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Today’s Obituaries Saturday, April 20, 2024

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David William Agren

Agren, David William 75, of Sun City, Arizona; passed away on April 8, 2024. Previous residences include Litchfield, MN; St. Louis Park, MN; and Bloomington, MN. He was a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. Survived by wife, Diane; sons, Peter (Megan) and Jon (Ellen); brother, Gary (Joy); ex-wife and mother of his children, Jan; stepson, Bryan Hundere; grandchildren, William and Madeline Agren, Conlan and Neila Hundere; nephew, Brian and niece, Megan. He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth and Karna. Dave was born on February 24, 1949 in Litchfield, MN. He graduated from Litchfield Senior High School in 1967 and immediately enlisted in the Army. After boot camp, he was deployed to Vietnam, where he did one Tour from 1968-1969. He was honorably discharged in 1970. Dave worked for decades with St. Paul Companies in a variety of roles. In later life, he worked for the State of Minnesota's Risk Management division. He also assisted with Risk Management at the Minnesota State Fair. Dave spent his retirement years in Sun City, AZ and Breezy Point, MN. He enjoyed golfing, grilling and entertaining. He was involved in numerous veterans organizations and served as President of the Bille Cullin West Valley Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. He also worked with the Arizona State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Dave will be remembered for many things, including being a very proud Grandpa. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, cross-country skiing, KQRS, Vince Flynn novels, cinnamon rolls and was a devoted fan of Minnesota sports. He was a season-ticket holder of the Minnesota Vikings for decades and survivor of four Super Bowl losses. A private Memorial Service will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in August. David William Agren will always be remembered for his dedication to his country and his love and enjoyment of his family.


Barbara Ruth Barrett

Barrett, Barbara Ruth 78, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on March 24, 2024. She served in the Navy from 1967 to 1969. Barbara grew up in Gilbertville MA, and was a dedicated RN at Abbot Northwestern for 40 years. She is survived by her husband of 56 years Roger Barrett, sons Gene and James Barrett, daughter-in-law Amy Barrett, son-in-law Alexander Barrett, grandsons Ian and Micheal Barrett, sister Marsha Dowling, brothers Don and Kenneth Beaudin, nieces Kelly Kucia, Courtney Dowling, Michelle Beaudin, nephew Paul Beaudin and friends of 40 years Jeanne Boesel and Sally Lundquist. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Wanda Beaudin, and her son Jeff Barrett. Please email jim@brts.us to receive burial and memorial service information. Contributions in her memory can be made to Wounded Warriors.


Roy Herbert Bell

Bell, Roy Herbert passed away on Tuesday April 10th. at the age of 83. He is survived by his wife Teri, who was the love of life, his daughter Tobi Bell and his bonus daughters Joyce Peifer, Jeannie Shim, Mindy and Mia Bacall. He is also survived by his grandchildren Amber Wright, Jesse and Sienna Shim, Sophia and Shoshanna Peifer, Jack and Charley Lynden, Ashley Stambough and Sienna Shim. In addition, his London family, sister Barbara Smith, nephew Steven Smith, niece Susan Roberts and great-niece Sean Roberts will greatly miss him. Roy will be missed by the world. His extensive work in design engineering and volunteering in the US and throughout the world enriched both his life and the lives of everyone he came in contact with. He was able to take his love of and hobbies of travel, orphanage work, working with persons with disabilities and photography with him wherever he went. Roy left us with beautiful and priceless memories that will be carried on in everyone who knew and loved him. Everyone who knew Roy was well aware of his love for his wife Teri. Their relationship was beyond special and full of love, adventure and friendship. There was never a day that he didn't take the opportunity to let her know that she was the love of his life. He will be greatly missed. A celebration of life will be at MSS Eagan at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to MSS mssmn.org/ 900 Ocean Street St. Paul, MN 55106


Roger John Benjamin, M.D.

