In 2019 we lost six classmates. We remember them with a brief tribute excerpted from their obituaries.
Patrick Joseph Curran
1945 – August 10, 2019
Patrick Joseph Curran (Boppa), husband, father, grandfather, friend, former social studies teacher, former SCEA president, known for his wit, passion for education, and a love of all things Irish, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family, love and laughter following a courageous battle with colon cancer.
Preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Alice. He is survived by his wife, Patricia; son Joe (Jen) Curran; daughter Kelly (Mike) Pederson; four grandchildren Cate and Connor Curran, and Evan and Audie Pederson.
After retiring from teaching social studies at Oak-Land Junior High in the Stillwater School District where he taught and inspired several generations of students, Patrick continued his career in education as ad hoc professor of student teachers at UW River Falls. His roles both in and out of office with the SCEA and SFT were extremely challenging and yet satisfying for him. He enjoyed reading, traveling, lively political debate, happy hour, and spending time with his grandkids. The visits from family and friends and watching the Minnesota Twins through a fun first-half of the season gave him great comfort.
Rodger Eugene Slater
July 30, 1945 – September 10, 2019
Rodger Eugene Slater, age 74, of Eagan, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 10. He was born July 30, 1945 in St. Paul to Eugene Francis and Julia Agnes (nee Beaudette) Slater.
Rodger is survived by his wife of 50 years, Darlene (nee Sullivan); daughters, Patty (Rob) Beal and Julie (Brent) Spindler; son, Tim (Jenny) Slater; grandchildren, Ava, Ryan, Colin, Joey, and Genna; sister, Rita (Bob) Winkler; plus, many other family members, neighbors, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Rodger graduated from Cretin High School in 1963. He served as a Police Officer for the Eagan Police Department for over 32 years, wore badge #6 from 1967-99. Rodger also served as a Charter Member of the Eagan Volunteer Fire Department and 6 years in the U.S. Army Reserves. He was also a lifetime farmer, exceptional father, and devoted husband, who will be forever loved and treasured.
Charles Andrew Farrell, Jr.
May 26, 1945 – September 14, 2019
Charles Andrew Farrell, Jr. 74, of Medina, Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 14, 2019.
Charlie was born May 26, 1945 in Fergus Falls, MN to the late Charles A. Sr. and Nettie (nee Elmore) Farrell. He received Aero Engineering degrees from the University of Minnesota, then served in the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton.
Charlie had worked at NASA Glenn, Cleveland for 35 years, retiring in 2008. He was an active member of St. Martin of Tours and enjoyed volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Project Learn and the Medina County Park District. He loved love biking, traveling and woodworking.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 47 years, Marianne (nee Guntle), children, Chari Farrell, Andy (Bernadette) Farrell and Ben Farrell. Grandchildren, Caitlyn, Tyler, Celeste and Avery Farrell and sister, Bonnie Coghlan.
Preceded in death by a sister, Bette London.
Robert J. Connor
1945 – Sept 30, 2019
Age 74 of St. Paul. Passed away unexpectedly while visiting in California. His wife Nanette “Nan” Connor; his sons, David T. (Kellie) and Mark R. Connor survive him along with two grandchildren, Liam & Caroline; and two siblings, John (Kelley) Connor and Jean Curtis. He was a Vietnam veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. He was very active in Disabled American Veterans organization as well as the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Bob was also active in many veterans’ organizations. Click here for details.
Ronald S. Whitehorn
1945 – October 19, 2019
Age 74 of Maplewood. Died Saturday, October 19, 2019 at United Hospital after a short illness, with his sisters at his side. Preceded in death by his beloved wife Judy; parents Sid and Sue Whitethorn; sister Kathy Whitethorn; and brother-in-law Joe Herbst. Survived by sisters Mary Herbst, Fran (Gary) DeCurtins and Judi (Bruce) Dock. Also survived by aunt Hildegard Davis; nieces and nephews Jeff Herbst, Jenny Anderson, