Memorials
Introduction
This section is dedicated to all the deceased classmates and offers some information about each person in what the Memorial Committee has called a "snippet." The Commitee uses various sources to compile a snippet. Some information has come directly from friends, family, classmates, partners, and spouses. Other sources include Ancestry.com, Twin Cities and other local newspaper obituaries, many online resources including the SLP Class of '69 Facebook page. The committee wishes to thank Alan Perlman for managing and maintaining that Facebook page, which announces whenever we've lost a classmate.
As of September 2024, 128 classmates have passed away, representing about 16.5% of the class.
Disclaimer: Every attempt has been made to verify or link multiple data sets to confirm that the data for each classmate is correct. However, if anything found to be incorrect, we apologize. Or feel free to contact Lesley Blicker with changes needed at: lablick@comcast.net.
WANT TO VIEW JUST A LIST OF THE NAMES OF THE DECEASED CLASSMATES?
Then please visit the In Memorium page.
It's our privilege to serve as the Class of '69 Memorial Committee:
- Caryn Goldberg, Chair
- Harvey Zuckman
- Lesley Blicker
The Memorials begin at the bottom of this page. They contain the most information found or learned about each classmate. However, you can view an abbreviated version of the memorials by clicking on the PDF file below. You can even download it or print it out for later viewing.
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Don't See Your Loved One's Memorial?
Please do NOT create a new memorial. Instead, please email whatever you would like it to say to: Lesley Blicker at lablick@comcast.net. Two to three paragraphs is ideal, but it can be longer, if desired. Please include the link to your loved one's obituary. And if you wish to include a recent photo of your loved one, then send just one photo. We wish we could post more, but the software won't allow it. We do have all classmates' senior yearbook photos, so no need to send that.
Have Additional Info to Add?
Use the Tribute Function. Find the person and then add a tribute using the red text box link below the person's memorial.
Using the Sort Function
Memorials will appear in alphabetical order by last name at time of graduation. However, you can search any name in the search bar below, or sort by any of the options listed in the pull down menu.
Marc Kramer
1951-07-10 2023-04-29
Marc Kramer, of Minneapolis, died in 2023 of pancreatic cancer at the age of 71.
Marc was kind, funny, inquisitive, industrious, and creative. He gave of himself generously as a champion and cheerleader for everyone he knew. He enjoyed being with people and was masterful at conversation, and always adept with a good quip. He was beloved by his family and cherished friends, many of whom were lifetime companions.
For 25 years, he was founder and CEO of ProjectWorks, focused on corporate communications, entrepreneurial projects and fostering creative talent.
Marc is survived by his wife Cynthia Hechter Rollins, stepson Coleman Rollins and daughter...
Gary Krinke
1951-04-22 2005-05-06
Gary Krinke, of Carlsbad, California, sadly passed away as the result of a horrific car accident in 2005 at the age of 54. (See accident details below.)
Here are some of Gary's classmate's memories about him:
>The Krink grew up, up the street on Texas Avenue. We spent a lot of time in our childhood messing around in all the new construction all along Texas and immediate areas. I remember in physics he was trying to make a device to save an electric charge (condenser) by dragging a chain under his car so if someone tried to open the doors of his car and steal something they would get a few hundred volts (very very little amps). I can still see that big smile and...
Gerald (Jeff) Kurth
1950-12-21 2017-06-26
Gerald (Jeff)Kurth died from cancer at age 66. He was a Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Vietnam war and is buried at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.
Jeff was married to Nancy, and they had a fun, loving, and very happy life together. He loved his airplanes, his model building, and traveling. But most of all he loved his family. He was a kind and gentle soul.
Obituary: https://obituaries.startribune.com/obituary/g-jeffrey-kurth-1090212794
Debbie Mitchell (Laidlaw)
1951-10-19 2011-06-13
Debbie (Laidlaw) Mitchell died in 2011 at the age of 59.
She married Michael Gardner in August of 1971. They lived in St. Louis Park a few years and then moved to Minnetonka. They had their daughter, Andrea, then later got a divorce. Debra married Scott Mitchell and was later divorced.
