster; program director; radio station owner; booking agent; band manager; record producer; record promoter; and record company owner.

Peter’s first job in the radio business was as a DJ at a station in St. Peter, Minnesota. Eventually, he wound up in the Twin Cities and worked at KDWB and WDGY.

In 1966, Peter teamed up with Bill Roslanski and started a booking agency called Stagefinders.  When The Stillroven showed up at Magoo’s one day for an audition and passed, Peter took an interest in the band and began to manage the group. The band members played their first live job at The Cave in Stillwater and their first out of town job at the Interlaken Ballroom in Fairmont, Minnesota.

Peter got the band into the studio in the basement of Nic’o’Lake Records and the session resulted in The Stillroven’s first 45 being released on Peter’s Falcon label, “She’s My Woman” and “(I am Not Your) Stepping Stone.”  Peter mailed out 1,000 copies of the 45 to radio stations and took out an ad in Connie’s Insider, a local music magazine, but the record did not get any local airplay.

In 1967, Peter took the band into Dove Recording Studio in Bloomington and the result was a 45 he produced with a cover of “Hey Joe” on the A-side and “Sunny Day” (an original song on the B-side).  The market areas just outside of Minneapolis and St. Paul picked up the 45. Peter was driving around town with boxes of records in his car to get to the record stores.  Finally, listeners started to call in to WDGY requesting to hear “Hey Joe” by The Stillroven.  One day, WDGY DJ Johnny Canton called Peter and told him about the phone calls.  Soon, WDGY and KDWB were playing the song on a regular rotation and the song covered live by pretty much every garage band in the country was on the local radio charts and climbing.  Other markets that played the record were Lincoln, Nebraska and Tucson, Arizona.  Roulette Records contacted Peter and wanted to release the songs on their label.  Peter sold the record to Roulette for $1,000.

Following “Hey Joe” Peter produced another session at Dove with The Stillroven that resulted in a 45 with “Little Picture Playhouse” (Simon Dupree and the Big Sound) on the A-side and an original song on the flipside called “Cast They Burden Upon the Stone.”  Although not as big as the prior 45, Peter had his second local and regional hit, this one released on his August label.

Peter also became involved with the local band CA Quintet and their first two 45’s, recorded at Dove, came out on the Falcon label.  Dale Menten was the producer of their first 45, “Mickey’s Monkey” (a Motown song) and “I Want You to Love Me” an original song on the B-side.  Peter produced the second 45 for the band with two original songs written by local songwriter, David Stuart Sandler, “Blow to My Soul” and “She’s Got to Be True.”   The band had local and regional success with both of the records.

In 1967, Peter put a call for any local bands who were interested in submitting one of their songs to be considered for inclusion in a compilation album.  Quite a few bands responded and as a result Peter released the “Money Music” album on his August label.  By the time the album was released, Peter had purchased a radio station in Duluth which became very successful with their “oldies” programming.

In 1968, Peter produced another Stillroven 45 with “Come in the Morning” (Moby Grape) on the A-side and “Necessary Person” (an original by Michael O’Gara) on the B-side.  Peter promoted the 45 but had no success getting the song on the radio, so he decided to re-release the 45 with a new A-side “Have You Ever Seen Me” (Faces). The new disc with a new A-side got some airplay outside of Minnesota but was not played in the Twin Cities market.

Around this time period, Peter decided it was time for The Stillroven to sign on with a national booking agent and he suggested the band sign with James Reardon based out of Kansas, which they did.  Reardon put the band on the road and they covered a lot of new territory including Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Arizona.  On some occasions, Peter would go on the road with the band.

In 1969, The Stillroven had landed a recording contract with A & M Records. Things did not go well for the band during their recording sessions in Los Angeles and the album was never released at the time.

After The Stillroven came to an end, Peter May continued working in the radio business including a number of local stations and stations outside of Minnesota.

Whether working in radio as a DJ, program director, or station owner or working as a booking agent, band manager, record company owner, or record producer, Peter Huntington May was a major player in the Twin Cities music business during the golden era of rock’n’roll music.

Tom Campbell

 

Warren Kendrick – January 11, 1936 – November 8, 2017

Warren D. Kendrick of Orlando, FL entered the Kingdom of Heaven on November 8, 2017. His final hours were peaceful and he was comforted by family. Warren was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen. Four people had the honor of knowing him as “Dad” (Jeff, Angela, Ralph, and Wesley); four people were fortunate enough to call him “Grandpa” (Ashley, Zachary, Wyatt, and Annabel); and Anna, who was lucky enough to call him “fiancée”.

Warren was born in Minneapolis, MN. He was an inspired musician who became revered in the industry for his top-notch songwriting and epic production work in the Twin Cities during the 1960s and early 1970s. Throughout his life he was a successful restaurant owner, computer programmer and college professor. Furthermore, Warren found time to faithfully served God as an active member of several churches. He will be most remembered by his family, however, as a devoted patriarch who sacrificed himself for the well being of his family.

We will miss you so much.

Love

-Ralph, Lynne, Wesley, Sasha, Ashley, Zachary, Wyatt, Annabel, Anna, Ned, Georgia, Susan, Toby, Nancy, Paul, and everyone else whose life you touched that we did not mention.

(from newspaper in Florida)

 

Keith Olsen –  May 12, 1945 – March 9, 2020

Keith Olsen, one of the most successful recording engineers and record producers of all time, passed at age 74 on March 9, 2020. We cannot claim Keith as a Minnesota native, however he moved to Minneapolis at age 12 when his family relocated from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and he attended Washburn High and the University of Minnesota.

Keith developed an interest in classical and popular music and played upright bass in a number of jazz bands around the university and that led to making contacts in the local folk scene. He also worked as an apprentice recording engineer at some of the local studios.

His first professional job as a musician came about when he was hired to play upright bass for Jimmy Rodgers, for an eight week road trip. While on tour, he met a number of national pop and folk musicians.

After that job ended, Keith signed on with Gayle Garnett, a folk singer, who soon had a national hit with “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine” in late 1964, which resulted in a two year tour.

As the tour with Gayle Garnett was winding down, the GoldeBriars, a folk – pop band from Minnesota, were staying at the same motel in Orange County, California, as Garnett and her band.

The road manager for the GoldeBriars was Sean Bonniwell, a folk singer from Charleston, South Carolina, who was eager to start a new rock band. The drummer for the GoldeBriars was Ron Edgar. Ron and Sean left the Goldebriars and started playing music with Keith and soon the trio had a new rock sound and a new name, the Ragamuffins. Eventually, the trio added two new players and became the Music Machine, scoring a national hit with “Talk Talk” in late 1966/early 1967. Unable to come up with a follow-up hit, the band soon broke up.

During that time period, Keith had met Curt Boettcher, leader of the GoldeBriars. After the GoldeBriars came to end, Curt had produced the first two albums by The Association. Keith and Curt teamed up for a new venture called Together Records and Our Productions. As co-producers, they had success with a number of artists, including The Byrds and Simon and Garfunkel.

In 1968, Keith and Curt produced the first album recorded in the United States on a sixteen-track machine, (two eight-tracks synced up). The album (“Begin”) was by a studio group called Millennium and did not find commercial success, however it is now considered to be a creative masterpiece and is likely one of the greatest “little known” albums of all time.

By 1973, Keith and Curt had parted ways and Keith started his own company, Pogologo Productions and released his first album “Buckingham – Nicks” (Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks). Over the next twenty-five years, Keith would produce over 120 albums with thirty-nine gold albums, twenty-four platinum albums, and fourteen multi-platinum albums. Total album sales exceed 125 million units, with over 1 billion dollars in retail sales.

A partial list of albums produced by Keith includes the following artists:

Ozzy Osbourne, Fleetwood Mac, Kim Carnes, Starship, Rick Springfield, Kingdom Come, Grateful Dead, Santana, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Joe Walsh, Doctor John, the Tubes, Night Ranger, Sammy Hagar, Heart, Lynch Mob, the Babys, Whitesnake, Russell Hitchcock, the Scorpions, Sons of Champlin, Warrant, Bad Company, Alice Cooper, Geronimo Black, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, the James Gang, and Eddie Money.

He is also the producer of some of the highest selling soundtrack albums of all time including Flashdance, Footloose, and Vision Quest.

According to his website, the last musical project that is listed is a single by Alexandra in April, 2016.

A family member reports that Keith passed due to cardiac arrest. He was living in Geoa, Nevada, at the time of his passing.

You can read more about Keith on the website on pages for the GoldeBriars and the Music Machine.

Tom Campbell

 

Darrell Lee “Butch” Maness – March 5, 1943 – March 22, 2018

Darrell L. “Butch” Maness, age 75 of Rogers, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2018 at his home.

Truly a life to celebrate. He certainly made the most of the life he was given. He rebuilt hot rods, loved custom cars, played bass guitar in a Rock ‘n Roll band since the sixties, loved outdoor sports- skiing, snowmobiling, ice-fishing, hunting, camping and boating. His talents were many, from oil painting and pinstriping to woodworking and building homes. Butch retired from the City of Anoka and built his dream home on Lake Scandi and spent many years there. In 2005 they built another dream home in Zimmerman. They had plans to downsize in 2016 and move to a townhome when his wife had a stroke…everything changed. His final project was getting the love of his life well again. He was happy with his life and all he had accomplished…”Been there, done that” rest now, you are loved by so many.

Butch is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Bill Maness; daughter, Lori (Mark) Schneider; grandchildren, Davin, Derek and Lillian Schneider, Ashley Swanson; great grandson, Jaxson Swanson; sister, Betty (Joe) Rhodes; and many other friends and family.

A Celebration of Butch’s life will be held on Friday, April 27, 2018 at Green Haven Golf Course, 2800 Greenhaven Road, Anoka, with a time of visiting from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m., Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., followed by a street rod procession to Forest Hill Cemetery in Anoka for the interment.  Following the interment, all are invited back to Green Haven for hors d’oeuvres and cash bar.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home of Anoka (763) 421-0220.

Legacy.com

 

Frank Prout  –  March 20, 1946 – July 29, 2017 

Frank Prout passed away at age 71 on July 29, 2017. Frank had battled gastric cancer for the past two and a half years and went into hospice care on July 11, 2017. Frank joined Gregory Dee and the Avanties on bass guitar after original bass player Dave Maetzold left the band to go to college. Frank passed an audition and was with the highly popular local band in 1965 and 1966. Frank lived in Hackensack, Minnesota for the past thirty years with his wife Debbie and ran Prout’s TV. He continued to play music every Wednesday night with The Terrapin Brothers at Terrapin Station in Nevis up until his health declined to the point he could no longer play music. A Celebration of Life is planned for 2:00 pm (Visitation at 1:00 pm) on August 9, 2017 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hackensack.

Tom Campbell

 

James M. Dochniak  –  July 22, 1949  –  May 3, 2018   

Jim Dochniak (guitar, vocals, songwriter with Poison Bird Pie) passed away at age 68 on May 3, 2018.  Poison Bird Pie played in the Twin Cities from the fall of 1968 through the spring of 1969. One of the venues they played at was Dania Hall located at the University of Minnesota (West Bank). Mick Caouette (bass player and vocals with the band) stated that Jim was heavily influenced by the Doors, the Vietnam War, and the politics of the times, and these influences were reflected in his original songs. Mick remembered the title to a song Jim wrote called “The Reality Song.”

Mick had known Jim since high school and recalled the following:

“I will surely miss him. We were young and enthusiastic and we made some memories in a time of much conflict. Jim’s musical taste would evolve in to a love of Brazilian Jazz and he became an important writer and author – and for me, an honest and caring lifelong friend. I will miss him!”

Mike Barich also knew Jim since high school and stated: “Jim was a good friend, and always fun to be with. Even though he was a year ahead of me at school, we connected right away. At a Hollies concert at the Prom Ballroom he introduced me to Mick Caouette.  Later, after Poison Bird Pie, I still spent a great deal of time with Jim, both because of his writing activities and because I was able to get him a great deal of work for his typesetting business. Although our joint activities slowed down after that, he always found some reason to stay in touch or get together. I even photographed his wedding, where he was the happiest I had ever seen him.”

Tom Campbell

 

James “Jim” Matthew Ekse  –  August 11, 1942  –  October 16, 2018

Jim Ekse, member of the Marvelous Marauders (keyboards and bass guitar) passed away at age 76 on October 16, 2018. The band from Marshall, Minnesota started out in 1962 with just three members.  Jim joined in 1963 and played with the band for two years.  In 1965 they recorded a 45 released on the Studio City label.  David Anthony Productions signed the band to a booking contract and helped the band purchase a bus which became their band vehicle. By 1966 the band was a 7 – piece R & B show bands with horns, dance steps, matching stage outfits, and a light show and played throughout the upper 5 state Midwest area.  In July, 1967, the group recorded a song at Iowa Great Lakes Recording Company in Milford, Iowa that was included on an album (IGL Roof Garden 2^nd Annual Jamboree).  The band struggled as members were drafted to serve in the military and they played their final job on March 1, 1968 at Someplace Else in Robbinsdale. Jim became a dentist and lived and worked in Blue Earth, Minnesota for many years. Jim performed with the band when they were inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2005.

Tom Campbell

 

Linda (Fritz) King – January 10, 2013

Linda (Fritz) King, member of the local 1960’s singing group The Luv’s, passed away on January 10, 2013 at the age of 65.  Linda, along with Kathy Svendsen and Marjorie Nugent, performed from 1965 to 1968, backed up by three popular bands booked by David Anthony Productions: The Marauders; The More-Tishans; and The Rave On’s.  The singers traveled throughout Minnesota and the bordering states and opened up shows for The Yardbirds, Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels, Billy Joe Royal, and Freddy “Boom Boom” Cannon.  The booking company promoted the female singers as an “Added Extra Attraction” on their flyers and concert posters.  The trio performed popular cover songs from the time period including songs by The Beatles, Sonny and Cher, and The Animals.  In the summer of 1966, the group recorded a number of demo songs in New York City, with members of The McCoys (of “Hang on Sloopy” fame) providing the instrumentation, under the supervision of the successful production team of Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer.  When it came time to sign a contract, the band refused, based on advice from their booking agency.  On a job at The Interlaken Ballroom in Fairmont, The Luvs’s drove in one car and The Rave On’s drove in another car, each group thought the other group had picked up drummer Harry Nehls.  Arriving in Fairmont, it was discovered Harry had not been picked up by either group and Linda, a native of Fairmont, was able to track down a local rock’n’roll drummer at the last minute to fill in for the concert.  In Fairmont, Linda sang in the church choir and played violin in school.  In the 1960’s the family moved to St. Paul and Linda graduated from Johnson High School in 1965.  At the time of her passing, Linda was a resident of Maplewood.

Tom Campbell, January 20, 2013

 

Lonnie Knight – May 7, 2017

Knight, Lonnie age 68, passed away May 7, 2017 after a courageous fight against cancer. Born in Haddon Heights, New Jersey, Lonnie moved to Minneapolis at age 5. He began playing guitar at age 12 and never stopped until his death. As an integral member of Minnesota’s music community, he was known not only for his unique talent as a musician and producer, but also for his support and mentorship of other musicians and songwriters. A prolific songwriter, Lonnie’s repertoire includes well over 100 compositions. He garnered international acclaim as a member of such bands as The Rave-ons, Jokers Wild, The Knight-Henley Band, and the Hoopsnakes as well as for his acoustic albums. For the past seven years, he split his time between performing on electric guitar – most notably with “Smokin’ Section” – and acoustic guitar alongside longtime friend and bassist Reid Papke, with whom he recorded and performed throughout most of his career. Lonnie was not only a legendary musician and recipient of several Minnesota music awards, but also a loving brother, accomplished photographer, graphic artist and Web designer. He possessed a brilliant and curious mind. He was an exceptional conversationalist with a clever wit and gentle smile. He enjoyed the Minnesota Twins, was an avid Vikings fan, and loved relaxing on his front porch. He passed away peacefully on his front porch surrounded by loving family, friends, and beloved partner, Patti Patton. Throughout their time together, Patti was his gracious, steadfast, and loving companion. Together, Lonnie and Patti emanated true love and light. Lonnie is preceded in death by parents, Lowell and Betty Knight and his brother Rick Knight. He is survived by his partner, Patti Patton, his sisters Kathy Simmelink (John) and Sally Jo Donahue (Kenny), many nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews. Memorial service will be June 10, 12:00 PM with a visitation one hour prior at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 13000 St. David Road, Minnetonka. A drop-in time of music and remembering will be held at Creek House from 3:00 to 7:30 PM, contact glenn@elvig.com for directions. Memorials preferred to Guitars for Vets, American Cancer Society or 30 Days Foundation.

Published on May 16, 2017

Minneapolis Star Tribune

 

Mark Gallagher

Gallagher, Mark To a great friend, legendary musician, hard worker, determined person, the best dad a guy could ever ask for. You were the most dependable man I knew and a rock in the lives of everyone who was close to you. You deserved so much more for all the sacrifices you made. No wonder they say the good die young, you were as good as it gets. We all love and miss you so much and you will never be forgotten. RIP Mark.

Published on March 11, 2009

Minneapolis Star Tribune

 

Patrick J. Devine – December 5, 2019

Devine, Patrick J. Age 70 of St. Louis Park passed peacefully on December 5. The self-proclaimed “Kid from the Park” played Little League at Skippy Field, performed in musicals at St. Louis Park Senior High, and raised his own sons about a 5 iron’s distance from the house he grew up in. He was grateful to his parents, James and Mary, for initiating a lifelong love of the arts and language, as well as a sense of social justice. In his early career, Patrick played Donny Brook in the original production of the rock musical “The House of Leather” and worked as a booking agent and record promoter in the Minneapolis music scene; later he worked in advertising and public relations. He volunteered with the SLP Human Rights Commission and co-chaired the 1993 Human Rights Expo which drew over 2,500 attendees for a day of multicultural arts performances and workshops focused on celebrating diversity and combating prejudice. Patrick proposed to the love of his life, Shirley, at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem in 1980, and together they raised two sons whom he often called his life’s greatest work and joy. Quick with a Brando impression or an Irish brogue, ready to quote literature from Hamlet to Hamilton, Patrick was joyful, loving, and kind. He loved to bring people together, always deflected from himself to ask about you. Illness was part of his story, yet he held an attitude of enduring gratitude. Patrick is survived by his wife, Shirley, and sons Aaron (Jackey) and Max; grandson Oliver; his siblings Jimmy (Terry), Michael, and Mary; and many beloved family and friends. A celebration of Patrick’s life will be held Sunday, December 15 starting at 3pm at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.

Published on December 8, 2019

Minneapolis Tribune

 

Rick O’Dell – July 14, 2001

There is a sad footnote to this interview-Rick O’Dell, the saxophone player with the Lamont Cranston Blues Band, died unexpectedly early Saturday morning, July 14, 2001. Rick’s last performance was the night before in Mankato where he was doing what he loved to do, play music. Please see the links following this interview for some pictures from Rick’s last show.

From Pat Hayes: As you know by now, we just lost a very important part of our little Cranston family, our sax player Rick O’Dell, who died of a heart attack on the morning of July 14th. Those of you who saw us play that night at Whiskey Junction might have noticed all the black outfits on stage and the sort of dazed and shocked band. Rick was in my band on and off for 22 years. He was not only a great sax player, but he was a great person. He always knew how to cheer us up with his great sense of humor and wild antics on stage. He never joked at the expense of others, usually it was him at the brunt of the jokes. I loved this man and so did the other members of the band. Although it is very hard to get used to the fact he’s not around anymore, we consider ourselves lucky that we were able to play music with him and to know him as a friend. May he live on in his music.

“A Picture is worth a thousand words, but a song is worth a thousand pictures.” –Rick O’Dell.

mnblues.com

 

Richard “Ricky” Colborn – May 6, 2020

Richard “Ricky” Colborn, 75, of Foxboro, WI, heard God calling Wednesday, May 6, 2020. He was in his beloved home surrounded by his family. Rick fought a heroic ten-year battle with cancer and was grateful for the dedicated teams of healthcare professionals at Essentia Health in Duluth, MN. He was born on March 22, 1945 in Superior, WI, to Harry and Irene (Cook) Colborn.

Rick married the love of his life, Janet Bischoff, on August 15, 1965, and they would have celebrated fifty-five years of marriage this summer. Rick was a lifelong musician with The Titans and various other local bands. He loved music and was a talented singer, songwriter and guitarist, recording a collection of solo work. In 2004, Rick was inducted into the Minnesota Rock/Country Hall of Fame. He was an ardent trout fisherman and loved fishing in local streams. Rick was an avid fan of nature and adored living in the country where he was able to feed his wild animals.

Rick is survived by his wife, Janet; three daughters, Angela Warn, Patzau, WI, Amy White, Duluth, MN, and Anna (Tom) Knoll, Fayetteville, NC; one son, Aaron (Megan) Colborn, Superior, WI; one surrogate son, Steve Hudson, Superior, WI; five grandchildren, Colleen (Keith), Stephany (Brian), Arin, Rylie and Murphy; two great-grandchildren, Izzy and Keith, Jr.; sister, Margaret (Fred) Bischoff and brother, Roy (Mary) Colborn; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Fern Lull and his brother Hal Colborn.

Due to CDC regulations and Governor mandates, a Celebration of Life service for Rick will be held at a later date. The family is requesting donations be made in Rick’s honor to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior, WI, is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit downs-lesage.

Superior Telegram – May 17, 2020

 

Roy M. Hensley – June 8, 2005 

Hensley Roy M. Hensley, “Rockstar” 57, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend to all, passed away in Minneapolis on June 8, 2005. This unique and talented artist was recently inducted into the Minnesota Rock and Country Hall of Fame as a member of “The Castaways” of “Liar, Liar” fame. Roy is survived by his mother, Donna Hart; two brothers, Philip & Richard Hensley, wife, Dawn Hensley, three sons, one daughter, five grandchildren, many cousins and millions of adoring fans. Services will be held at 4:00 PM Sunday, June 12, 2005 at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont, MN with burial in Antrim Township Cemetery. Rocky will be deeply missed. Lakeviewfuneralhome.net.

Published on June 11, 2005

Minneapolis Star Tribune

 

Thomas J. Nystrom – May 22, 2004 

Nystrom Thomas J., age 60, of Mpls. Survived by mother, Frankie Innes; daughters, Carey (Bob) Galvin and Shelley (Sverre Gropen) Nystrom; son, Kyle Nystrom; grandchildren, Sara and Aidan Galvin; brother, Jack. Celebration of Tom’s life will be held Monday, May 24, at 3 PM at: Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel W. 50th St. & Hwy 100 952-920-3996

Published on May 23, 2004

Minneapolis Star Tribune

 

Warren “Woody” Woodrich – March 7, 2005

Woodrich Warren Brown Jr. “Woody”, age 56, of Hopkins, passed away March 7, 2005. Survived by his loving wife, Vickie; twin sons, James and John; his mother, Phyllis; his sister, Paisley (Ken) Pettine; his brother, Charles (Louise). Warren was a graduate of West High School, Mpls. In his early years, he was an accomplished electric bass guitar player. He played with The Chancellors, The Malibu’s and was an original member of White Lightning. Later, his career focused on business management. He was VP of Hopkins Ready Mix and then moved to administer several medical clinics. He had a long history of community involvement and leadership. He was Executive Director of Project Concern. He was a past president of Hopkins Raspberry Festival, the Hopkins Area Jaycees, and the Kiwanis Club of Edina. He was State Secretary of the MN Jaycees. He was a member on the following commissions for the City of Hopkins: Zoning & Planning, Human Rights and Charter. Memorial service 1 PM Saturday, with visitation one hour before at: Washburn-McReavy Strobeck Johnson Chapel 1400 Mainstreet, Hopkins 952-938-9020.

The obituary was featured in Star Tribune on March 9, 2005.

 

David Dean – August 5, 2007

Dean, David W. Jr. Age 60 of Minnetonka, MN. Preceded in death by mother, Marilyn. Survived by wife of 28 years, Annamary; daughter, Sarah Bartz and partner Jeff Oehlest; father, David Dean Sr. and wife Erva; brother, John Dean and wife Yasmin; nephews, David and Andrew Dean. Information Technology Manager for Park Nicollet Health System. Visitation Wed. 5-8 pm. Albin Chapel, 6855 Rowland Road, Eden Prairie, MN. Service Thurs. 2 pm. First Covenant Church, 810 S. 7th Street, Mpls. NOTE Church parking will be available. Interment Lakewood Cemetery, Mpls., MN. Memorials preferred to your local Animal Humane Society, The Nature Conservancy or donor’s choice. Obit info albinchapel.com Albin Chapel 952-914-9410 Ralph, Jim & Dan Albinson

This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.

 

Bill Normandin – November 16, 1942 – May 4, 2016

Normandin, William Howard age 73 of Minneapolis passed away on May 4, 2016. “Uncle Bill” was born on Nov. 16, 1942. He was a legendary songwriter and lyricist from Northeast Minneapolis.

