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.
Brad Miller
1951-04-10 2003-04-26
Brad Miller passed away peacefully in 2003 at the age of 52. Sadly, he had a heart condition and his heart failed.
He worked in research and development in the technology industry in the area. He is survived by his parents, his brother and his wife, and many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.
A classmate recalls that Brad loved music, fishing, and taking long drives. Brad loved to putz around creating or building things in his workshop.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/brad-miller-obituary?id=27660269
David Mills
1951-05-30 2004-01-03
David passed away in 2004 after an unfortunate car accident in Mission, MN at the age of 52.
He is survived by his mother Judy Mills and his 2 sons Charles and Samuel Mills. He was a very kind and gentle person and will be missed by everyone. Words cannot begin to describe such a beautiful man.
A classmate's recalls that David was funny, easy-going, happy-go-lucky, and a great friend. He had two nicknames growing up. The first one was Sandy, which was a family nickname. The second one, Crash, was given to him by friends after he totaled three cars, a boat, and a trailer all on the same day. He is deeply missed by his mother, Joy Mills, and sister, Bonnie Mills....
Rick (Ricky) Minetor
1951-09-17 1988-12-17
Ricky passed away on December 17, 1988 at age 37.
No other information was found.
Joe Neal
1951-04-16 2017-07-24
Joseph Snyder Neal, of Buffalo, MN, passed away in 2017 at the age of 66.
Joe lived in Colorado for several years, later returning to Minnesota and he was most recently employed with Windsong Farm Golf Club in Independence, MN.
Joe was a member of the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA). He enjoyed carpentry work, traveling, riding his motorcycle, and his family, especially his nieces and nephews. He treasured his friendships and family.
He is survived by two sisters, a brother, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Tributes from friends:
>I recall that Joe had polio as a baby, which created challenges for him. He wa...
Jonathon Neff
1950-11-27 2017-04-28
Jon died in 2017 at the age of 66.
Jon was quite the character who marched to his own beat. If you had a question about sports, Jon was the go-to guy. In high school, he was very popular and funny. However, after high school he developed severe anxiety about being around people and eventually lost touch with family and friends. Friends have great memories of him.
Susan (Sue) Nowling
1951-01-31 2014-08-18
Susan Nowling, of Hollywood, Florida, passed away in 2014 at the age of 63.
Susan had the love, respect and admiration of countless friends and colleagues, near and far, with friendships being her priority. She had a loving heart, beautiful spirit and an open, curious, brilliant mind. She was a wonderful raconteur who truly enjoyed sharing laughter and it was a great pleasure to be a recipient and participant in her humor and wit. With style, grace and passion, Susan always danced (and really loved to dance), to her unique beat of the drum. She was a visionary, a leader, a mentor and was equally creative as an artist as she was in business. She was a talented entrepreneur and...
Kathie Johnson (O'Brien)
1951-10-18 2018-02-24
Kathie died in 2018 at the age of 66, passing away peacefully with her children by her side.
Of note, Kathie was the queen of her square dancing club in 2002. She loved coming to all of the class reunions, and had a smile for everyone. Classmates will miss her at these events.
Susan Lund (O'Neill)
1951-02-04 1996-06-15
Susan passed away in 1996 at age 53 after losing her three year battle with cancer.
She died in peace and dignity at home surrounded by her family. She is survived by her husband Jim; a son and step-son, siblings, step-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and in-laws, and countless friends.
Susan lived a full and exciting life. She was an accomplished writer and a prominent member of the local motion picture industry. She co-founded (with her husband) James Productions, co-founded Energy Park Studios, and most recently, initiated development of the facility for the MIT Charter School. She was a passionate reader to the end, devouring books and newspapers. The...
Arlene Kaukola (Osberg)
1950-06-14 1996-06-15
Arlene passed away on June 15, 1996 at the age of 46.
No other information was found.
Robert Pastorek
1950-07-07 2001-05-23A classmate remembers Bob as having had several nicknames including Chopper and Woody. He also recalls that Bob played a lot of broomball. Bob passed away at age 50.
View Memorial and Tributes
Mindy Peller
1951-05-31
Mindy's date of death and age at death is unknown.
Classmates remember Mindy as usually smiling or laughing. She had a contagious smile. No other information was found.
Howard Polski
1951-06-16 2017-05-23
Howard died in 2017 at the age of 65.
Survived by sister Sheryl Polski; and his beloved Sheltie Dogs.
A classmate recalls fun growing-up memories in Howie’s basement playing pool and poker. He was truly a nice person and no one ever heard a bad word about him. Howard’s father and uncle owned Market Barbecue for decades. After many years of working there, Howie left the business and put his knowledge and skills to work for Famous Dave’s Barbecue.
Tributes found on his obituary page:
>I worked for him at the Market in Minnetonka starting in1985. I love him. We used to go to the humane society and play with the dogs - way back when....
Curtis Rapp
1950-10-15 2003-01-23
Curtis passed away in 2003 at the age of 52.
Survived by mother, sisters, brother, and many family members. Will be greatly missed by friends and co-workers.
Tributes made on Legacy.com:
>I've thought of Curt often over the years and was sad to hear last night about his death. I thought about looking him up many times. I hadn't seen him since we were kids in St Louis Park. We were the threesum, Curt, Jack and George. This is an inspiration to not put off seeing old friends.
>My deepest sympathy goes out to Curt's family. He was a wonderful friend, with a great sense of humor and love of life. Nothing can take away the loss and pa...
Linda Frederick (Rapraeger)
1951-10-28 2009-02-19
Linda passed away in 2009 at the age of 57.
Obituary notice: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/linda-frederick-obituary?id=49458874
"Linda Frederick, 57, membership coordinator, of Austin died Saturday. Survived by husband Michael Frederick."
Her husband passed away in 2023 at the age of 72, and here is a portion of what was written in his obituary:
Michael Frederick born in Albany, New York moved to Edina, Minnesota where he met his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Linda Rapraeger. He graduated in 1969.
His college education led him to the University of Texas in Austin, where he plan...
Joseph Reuben
1950-05-26 2016-05-06
Joseph died in 2016 at the age of 65.
He is survived by his twin brother, Thomas, and is buried at Fort Snelling.
Steve Richman
1951-03-13 2017-04-03
Steve passed away in 2017 at the age of 66.
Steve was fun-loving and was certain to incorporate that into his business, Mr. Party. Steve died after several failed knee replacements.
Full obituary: https://tinyurl.com/ubf7hdas
Warren (Billy) Rose
1951-05-31 2011-06-14
Warren W. “Billy” Rose of Hopkins, passed away in 2011 at age 60.
He is survived by children Peter Jacob Rose and Naftalia Rose; partner, Tamar Ghidalia; sister, Berneen Rose Rudolph; brother, Gary (Marilyn) Rose; countless relatives and friends.
Tributes from friends:
>Billy was kind, smart, funny, loving, and highly ethical. He helped others, was loved by everyone, had many different interests, and was a person way ahead of his time. The term “Renaissance man” would fit him. His life partner, Tamar Ghidalia, and children, Jake & Tali, miss him every day.
>Billy, what a fantastic man. I enjoyed working with him. Billy was quite a...
Patty Davis (Rowan)
1951-10-06 2016-10-17
Patty died in 2016 at the age of 65.
Patty was married to Stephen Davis for the last 16 years of her life. Stephen misses her every day.
Gayle Marie Landt (Rud)
1951-05-18 2017-04-25
Gayle passed away peacefully at home in 2017 at the age of 65, after a battle with brain cancer.
Gayle was compassionate and creative and made her home a welcoming place with her talent for cooking and decorating. She loved her family and enjoyed babysitting her youngest grandchild, Sienna Grace. Gayle took up quilting when she retired and made beautiful quilts for many members of her family.
She is survived by her husband James Landt, five children, siblings and other family members and friends.
Full obituary: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/twincities/name/gayle-landt-obituary?id=15692970
Karen Sakol
1951-08-02 1994-02-09
Karen passed away in 1994 at the age of 42 of breast cancer.
Karen was one of a kind. She was an extremely loyal friend who was always there for you. Karen was a very gifted artist who majored in fashion illustration at Syracuse University. Although she never used her illustration skills in her work, she had a solid career with IBM. Karen was also a thespian, having acted in numerous plays that included only disabled actors.
Of note, is that Karen volunteered on Avivo's Business Partner Council. Avivo has "helped individuals transform their lives, particularly people who face significant and multiple challenges to health, stability and economic advancement. Th...