Debbie worked at Country Club Market and Lunds Foods. She loved her dogs and all sports and being with her family and friends, especially her grandsons. She is survived by her daughter, Andrea Gardner of Cameron, WI; her parents, one sister and two brothers, grandsons and very special friend, Jenny Kane.
Classmate's Comments:
o One classmate recall...
Jeremy Larson
1951-02-07 2007-04-01
Jeremy Larson, of St. Louis Park, died in 2007 at age 56.
She is survived by her son, Daniel Larson, other close family members, and friends.
Here are a couple of guest book entries on Jeremy's obituary site:
>Jeremy, you & I never met but I am the person who is now caring for your beloved pugs, Cricket & Nikki. They are two beautiful little senior girls and I want you to know that they will continue to be loved and cared for. Someday your pug babies will meet you at the Rainbow Bridge, were pets go when they die. At the Bridge they wait for their people-----in your case you got there first. Rest in peace.
>Jeremy was a beautiful pe...
Stacy Westrud (Larson)
1951-06-15 2009-04-20
Stacy Jean Westrud, age 57, of St. Louis Park, MN, died peacefully on Mon., April 20, 2009, at her country home near Brooten, MN, following a battle with cancer. Internment at Sunburg Free Lutheran Cemetery. Stacy is survived by her husband, Jim and 4 siblings.
A classmate wrote: “Stacy would always make me laugh.”
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/stacy-westrud-obituary?id=28693083
Wendy Sue Larson
1951-05-10 2024-05-04
Wendy passed away in 2024 at age 72.
After taking a long path on her final journey, Wendy passed away peacefully surrounded by light, birdsong, spring frog sounds, woods, rain, and love in Duluth, MN. She was a woman of many talents and interests: environmentalist, fierce climate advocate, bird lover, dog lover, forever an editor, Splendid Dragon-Dragon Heart, and wickedly funny humorist.
Survived by her life partner and wife of 39+ years, Patricia Rogers; brother Gregg, sister-in-law Mary, and brother Jack Larson; Nephews Eric Larson, Clayton Rose, Justin Rose, and niece Cathy Rose; sister-in-law Kathy Rose; great nephew Benjamin Rose, great niece Katelyn Rose...
Richard Laurie
1951-08-17 1988-07-24
Richard died in 1988 at the age of 36.
Richard, also known as “Whitey” because of his very blonde hair, was an excellent downhill skier.
No other information was found.
Steve Layman
1951-06-24 2014-10-22
Steve passed away in 2014 at the age of 63.
Steve lived life to the fullest. He loved waterskiing, baseball, weightlifting, and basketball. He played center for the Brookside 5th and 6th grade basketball team. Steve always went full blast.
Steve was a BTFN (Boiler Technical Fireman) in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war. He is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Find a Grave: https://tinyurl.com/cy8faj5t
John Legeros
1951-06-26 2019-07-08
John Legeros passed away in 2019 at 68 years old due to complications from Multiple System Atrophy.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; mother, Dorla, sister, Ann Legeros Norring, brother, Thomas Legeros and their families.
According to a close friend of John’s, “John was funny, trustworthy, enthusiastic, a guitar player who loved the Beatles, a fantastic ice skater, a Tetherball champion, and an incredible imitator of the late actor Ted Knight”.
Here are a couple of comments from classmates:
>I just was reading his father's obituary last month. The Legeros family was so awesome. We were Browndale buddies.
>Such a f...
Robert Lindee
1951-01-04 2021-08-21
Robert Lindee of Dassel, MN, formerly of Hopkins, passed away in 2021 at the age of 70.
Bob, or “The Baby Whisperer”, as he was known, is survived by his wife, Jeanne, daughter Kim (Jon) Hutton, two granddaughters, and many other relatives and friends.
Bob's favorite interests included his beloved farm, raising food plots for the wildlife, and of course, Lake Jennie which he and Jeanne enjoyed for over 30 years. Bob spent much of his free time helping preserve his favorite nature spots and of course, his well known money- raising tactics for his favorite charities. Bob was an avid story teller, he and his stories will never be forgotten.