He is survived by Sister Rita Marie McGlynn, Brother Rich Normandin, Nephew Curt and Many Relatives. The family would like to thank all the doctors and nurses at HCMC 4^th Floor Burn Unit. “Rock and Roilll Bill, God Bless.”

Services are set for Tuesday, May 24^th at 10 AM at Kapala-Glodek Funeral Home 230 13^th Ave NE Minneapolis, Minnesota.

A Visitation will take place one hour prior from 9 – 10 AM at the Funeral Home.

Dignitymemorial.com

 

Ronald ‘Ron’ Edgar – February 23, 2015

Edgar, Ronald (Ron) age 68, of St. Louis Park passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2015 while surrounded by family. Preceded in death by brother, Dwane Edgar; and sister, Barbara Miller. Ron is survived by his wife, Marcey; sons, Matt Edgar (Wendy) of Minneapolis, MN; and Scott Edgar (Miriam), of St. Louis Park, MN; “love of his life” his granddaughter, Avadya; and sister, Marlene Rand, of Glencoe, MN. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 25, 1946, to the late Theodore and Emma Edgar. Ron graduated from Hopkins High School. He married his wife Marcey on July 10, 1970. Ron was a well-known drummer in the popular 1960’s rock groups The Music Machine and The Millennium, as well as a studio drummer for various studio recordings. He was also involved for many years with the St. Louis Park Baseball Association, supporting his family’s enthusiasm for baseball. There will be a music memorial in his honor this year in St. Louis Park, MN. Notification of music memorial to be released at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation) in the name of Ron Edgar.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on March 1, 2015

 

Colin B. “Colly” Waggoner – January 4, 1944 – October 18, 2010

Colin B. “Colly” Waggoner was born in Frederic, Wisconsin on January 4, 1944. He was raised in the Northwoods of Ogema Township in Pine County until his early teens. He later moved to Richfield, Minnesota and graduated from Richfield High School. During his teenage years, he gained the reputation as an extraordinary guitar/stringed instrument player and inspired many others to explore and appreciate music. His talented contributions to the Rock A Billy music scene in the late 50’s and early 60’s are still talked about. He served in the Army and was in Vietnam and Korea from 1967 until 1969, he returned to Richfield, Minnesota, married and fathered two children. Established, owned and operated a successful dental ceramics laboratory and retired in 2002. He enjoyed his time playing music with family and friends. He would encourage others to enjoy and appreciate life through music, poetry, science, history, art, food and wit. Colly had a wonderful, clever, quick-witted (and sometimes questionable) sense of humor. He enjoyed making people laugh and seeing warm smiles on the faces of people he cared for and loved. Colly always had an open ear and never judged. He had an artisan’s ability to craft with his hands and his spirit was very renaissance and of the cosmos. He will truly be missed by many friends, family and the music community.

Preceded in death by his parents, Alyce and Ashton Waggoner, and sister, Arlynn Waggoner. Survived by children, Wesley Waggoner and Leah Deuchar (Dave); brother, Michael “Danny” Waggoner (Becky); sister, Robin Johnson (David); nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral Information
Burial 12:00 Noon Friday (October 22, 2010) at Bangsbrook Cemetery in Ogema Township, Pine County, Minnesota.

Funeral Home Services for Colin are being provided by Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel. The obituary was featured in Star Tribune on October 20, 2010.

 

Daryl Lee Johnson – August 27, 1949 – November 5, 2016

Johnson, Daryl Lee Born August 27, 1949 passed away on November 5, 2016 at the age of 67. Survived by loving wife, Dawn Schnickels-Johnson. Children, Rachel (Shawn) Wicks, Jodi (Ed) Cochran, and Michael (Kirsten). The grandchildren he adored, Katelyn, Kyle, Karlee, Sam, Isabel, Abby, Paige, and Tillie; father, Lawren; sister, Patti (Joe) Pulice; brothers, Keith (Penny) and Mark (Patty); sisters-in-law, Gale (Scott) Chambers and Kay (Bob) Buchman; brothers-in-law, Steve Schnickels, Marvin Schnickels and Mark (Diane) Schnickels; 5 nieces and 7 nephews, including godson, Jeff. Also, 8 great-nieces and nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends. Preceded in death by mother, Alzina; and mother and father-in-law, Helen and Marvin Schnickels. Daryl was a well known, talented musician who began playing when he was nine on accordion with his brother Keith on guitar. They eventually formed a number of local bands, including the Buttons, the Ivymen, Briskoe and finally Stage-brush. In 1976 Stagebrush opened Blainbrook and played all across the state for over 15 years. Daryl’s great voice, along with his memory for thousands of songs and the ability to play multiple instruments, especially the piano, enabled him to have a long career in the music business. Daryl was humbled when Stagebrush was nominated and put into the Upper Midwest Rock Country Hall of Fame in 2006. After 40 years in the music business he went to work for the railroad until he retired in May 2014. Daryl and Dawn traveled throughout the country, but felt their second ‘home’ was Kona, Hawaii. Daryl found great joy and pride in watching his grandchildren. He loved hearing about their sports activities and excited some had inherited his ear for music, even performing mini concerts in our living room. Daryl fought courageously for over two years to overcome bladder cancer, passing quietly in Dawn’s arms surrounded by family in his final hours. Rest in Peace without pain and the knowledge that we all loved you dearly. A special thank you to all the medical staff at the University of Minnesota Oncology in Maple Grove clinic and the Fairview Hospice staff. Also, to all the friends and family who visited and supported us through those days. Visitation will be held Thursday 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. and 1 hr. prior to the service. Funeral Service on FRIDAY 11:00a.m. All will be held at Gearhart Funeral Home, 11275 Foley Boulevard NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the family. GEARHART  Funeral Home 763-755-6300.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on November 9, 2016

 

Dennis Gudim – November 23, 2004

Dennis Gudim, 63, of Rosemount, died Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2004, at his home in Rosemount from cancer.

Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Northfield. Visitation was held Friday at the Bierman Funeral Home in Northfield and will be held for one hour prior to the services today at the church.

Dennis D. Gudim, the son of Ernest and Margaret How Gudim, was born Feb. 26, 1941, in Northfield. He attended Northfield Public Schools. He was united in marriage to Karen Johnson March 25, 1963, in Dundas. Dennis was a professional musician and recording artist. He did many recording sessions in Nashville. He loved music and his family.

Gudim is survived by his wife, Karen; daughter, Wendy (Mike) Stringer of West St. Paul; his sons: Dennis Jr. (Sandra) of St. Paul and Kevin of Rosemount; one brother, Ronald (Sue) Gudim of PalmDale, Calif; sisters: Mary (Dean) Johnson of Eagan, Carol (Ken) Burton of St. Paul, and Kathy (Frank) Pucci of Rosemount, two grandchildren; brother and sisters-in-law: Ray (Gerri) Johnson of Northfield, Jim (Dorothy) Johnson of Alexandria, Clarence (Marion) Johnson of Randolph, Don (Marion) Johnson of Northfield, Dick Johnson of Northfield, Gene Johnson of Inver Grove Heights, Polly (Gale) Truax of Hoyt Lakes, Larry (Kay) Johnson of Nelson, Wis., and Cathy Spartz of Northfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law, Gary Johnson. Arrangements are by the Bierman Funeral Home of Northfield.

Northfield News

Nov 27, 2004

 

Douglas James – January 26, 2019

Age 65, of St. Paul Passed away Jan 26, 2019 Loving husband, father, and grandfather Talented musician who brought joy to many people playing his drums. Loved and missed by wife Colleen (née Haselman); sons; Nick, Danny (Joslin), Tom; and granddaughter Lucy, his “little pal” Also, survived by many friends and family. Memorial Service 6 PM Tuesday, February 5 at MUELLER-BIES FUNERAL HOME-ROSEVILLE, 2130 N. Dale St. @ County Road B. with a visitation beginning at 4 PM until time of the service. MUELLER-BIES 651-487-2550.

Published in Pioneer Press on Feb. 3, 2019.