Benjamin, Roger John, M.D. died peacefully on January 19, 2024. He was 89. Roger was born on November 12, 1934 in Pipestone, Minnesota, the son of Walter G. Benjamin, M.D. and Mabel B. Benjamin. He was a 1952 graduate of Pipestone High School, a 1956 graduate of Hamline University and a 1960 graduate of the University of Minnesota Medical School. Roger married his college sweetheart Nancy Jo Wenger in 1957 and they started a family. Shortly into his medical residency, Roger was drafted into the 101st Airborne Division of the Army as the U.S. prepared for conflict in Berlin and Cuba. The family relocated to Fort Campbell, KY where Roger gained expertise setting broken legs of trainee paratroopers. He later joined the rapidly expanding Peace Corps, which briefly stationed the family in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, Africa. The Benjamins settled permanently in Owatonna, where Roger practiced medicine and Nancy was mother to their five children. For 25 years, Roger performed general surgery at the Owatonna City Hospital, treated patients at his Oak Street office and responded to emergency calls at all hours, much like his father in Pipestone. He was a perfectionist at the operating table, but appreciated a good joke to lighten the mood. He checked in on hospitalized patients on the way to church on Sundays and often saw them around town following recovery. One would occasionally call out "hey doc" and show him how their incision was healing, which he genuinely appreciated. Roger served as both Chief of Staff and Chief of Surgery at the Owatonna City Hospital, Endowment Fund President, Foundation President at the Owatonna Arts Center, and Chair of Trustees, Head Usher and Sunday School teacher at the United Methodist Church. He sang baritone in the Wenger Singers and played Baritone horn in the Hungry Five. His annual talk at the Owatonna Scuba Diving Club illustrated the dangers of the bends with a dramatic seltzer water demonstration. Roger loved the outdoors. In his youth, he enjoyed tennis, water-skiing, and entertaining audiences as a clown diver. He later earned his private pilot license, developed his own photographs, and learned to ski and scuba dive with his kids. Roger especially enjoyed hunting and fishing expeditions, deftly cleaning all manner of beast, fish and fowl, while helping others learn to do the same. Evening card games were a life-long favorite, and he was a formidable but friendly opponent. Roger and Nancy were enthusiastic travelers in their retirement, visiting destinations across the United States and around the world. They were particularly fond of ancient Greek history, returning to the Mediterranean many times. They enjoyed long summers at their island cabin near Ely, MN, and annual winter trips to the Bahamas, often in the company of family and friends. Roger is survived by children Brent R. Benjamin, Brian J. Benjamin (Dawn M. Loven), Ann K. Benjamin, Todd B. Benjamin, and Jeff W. Benjamin (Ann S. Hobbie); grandchildren Henry H. Benjamin and William W. Benjamin, sister Mary Louise Bowen (Dale) and many beloved nieces and nephews. Roger was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Nancy W. Benjamin, brother Robert B. Benjamin (Betty), brother Richard G. Benjamin and sister Martha J. Unke (Willis); his brother Walter W. Benjamin (Marjorie) died on March 22. A service celebrating Roger's life will be held at the United Methodist Church in Owatonna, Minnesota, on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1:00 pm. An extended organ prelude will begin at 12:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Owatonna Arts Center, the United Methodist Church of Owatonna, or the Owatonna Foundation. Arrangements by Michaelson Funeral Home


Ralph Burnet

In Loving Memory of Ralph Burnet

October 1, 1945 - March 19, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ralph Burnet on March 19, 2024, at the age of 78. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Ralph and his wife Peggy shared 58 years of marriage filled with mutual passions for travel, sports and art which illuminated the richness of their shared journey together.

Born in Pittsburgh and raised in Minneapolis, Ralph's entrepreneurial journey began with the founding of Burnet Realty in 1973. His visionary approach and unwavering faith in his team propelled the company to remarkable heights, a legacy that continues as Coldwell Banker approaches its golden jubilee this April.

Ralph brought joy, insight, and laughter to every endeavor he undertook. He was a passionate man whose fervor extended well beyond the realms of real estate and hospitality. Ralph’s profound love for art found expression in his 22-year tenure on the Walker Board and the establishment of the Burnet Fine Art Gallery in Wayzata.

A philanthropist at heart, Ralph's legacy includes the inception of the Burnet Senior Classic which introduced professional golf to the state of Minnesota and his early support of professional tennis tournaments in Minneapolis. These endeavors reflected his love for sports and his belief in giving back to the community that had given him so much.

He was a true force of nature who shared his boundless generosity, infectious humor, and loyalty with his family, friends and colleagues. He was an ardent supporter of the Timberwolves, a golf enthusiast, and accomplished in both skiing and sailing. He shared his love of travel with his family and friends planning many worldwide trips and adventures that were filled with so much joy, laughter and memories that will live on forever.

Ralph is survived by loving wife, Peggy; children, Kim Hall (Thomas Hall), Steph Ott (Michael Ott), and Ryan Burnet (Madison Ludowese); grandchildren, Natalie Ott, William Ott, Amanda Hall, Lindsay Hall, Lauren Ott, Layla Burnet, Cy Burnet, and Ivy Burnet; sisters, Sue Burnet Hartzell and Julie Burnet; brothers-in-law, Douglas Paulson (Sherry) and Edward Dayton (Sherry Ann). Ralph was predeceased by his parents, William and Patty Burnet; sister, Kathleen Dayton; and sister-in-law, Gail Paulson Hanson.

A heartfelt thank you to Brent Terry who gave Ralph a kidney and another 8 years of life.

As we bid farewell to Ralph Burnet, we are reminded of the immeasurable impact he had on every life he touched. His legacy of generosity, humor and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him. A celebration of life will be held on April 23rd at 3:00 pm at The Walker Art Center: 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN. This service will be live streamed at vimeo.com/event/4196850/…

If you wish, contributions in his honor may be made to Northside Boxing Club or The Walker Art Center.