Full o...
John Loveseth
1951-01-24 2020-09-02
John passed away of Type 1 Diabetes in 2020 at the age of 69.
John (or Johnny as he was known to his Fern Hill classmates), was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in his late 20's. He met his wife Sarah in 1999; they both had young boys and their blended families enjoyed spending much time together. John had developed a love of quilting and cabinet making, but those enjoyments were cut short when neuropathy from diabetes started affecting the use of his hands.
Over the next 15 years, John suffered a slow and difficult decline. John passed away peacefully on September 3, 2020, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, surrounded by their children and his dearest friends, J...
John Lundquist
1951-05-24 2018-02-24
John died in 2018 at the age of 66 in Paynesville, Minnesota at his family cabin, the place that he enjoyed most in his life.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Tamra; daughter, Lori; grandsons Jesse and Mason; and good friend, Jackie.
Steve Lyneis
1951-05-05 2007-10-03
Steve died in 2007 at the age of 56.
Steve was a naval Vietnam veteran, an underwater demolition diver, and retired U.S. Postal Service Letter Carrier. He is survived by his mother, sisters, and many family members and friends. He is interned at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Steve will be in his family’s hearts forever.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/steven-lyneis-obituary?pid=95757134
Deborah Lamb (MacMillan)
1951-02-01 2012-07-22
Debby passed away in 2012 at the age of 61, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She is survived by her husband Peter, three sons, and grandchildren. She loved travel and adventure. She lived in Colorado and Hawaii and traveled the world with her family. She enjoyed spending time with Pete on their boat or camping, entertaining with family and friends.
Debby was a funny, kind, generous, and playful free spirit. She was a mother of three and grandmother of two. She had several careers including working for the U.S. Federal Court in St. Paul.
Full obituary: https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/13541320/
James Markuson
1951-03-12 2008-11-08
James passed away in 2008 at the age of 57.
He is survived by his wife, Deb, and many loved ones. He was a proud member of the Teamsters Local 120, American Legion Post 580 and was a former Marine. James is buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Full obituary: https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/James-Markuson-119954066/#!/Obituary
Archer Martin
1951-08-03 2012-07-03
Archer passed away in 2012 at the age of 60.
Archer had a special friend, Sophie the poodle, and enjoyed life to the fullest. He taught school in many interesting places. After teaching, he became a school psychologist. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with friends and family. He had a zest for life and a desire to help children grow.
Patty Mileski (Martin)
1951-03-22 2021-04-07
Patty Mileski, 70, of Otsego, passed away on April 7, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Wayne; three sons, three brothers, and eight grandchildren. Patty was passionate about many things, but that was never more apparent than in her love for her high school classmates. She was always involved in helping organize and eventually leading the activities of her classmates in their gatherings and reunions, especially her 50th reunion held in 2019. She was a strong, compassionate, loving and faithful friend. She will be missed by so many.
Full obituary: https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/000038795...
Joyce Bye-Warner (Martinson)
1951-12-26 2010-12-22
Joyce Bye-Warner, of Eden Prairie died at age 58. She is survived by husband, Carl A. Warner; daughters, Nadyne (Tom) and Tracey (Donny); son, Brad; brothers, Kenneth (Patricia), Charles (Ginny) and John (Julianna); 9 step-children; 34 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; her beloved dog, Yagi.
A school friend recalls that Joyce had a beautiful singing voice, perfect pitch in choir, and a great sense of humor. And when she first met Joyce in junior high school, she was unlike any of the classmate’s other friends, who were more conservative and shy. To that end, Joyce opened her eyes a little bit.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/u...
Hugh McElroy
1951-09-19 1974-06-15
Hugh passed away in 1974 at the age of 22.
Hugh was intelligent and witty. He played string bass in band before the high school started its orchestra. In English, Hugh was especially knowledgeable about a plant mentioned in a poem. No one had heard of “Japonica” except for Hugh.
He was a beautiful, notable person, just like the plant he admired. His twin sisters Cathie and Lauren, who many classmates knew, have also died. The McElroy siblings all passed away far too young.