 

Jeffrey R. Hill – May 3, 2009

Hill, Jeffrey R. Passed away peacefully early Sunday morning May 3rd. He called the beautiful village of Marine on St. Croix home. Born in 1951 his name is forever linked with the booming Twin Cities rock music scene of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. He was a remarkable musician who played guitar in The Youngsters, The Underbeats and many other bands. In 1972 he co-founded the legendary Knut-Koupée Music Store located in Uptown at 28th and Hennepin. The store quickly became a magnetic gathering place for musicians. Jeff provided the authenticity and enthusiasm to help power a Minneapolis music scene that continues to achieve international acclaim. From The Hypstrz to Prince and The Time, from The Suicide Commandos to The Canoise. The list could go on and on. Jeff and the “Knut” were there to help make dreams come true. His passion and generosity not only connected musicians to the instruments they needed, but more importantly connected people to each other. Jeff left the Cities for California in 1983 returning 20 years later to the delight of his many acquaintances. Additionally Jeff has remained committed to improving the welfare of animals and advocated for several animal rescue organizations during his life. His home offered sanctuary to many animals over the years. (Shout-out to Becky and Sweedy). Whether cruising to band gigs in his 1963 split-window Corvette or riding the back roads of small town Minnesota on a Velocette motorcycle Jeff had a style all his own. He had the ability to deal with rock stars, serious collectors and the kid in high school who skipped class to hang out at the store, who now plays in Guns and Roses. Jeff’s parents Ann and William Hill live in Bayside, Wisconsin. His sister Nanciann Feeney with husband John and Jeff’s two very special nieces Livvy and Blythe live in Boulder, Colorado and his brother David in Ribera, New Mexico. He was surrounded by close friends and family these last few months. We continue to celebrate his remarkable zest for life. To know Jeff was to know his love and graciousness. He was the real thing and will be missed by all. Not surprisingly he retained his irrepressible humor and creative hi-jinx to the very end. A public celebration and tribute to Jeff is planned for the Fine Line, downtown Minneapolis on June 3rd. Doors at 6pm.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on May 10, 2009

 

Billy Hallquist – October 12, 2015

Hallquist, Billy D. Age 65 of St. Paul passed away October 12th, 2015. Preceded in death by parents, Einar and Babe Hallquist; and two brothers- in-law, Bill Grevlos and Jim Lesney. Billy was a caring, generous, knowledgeable man with a thoughtful, reflective nature. His story proudly began in Sioux Falls, SD in 1949. He moved to Minneapolis and attended Nokomis Jr and Roosevelt Sr high schools where many life-long friendships developed. Billy’s heartfelt love of music led to lasting friendships and experiences that had a profound impact on his life. As both a singer and songwriter, Billy Hallquist’s music career spanned 50 years. His ability to tell stories captivated friends and family. His storytelling through his music charmed audiences. The support received during his recent medical battle was a source of great relief and genuine appreciation. His family will be forever grateful. Billy is survived by sons, BJ Hallquist and Danny Hallquist; daughter, Megan Hallquist; and their mother, Michele Castello; sisters, Cheryl Grevlos, Darlene Lesney; nephews, Dann (Cindi) Grevlos, Dave (Lauraine) Grevlos, Mike (Lisa) Grevlos, Patrick (Tammi) Lesney; Nieces, Terry Lesney, Jill Grevlos Slagle (Jeremie Slagle); the Minnesota music community; many other relatives; and loyal friends. Billy’s Life Celebration will be held on Saturday, Oct 24th 1:00 PM. An open house will follow with family present until 4:00 PM. Both events will occur at Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church 5011 31st Ave S., Mpls, 612-729-2323. A memorial fund currently being established.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on October 18, 2015

 

Dave (James David) Ray – August 17, 1943 – November 28, 2002

Ray Dave (James David), age 59. Preceded in death by father, James M. Ray; and in-laws, Henry and Nancy Mueller. Survived by wife, Mary Jane Mueller; children, Barnaby (Amy), and Nadine (Billy) Sullivan; granddaughter, Samantha Ray; brother, Tom Ray (Barb); sister, Karen Ray; brother, Max Ray (Rochelle Becker); brother-in-law, Greg Mueller (Kathy); sister-in-law, Carol DeWitt; brother-in-law, Charlie Mueller; 5 nieces and 1 nephew; and many, many friends & fans. Private family service. Celebration of Dave’s life Friday, December 13, at 1st Ave. Nightclub, Mpls. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Heart of the Beast Theatre, 1500 E. Lake, Mpls, MN 55407 Cremation Society of MN 612-825-2435

Minneapolis Star tribune

Published on November 29, 2002

 

Douglas W. Reynolds – October 18, 2012

October 18, 2012 Age 64 Preceded in death by daughter Shannon, and parents John and Dorothy. Survived by wife, Patricia (nee Meyer); daughter, Shauna; son, Joshua (Cathryn) Cushman; grandsons, Jacob and Matthew; brothers, Dave and Scott; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Doug was blessed with an extraordinary musical talent. He sang and played with many MN bands in his 40+ year career. Bands included the CA Quintet and most recently the Wildfire band. He also worked as an accountant for a period of time. A special thank you to St. John’s ICU Nursing Staff and Dr. Funk. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Eagle Brook Church, Whitebear Campus, Hwy 61 and Buffalo Street on Friday, October 26 at 10AM, service at 11AM with a lunch afterward. Memorials preferred to the family.

Published in Pioneer Press on Oct. 22, 2012

 

Obituary: Jim Sundquist, hitmaking guitarist with the Fendermen

As lead guitarist of the Fendermen, rockabilly hero Jim Sundquist inspired a generation of garage rockers to pick up Fenders of their own when he scored Minnesota’s first big national hit, “Mule Skinner Blues,” in 1960. Sundquist, 75, died Tuesday of cancer.

Although he wound up settling in Minnesota, his career was launched in Wisconsin, where he was born in the town of Niagara, north of Green Bay. He picked up the guitar in his teens and, with rhythm guitarist and singer Phil Humphrey, formed the Fendermen — named, of course, after the instruments they played — in 1958 in the Madison area.

The two-guitar duo (no drums, no bass) originally focused on country standards. One night at a sawdust saloon called the Oats Bin, they started mixing in rock ‘n’ roll and created a stir with their hopped-up version of a Jimmie Rodgers tune. A music-store owner heard “Mule Skinner Blues” and helped them cut a single, which sold 8,000 copies in two days after a La Crosse DJ started spinning it.

That caught the attention of Minneapolis music mogul Amos Heilicher, who had recorded polka and old-time music for years but never had a pop hit. He brought them in to re-record the song, with Humphrey providing the braying vocals and Sundquist the twanging lead guitar.

Released on Soma Records in May 1960, “Mule Skinner Blues” was an instant smash in the Twin Cities that quickly spread nationally, peaking at No. 5 on the Billboard chart and scoring the duo an appearance on Dick Clark’s TV show “American Bandstand.” The label couldn’t press enough copies to keep up with the demand.

It was the start of big things for Heilicher, who rode the garage-rock wave with such acts as the Trashmen and Castaways, but the Fendermen’s success was short-lived. After a couple of attempts to repeat their smash, the duo broke up in 1961.

Sundquist kept playing, however, and in 1980 formed the band Jim Sundquist and His Fendermen, which worked regularly until recent years. His work continued to inspire a latter-day wave of roots-rockers, including the Vibro Champs, a Twin Cities band that served as backing group when he and Humphrey reunited for two shows in 2005.

“It was a thrill,” said the band’s leader, Alan Subola. “People had their old 45s and LPs from 1960. There was a lot of magic and energy and joy.”

Subola first heard “Mule Skinner Blues” on a K-Tel “Goofy Greats” album he bought as a teenager. “Even though that song would be found in novelty compilations, they were seriously considered rock pioneers,” he said. “Jim had that archetypal 1960s surf guitar sound. They inspired groups like the Trashmen and even the Cramps,” the California punkabilly group who cut their own version of the Fendermen’s big hit.

On his old Fender Jazzmaster, Sundquist “was a very fluid player,” Subola recalled. “He hadn’t lost anything as far as his picking.”

He also worked for 20 years as a music and art therapist for senior citizens at Redeemer Residence in Minneapolis, and had a side career in gospel music with his wife, Sharrie, whom he wed in 1991. After retirement, they moved to the central Minnesota city of Fairfax.

Along with his wife, he is survived by children Jeff (Sheri) Sundquist, Jon Sundquist, Janelle Sundquist, Jim (Rose) Sundquist Jr. and Jodi Sundquist; stepsons Greg (Julie) Rundquist and Dan (Melany) Rundquist; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and four siblings. A memorial service was held Saturday in Minneapolis, with burial at Acacia Park in Mendota Heights.

Tim Campbell Minneapolis Star Tribune  – June 8, 2013

 

Phil Humphrey – March 29, 2016

Phil Humphrey, one half of the duo the Fendermen, died on March 29 in a Minnesota hospital after suffering heart failure. He was 78.

Humphrey and Jim Sundquist started the Fendermen in 1958. The two shared a lot, even before going into their musical endeavor including a birthday (November 26, 1937) and their school, the University of Wisconsin in Madison where they first met.

Phil met Sundquist at a party and, even though they exchanged numbers, they lost touch and didn’t see each other again until a chance meeting a time later when Sundquist was delivering bread and saw Humphrey’s name on an apartment door bell.

They soon began collaborating musically, both playing Fender guitars which led to the group name. Sundquist’s biography states that the duo played their first show at the Oats Bin in rural Wisconsin where they performed for beer. After performing standards and a little rock for a generally uninterested crowd, they broke into the old Jimmie Rodgers number Mule Skinner Blues. The crowd went wild and the song won them a permanent gig for the next few months.

The duo went on to playing more clubs in the Madison area where a local record store owner took interest and arranged for the song to be recorded and released on the tiny Cuca label. Even with strong crowd reaction at shows, no larger company would pick the song up nationally until a La Crosse, WI station finally played it leading to sales of 8,000 copies in two days.

Soma Records finally picked up the duo and had them rerecord the song. Personal appearances across the northern mid-west led to an appearance on American Bandstand, giving the song the push it needed, launching it up the charts to number 5 in the U.S.

Success was fleeting and the two singers parted ways in 1961 with Humphrey’s retaining the Fendermen name. He toured Canada and California before settling in the Minnesota area where he ran a home renovation business and counseled youth.

Sundquist had previously died from cancer on June 4, 2013.

Humphrey is survived by his wife, six children, two step-children and two grandchildren.

Vintage Vinyl News

April 27, 2016

 

Steve Wahrer – January 19, 1989 

Trashmen Drummer Steve Wahrer Dies At 47

ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) _ Steve Wahrer, the drummer who helped lift the Trashmen and their hit single, ?Surfin’ Bird,? to the national pop charts in the early 1960s, has died of throat cancer at age 47.

He died Saturday at North Memorial Hospital in this Minneapolis suburb.

?He was the one who snarled out, “The bird is the word,” said Bill Diehl, an entertainment writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press Dispatch. They were all clean-cut guys and in their way kind of shy. They were more interested in music than anything else.?

Dal Winslow, a founder of the group and now a computer systems analyst, said Wahrer was one of the first drummers to use a heavy, heavy, foot-pedal beat. A driving, real danceable style. It was pure rock ‘n’ roll.

In 1962, Wahrer, Winslow, Tony Andreason of Minneapolis and Bob Reed of North Dakota formed the band.

Two years later they released “Surfin’ Bird,” which became an instant hit, moving up to No. 4 on the national Billboard music chart.

The group broke up in 1967 and Wahrer stayed in the Twin Cities, playing with a variety of bands.

He played with the Trashmen in revival concerts until about a year ago, when he became ill.

Wahrer is survived by his father, Stephen, of Robbinsdale, and sisters Suzy McCasland of Shoreview and Vicki Wahrer of Coon Rapids.

Services are scheduled Tuesday in Minneapolis.

AP – January 22, 1989

 

Tom Pohling – May 15, 1952 – July 16, 2003

Pohling, Tom – Formery Of Roseville, MN Born In Superior, WI 5/15/52 Passed away in Tulsa, OK 7/16/03. Graduate of Kellogg (1969). Lead guitar/vocals of the C.A. Quintet, 1966-71. Will be deeply missed by mother Doris; brother, Rick; Dee Wales and members of the band. Friends contact: www.CAQuintet.com.

Published in the Pioneer Press on Aug. 8, 2003.

 

Tony Glover – October 7, 1939 – May 29, 2019

Influential Minneapolis folk and blues musician Tony Glover dies at 79

Blues musician, writer and critic Tony “Little Sun” Glover died Wednesday of natural causes. The Minneapolis native, who spent the last two weeks in the hospital, was 79.

Glover played guitar in several local bands as a teenager, but found his true calling in the harmonica. In 1963, he formed the folk/blues trio Koerner, Ray and Glover with New York native “Spider” John Koerner, who was attending the University of Minnesota, and Dave “Snaker” Ray, a singer and guitarist from St. Paul. That same year, they recorded their debut album, “Blues, Rags and Hollers,” which was initially issued in a limited run of 300 copies before Elektra Records gave it a wider release.

“We’d play at folk festivals,” Glover said in a 2005 interview with Twin Cities Daily Planet. “We played at Newport in ’64. We played Philadelphia in late ’63 … It was raucous and fun. That was the first time our group played to a large crowd. We were fired up. We were loaded for bear, and we came out and kicked ass. Not everybody stayed because it was a long night. But the ones that stayed were like, ‘Oh, wow!’ It was really encouraging, like, ‘People do like this. It’s not just a Minneapolis thing.’ ”

Glover also befriended Bob Dylan during Dylan’s brief time at the University of Minnesota. Dylan even performed a concert at Glover’s house in May 1963, a five-song set that included “Girl of the North Country” and “Boots of Spanish Leather.” Glover recorded many of Dylan’s early shows and his tapes are reportedly going to be used extensively in an upcoming Dylan compilation.

The pair also visited Woody Guthrie in the hospital in 1963. Glover later penned the liner notes to “The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The ‘Royal Albert Hall’ Concert” and appeared in Martin Scorsese’s 2005 Dylan documentary, “No Direction Home.”

Koerner, Ray and Glover went on to record two more albums for Elektra, but Glover was interested in more than just performing music. He began writing articles for the Minneapolis fanzine The Little Sandy Review in the early ’60s and was later published in Sing Out, Hit Parader, Crawdaddy, Creem, Request and, most notably, Rolling Stone, to which he contributed from 1968 through 1973.

The pair also visited Woody Guthrie in the hospital in 1963. Glover later penned the liner notes to “The Bootleg Series Vol. 4: Bob Dylan Live 1966, The ‘Royal Albert Hall’ Concert” and appeared in Martin Scorsese’s 2005 Dylan documentary, “No Direction Home.”

Koerner, Ray and Glover went on to record two more albums for Elektra, but Glover was interested in more than just performing music. He began writing articles for the Minneapolis fanzine The Little Sandy Review in the early ’60s and was later published in Sing Out, Hit Parader, Crawdaddy, Creem, Request and, most notably, Rolling Stone, to which he contributed from 1968 through 1973.

In the late ’60s, Glover worked as a late-night DJ at KDWB, where he interviewed now-legendary musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Jim Morrison and Pete Townshend. Impressed by a young Patti Smith, Glover helped Smith land her first Twin Cities gigs in late 1972, at the Guthrie Theater and Hamline Student Union.

“I’d met her in New York,” Glover told the Twin Cities Daily Planet. “She’d written an article about the devil in music, a fascinating, well-written article. I wanted to try to write an article on her … I figured I’d do a one-hour interview. She was so fascinating, such a good talker, that I ended up doing like, 20 cassette tapes of interviewing.”

The harmonica remained a constant presence in Glover’s life. He wrote several instructional books on the instrument and Mick Jagger sought him out for lessons. Bonnie Raitt regularly called him onstage during her local concerts and, during a 1998 show, she proclaimed “The blues has never left Minneapolis-St. Paul.”

At the 2014 Replacements reunion show at St. Paul’s old Midway Stadium, Paul Westerberg invited Glover to play harmonica during a cover of Jimmy Reed’s “Going to New York” and told the audience “he’s an actual musician.” Lucinda Williams and Beck each beckoned Glover onstage during local concert stops.

Over the decades, Glover continued to perform music with his band V3 as well as with Koerner and/or Ray, who died in 2002. In 1996, Glover wrote and produced the documentary “Blues, Rags and Hollers: The Koerner, Ray & Glover Story.” In an expanded version of the film issued a decade later, Glover closed it with the promise: “Stay tuned, ‘cuz it’s still happening, all the time.”

Services are pending.

Ross Raihala,Pioneer Press – May 30, 2019

 

Anthony C. “Tony” Tuccitto – December 9, 2013

Age 64 of St. Paul Passed away 12/9/13 Preceded in death by parents, Charles and Frances Tuccitto. Survived by daughters, Nanette “Anne” (Steve) Flakne, Tina (Don) Pults and Angela (Scott) Tuccitto; grandchildren, Britney, Isaiah, Charles, Benjamin and Molly; great grandchildren, Kyra and Arriana. Mass of the Resurrection 10:30 AM Monday 12/16 at St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church at White Bear Ave. and 3rd. St., St. Paul. Visitation 4-7 PM Sunday 12/15 at Wulff Funeral Home, 1485 White Bear Ave., St. Paul and 1 hour prior to Mass at church. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. A special thanks to Dr. Jason Como of East Side Family Clinic and the staff of Midwest Special Services.