“I did it my way” RWB


Jane Lash 'Honey' Carlson

Carlson, Jane Lash "Honey" succumbed to a four year battle with dementia on April 11th, 2024, four days after her 95th birthday. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the only child of Jessie and Mary Lash. Job scarcity during the Depression resulted in many moves for her, but ultimately the family landed in Minneapolis. Jane graduated from Washburn HS in 1947, where her love of English and sewing took root. After attending the U of M, she worked at Northwestern Banks, where she met and married Keith, her husband of 62 years. Jane is survived by son Casey (Carol) and daughter Karen Ayre (Tom). Grandchildren Andrew (Laura), Chris Ayre (Ali), Jeff (Jodi), and Jenny Ayre Bauer (Jake); great-grandchildren Connor, Maggie, Lydia, Haddie, Hazel, Audrey, and Henry. The quintessential homemaker of the 50's, Jane excelled at keeping house. She was an incredible seamstress, knitter, crossword puzzler, and an avid reader. Her organizational and cleaning skills were notorious. In the 60's, Jane worked as the bookkeeper and payroll clerk for Keith's company, Carlson Thermoplastics. Keith's love of sailing meant Jane became a skilled first mate, as they raced and won regularly on Lake Pepin. She loved her '57 Chevy, "Yellowbird", her Carin terrier, Kelsey, painting birdhouses, letter writing, making new friends, and socializing with EVERYONE she met. You always knew where Jane stood. A year after Keith's death, she moved to Founder's Ridge in Bloomington, where she lived very happily until her passing. Private Funeral. Memorials preferred to YMCA Camp Menogyn.


Harvey Linwood Clark

Clark, Harvey Linwood 87, of Oak Park Heights, passed away Sun, April 14, 2024. He is survived by his wife Liz, daughters Diane (Greg) Karp and Sharon Clark, grandchildren Nick Karp, Danielle (Andrew) Lilly, Sara (Ryan) Hansch; great-grandchildren Elouise, Calvin, and Vincent; brothers Jeff (Mary) Clark and Walter (Nancy) Clark. No service or visitation, with any donations to be made to the Salvation Army. honsafamilyfuneral.com


Judith Marie (Fox) Eng

Eng, Judith Marie (Fox) April 14, 1938 - April 13, 2024 Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away April 13, 2024, one day before her 86th birthday, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Watertown, SD, Judie was one of 7 siblings and from a young age, she learned the value of family and importance of kindness. She was a cherished wife of Leonard Eng and together they shared love, laughter, and companionship. Their bond was a testament to the enduring power of devotion. Judie was a devoted mother to her children, Jodi Rosenthal, Jill Skoog, and Jeff Suttor. She was not only their mother but their confidant, their cheerleader, and their rock. Judie's greatest joy however, came from her grandchildren. She was a doting grandmother, showering them with love and affection at every opportunity. The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Frauenshuh Cancer Center, and in particular to Dr. Menge, for their compassionate care and support during Judie's illness. Their kindness will always be remembered. Judie selflessly chose to donate her body to the Anatomy Bequest Program at the University of Minnesota, a final act of kindness and generosity which exemplified her compassionate spirit. A Celebration of Judie's Life will be held in the near future and details will be furnished at a later date. May Judie's memory be a blessing to all and may she rest in peace.


Barbara (Olmsted) Freeman

Freeman, Barbara (Olmsted) Age 100, died on March 21, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband, Craig; her parents, Ward and Harriet Olmsted, brother Ward (Anne), and son Mark (Hiro). She is survived by brother Steve (Mary); sons Craig, Doug (Mari), Ward (Bill); seven grandchildren: Daniel, Rebecca (Anit), Timothy (Kayla), Christopher, Victoria (Daniel), Jonathan (Andrea) and Roger (DeAnna); twelve great-grandchildren: Nesra, Chango, Miles, Kai, Mia, Rien, Dylan, Koa, Cameron, George, Juniper, and Lily. Barbara graduated from Washburn HS and the University of MN. She was a member of Delta Gamma, Hennepin County Medical and Abbott Northwestern Hospital auxiliaries and Peripatetics. Barbara was also a volunteer ESL teacher for eighteen years. A journalist, she was the first woman on the copy desk of the Minneapolis Star, as well as the first woman to chair the Westminster Presbyterian Church trustees. Family and friends were Barbara's priority. She loved cooking, entertaining, and travel as well as tennis, skiing, and bridge. A memorial service will be held at Folkestone Living Community in Wayzata on Tuesday, April 23rd at 2pm, followed by a reception. Memorials preferred to Westminster Presbyterian Church or donor's choice.


Erin Marie Hempel

Hempel, Erin Marie A Celebration of Life will be held for Erin on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 from 4:30-7:30 pm at Rush Creek Golf Club, 7801 County Rd 101, Maple Grove.


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