Legacy.com

 

Willie Murphy – November 17, 1943 – January 13, 2019

Willie Murphy passed at age 75 on January 13, 2019. He was well known as one of the leading musicians in the folk – blues music scene in the West Bank area of Minneapolis in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

In 1969, Willie and John Koerner released an album on the Elektra label called “Running, Jumping, Standing Still” which has many fans to this day. Crawdaddy Magazine described the album as “one of the most unique and underrated albums of the folk boom, perhaps the only psychedelic ragtime blues albums ever made.”

Willie produced the first album for Bonnie Raitt, recorded in Minnesota and released on Warner Brothers in 1971. He also played piano, percussion, and sang on numerous album tracks. Willie was offered a fulltime job with the label as an in-house producer, but turned it down in order to stay in Minnesota.

In 1972, Koerner and Willie released an album called “Music is Just a Bunch of Notes” on the Sweet Jane label.

Willie played piano, bass guitar, guitar, and various other instruments as a session musician for numerous recording artists.

Willie and the Bees was a popular R&B – Blues – Rock band in the Twin Cities in the 1970’s and 1980’s, led by Willie. The group played a reunion concert at Cabooze in Minneapolis in 2014.

In 1976, Willie and the Bumblebees released an album called “Honey from the Bee” on the Sweet Jane label.

In 1980, Willie and the Bees released an album called “Out of the Woods” on Sound 80 Digital.

Between 1985 and 2009, Willie released six solo CD’s with some on his own label, Atomic Theory.

His final solo album came out in November, 2018.

Tom Campbell

 

Curt Boettcher – January 7, 1944 – June 14, 1987

Memorial services were Thursday for Curtis Roy Boettcher, 43, formerly of Eau Claire, who died Sunday at University of Southern California Hospital, Los Angeles.

He graduated from Eau Claire high school in 1962. He later moved to California where he became an independent recording director, producing for the Association and the Beach Boys. He also wrote and provided background music for Elton John and Dusty Springfield.

Survivors include a son, Varek, California: a sister, Jeanne Rupert, New Jersey: and his parents, Arland and Peg Boettcher, MacLean, Virginia.

Los Angeles Times

June 19, 1987

 

Larry Scovill – May 19, 2010

Scovill, Lawrence E. Age 64, of St. Paul, passed away suddenly May 19, 2010. 1963 Graduate of Cretin H.S. Larry, a lifelong musician, is survived by his biological family and the beautiful family of friends he embraced. Preceded in death by mother, Marguerite. Survived by children, Justin, Shayne, and Tasha; father, William; sisters, Maryellen (Mike) and Diane (Shawn); cousins, Kathleen, Tisha, Carol, and Elaine; nephews, Aaron, Brian, and their families; other relatives and many, many friends. Graveside Service Monday, May 24, 12:15 PM at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave. South (Assembly Area #2). Cremation Society of MN.

Minneapolis Star Tribune – May 21 to May 23, 2010.

 

Bill Gent – October 23, 2002

GENT Gent, William,52, of West Palm Beach, FL died on October 23, 2002. All County Funeral Home & Crematory.

Published in Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on Oct. 24, 2002.

 

William F. ‘Bill’ Diehl – July 19, 2017

Diehl, William F. “Bill” 91, of St. Paul, Minnesota, after a long illness, on July 19, 2017. Survived by wife, Helen; brother, Dr. James (Gayle) Diehl; sister-in-law, Mrs. Phyllis Nelson; nieces and nephews; great (and great, great) nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank (Ellen) Diehl; sister, Mrs. Joan (Howard) Nelson. Bill Diehl was a newspaper columnist, Radio broadcaster and pioneer television broadcaster. He worked at the St. Paul Dispatch/Pioneer Press for 53 years. He was at WMIN from 1948-1956; WDGY for 11 years, and WCCO Radio for 26 years. At WDGY, he was “the Rajah of the Records, the Deacon of the Disks, the Purveyor of the Platters, and the Wizard of the Wax with all the musical facts.” Along with his broadcasting duties, he was a popular Emcee for musical acts, including Buddy Holly. He played a significant role in bringing the Beatles to Minneapolis in 1965. After beginning as a paperboy at the St. Paul Dispatch, he was employed by the paper as a copyboy, rising to have his own column, “Look and Listen” by 1950. He was Entertainment Editor and film critic until 1985; continuing to write his own column until 1996. Bill and Helen Diehl had an extensive library of albums and classic films and were founders of the Blockhead Tent of the Laurel and Hardy Club “Sons of the Desert.” Our thanks to the Nurses and Staff of Sholom Home in St. Paul, Minnesota, as well as to the Hospice caregivers. Memorials preferred. O’Halloran & Murphy.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on July 23, 2017

 

Gus Dewey – January 4, 2004

Gus Dewey, age 57, of Mankato, died Sunday, January 4, 2004, of complications from the laryngeal cancer that stilled his voice last September. He was born Daniel Gregg Dewey in Mankato, January 19, 1946, the youngest child of Lauren L. and Louise Just Dewey, and lived here his entire life.

The wake will be from 3:30-6:00 Monday, January 5, 2004 at Bandana Brewery, 302 N. Plainview Avenue, in Mankato. Interment will be private, at St. Johns Lutheran Cemetery in Rapidan.

Gus was a career musician, singer and songwriter, active in the music world for more than three decades. His career began in the mid 1960s with The Gestures. He went on to play with City Mouse, The Mary Jane Alm Band and Payday, among others.

The Gestures enjoyed some brief fame for their national hit, Run, Run, Run. They played as the opening act for groups like The Mamas & the Papas and The Turtles, and The Guess Who were once the opening act for The Gestures at a Canadian concert. But it was after that that Guss musicianship grew. As a singer and rhythm guitarist for City Mouse, his voice lent a depth and soul to the rock, country and blues songs the high-energy band performed throughout the midwest.

Guss own compositions included Let Me Down Easy and Kudu, both of which are included on a collection of his material released recently by Two Fish Studios in Mankato. Despite the respect he enjoyed for his musicianship and the enthusiasm that greeted the compilation, Gus remained self-effacing about his music to the end. As his health failed, he had not played the guitar or performed for the past five years. During that time he worked instead for National Bushing & Parts Company in Mankato.

He lived until his death with his long-time companion, Andrea Smith, and his beloved cats, Jackie and Louie. Survivors include his brother, William Dewey and wife, Joyce Aaberg Dewey, of Madison, Wisconsin; his sister, Sally Dewey Heiser and husband, Ronald Heiser, of Mesa, Arizona; nieces and nephews Lisa Dewey Joycechild and husband Bruce Benidt; Mark Dewey, Sarah Dewey Desmond, Anne Dewey Kloss, Jill Heiser Long, and Dan Heiser; and a host of loving friends and music colleagues. He had two marriages, to Cheryl Beacom and Janet Larson, and a daughter, Lara, from his first marriage. His parents, and generations of the cats and dogs he loved, preceded him in death.

Intractable, intelligent, exasperating, sensitive, verbal and fascinating, Gus was also irresistible with his wit, dark humor and big heart. Thirty years of severe alcoholism obscured his native shyness. In early November, though his medical problems made finding a program difficult, he went voluntarily to residential alcohol treatment in the Twin Cities. He returned to Mankato in mid-December to obtain needed medical care, with full intention of completing treatment. Gus lived the last weeks of his life”and died”sober.

Memorials to help defray expenses may be sent to his family.

Mankato Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Mankato Mortuary

 

Kelly Vincent – September 16, 2011 

Vincent, Kelly Age 61, of Andover, passed away at home on September 16, 2011. Served as District Manager for Star Tribune Newspaper for 25+ years. Well known drummer in the Twin Cities music circles with the likes of DelCounts, Sherwin Linton, and others. Preceded in death by his parents, Fordyce & Angeline Vincent. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Cindi; son, Troy (DeAnna); sister, Pat DeMarco; brother, Gifford (Robin); many relatives and good friends. Visitation 1 hour before service. Memorial Service 11 AM Friday, Sept. 23 at Cremation Society of MN – 4343 Nicollet Ave.- Mpls. (612-825-2435). In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on September 20, 2011

 

David S. Hersk – July 19, 2016 

Hersk, David S. David Hersk, age 77, of Golden Valley, passed away July 19, 2016. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward & Gertrude Hersk. Survived by wife Nancy; children Scott (Kim) & Julie (Doug); grandchildren Aidan, Benjamin, Drew, & Courtney; and many dear friends. David was a loving and proud husband, father, and grandpa and always loved surrounding himself with friends a “people person” through and through. Special gratitude to all the many doctors, nurses, and all who cared for David through the years at Methodist Hospital, Sholom Home West, & Methodist Hospice. Memorial service 11:30 AM MONDAY, August 1 at ADATH JESHURUN SYNAGOGUE, 10500 Hillside Ln W, Mtka. Memorials are preferred to Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Mpls. and Children’s Home Society of MN.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on August 1, 2016

 

Johnny Canton – December 31, 2016

Canton, John (Johnny) Age 75 of Edina, left this world Saturday, December 31, 2016, due to a Cerebral Vascular Accident (severe stroke) on Monday, December 26. John was enveloped in love by his significant other, Janie Meyer, of 34 years! In addition to Janie, John is survived by daughters, Jonna (husband: Jim, children: Abby, Alexandra, Ethan & Eamon) and Heather (husband: Shawn, children: Bianca (deceased) Jackson & Dakota). John was in the same profession from May 1958 to December 2011 as an On Air Person-ality/Radio Announcer (Johnny Canton) and his first record he played was Yakety Yak by the Coasters! John relished traveling (Hawaii being the fave) bowling, golfing, playing pool. A Celebration of Life will be held in June/July time frame! Washburn – McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on January 1, 2017

 

Thomas Gene Dorholt – May 21, 2010

Dorholt, Thomas Gene age 65, formerly of Champlin, MN, passed away Friday, May 21, 2010 with niece Mary Noel by his side in Lake Havasu City, AZ. Preceded in death by parents, Lester and Irene; brothers, Lester and John; sisters, Mary Jane and Tessie. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. Tom loved motorcycles, travel, music and TV. As a young man, Tom was a member of a folk band “The Goldbriars”. He also was an avid water-skier and loved northern Minnesota. His wayward spirit led him to spend his retirement years traveling the mountains of Montana and the desert Southwest. He will be cremated in Arizona and his remains to be scattered at Baby Lake in Hackensack, Minnesota. RIP.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on May 23, 2010

 

Gene R. Balabon – 2005

Balabon Gene R., age 61 of Bethel. Survived by wife, Bonnie; son, Mark; daughter, Brenda Balabon; brother, Jim; sister, Linda Balabon. Funeral service Saturday, 1 PM, at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, W. Main St. and Branch Ave., Anoka. Visitation 2 hours prior to service. Private interment. Thurston-Lindberg 763-421-0220.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on April 27, 2005

 

Don Forte – January 6, 2011

Forte, Don Age 64 on 1/6/11. Preceded in death by mother, Lucille; brother, James (David). Survived by father, Louis; brothers, Mike (Renee) and Tim (John); nieces and nephews. Memorial service Saturday, January 22nd, 2 PM with gathering starting at 12:30 PM Cremation Society of MN 4343 Nicollet Ave. (612) 825-2435. Memorials preferred.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on January 9, 2011

 

John Peck – July 30, 2017

Peck, John 79, Moose Lake, died peacefully on Sunday, July 30, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born in Decorah, IA on March 27, 1938 to Chester and Margaret Peck. At the age of 10, John began his working career by mopping the floor and cleaning the front windows in a local business. He continued his strong work ethic through careers in management at the Star Tribune and Fairview Outpatient Chemical Dependency Program until he retired in 2003. His lifelong commitment to community service was shown through his involvement with Kiwanis, Y’s Men’s International, and PTA. John was also a working musician for 19 years in the Twin Cities area. He had an incredible passion for running and had achieved 13 Grandma’s Marathons, several Twin City Marathons, and Bix 7 Road Races in Iowa. Fulfilling a promise to his father, John proudly graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of MN. On August 27, 1994, John married Barbara Hoadley in Minneapolis. John had a great love for his family. He also enjoyed music, rock and coin collecting, cooking, fitness, travel, and will be long remembered for his great story telling. John was preceded in death by his father: Chester Peck; mother: Margaret Peck; first wife: Sylvia Myers Peck; two brothers; and two sisters. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Barbara; daughters: Michelle (Mark) Borchardt of Bloomington; Lisa (Andrew) Peck-Gladstein of Minneapolis; Kori Pederson-Peck of Minnetonka; and Kelsey (Xavier) Max of Hopkins; son: William Peck of Richfield; step-son: Todd (Corinne) Hoadley of Moose Lake; step-daughter: Tracy (Paul) Hoadley-Belanger of Moose Lake; numerous grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 1 PM until the 2 PM Celebration of Life on Saturday, August 12, 2017 in Hope Lutheran Church, Moose Lake. Pastor Reggie Denton will officiate. Inurnment will be in Calmar Community Cemetery, Calmar, IA. Memorials may be made in John’s memory to the Moose Lake Food Shelf, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, or St. Jude’s. Guestbook. Blessed be the memory of John Peck. Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on August 9, 2017

 

Enrico “Rico” David Rosenbaum June 18, 1944 – September 10, 1979

Rico Rosenbaum was born in Italy and moved to the United States with his father (Herbert) and mother (Ida) when he was four years old. Eventually, the family settled in a house in the Highland Park area of Saint Paul. After high school and a stint in the Marines, Rico took an interest in music and started to play guitar. He had been singing since a young age. His first job in a local band was playing guitar and singing in the Escapades. The band made up a story that they were from Liverpool, England, taking advantage of the Beatles and the British Invasion. Following that band, Rico was recruited to be in the highly popular Underbeats. In late 1968, the band relocated to Los Angeles with hopes of landing a recording contract and going national. Band manager, Steve Freeman got the band booked at Gazzarri’s on the Sunset Strip and they soon moved down the block to the famous Whisky A- Go-Go, where they opened up for numerous national and international acts. The group’s sound evolved into a progressive rock style and  they came up with a new band name, Gypsy and released two albums on the Metromedia label and played across the country at many well known venues. The group was picked up by Don Hunter, manager of the Guess Who and they opened numerous shows for the Canadian band in the United States and Canada. Two more albums followed, this time on the RCA label. By 1975, the band began to go through changes, with Rico leaving and doing some recordings on his own. He passed at age 35 on September 10, 1979 in Los Angeles and was laid to rest in the Temple Israel Memorial Park in Minneapolis. His father and mother are also interred in the same location.

Tom Campbell

 

Richard Anthony Caire – June 2, 2017

Caire, Richard Anthony Died June 2, 2017 at home in Farmington. He was 81. He’s survived by three daughters, eleven siblings, multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A USAF vet and accomplished musician, he played with various bands, owned a record store, a record label (Kai Ray) and wrote and produced other talent in his recording studio in Mpls. He was first in the area to use the Fuzztone guitar sound. Sixties band The Trashmen (“Bird Is The Word”) took their name from one of his recordings. His music listed in Billboard in the ’60’s and more recently (2012) was played at a Vivienne Westwood fashion show in Tokyo. He spent his later years working at South Cedar Nursery in Farmington. Tony was humble, kind and very loved by all who knew him.

Minneapolis Tribune

Published on June 11, 2017

 

Loren A. Walstad – September 3, 2014

Walstad, Loren A. “Wally” age 67 of St. Paul formerly of Willmar passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2014. Survived by 3 brothers; 3 sisters; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Memorial visitation Tuesday 4-7 pm at Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave. S., Richfield. Memorial Mass and interment in Willmar, MN at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. For additional information contact Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on September 7, 2014

 

Randy R. Johnson- February 21, 2014 

Johnson, Randy R. age 63 of Brooklyn Park, passed away peacefully on 2/21/14 surrounded by family. Preceded in death by father, Harry. Survived by mother, Lillian; daughter, Heather (Jon) Lawrence; son, Jason (Erin); fiancee, Jan Perry-Spooner; grandchildren, Ava, Noah, Wyatt, Audrey, Kylie, and Adalyn; brother, Arlin (Sue); other beloved family and friends. Memorial service Friday 2/28/14 at 11 AM with visitation 1 hour prior at Advent Lutheran Church, 9475 Jefferson Hwy, Maple Grove. Washburn McReavy – Glen Haven Chapel.

Minneapolis Star Tribune

Published on February 26, 2014

 

Ron Daily – November 22, 2009

Ronald Daily passed away in Excelsior, Minnesota. Funeral Home Services for Ronald are being provided by Huber Funeral Home. The obituary was featured in Star Tribune on November 22, 2009.

Legacy.com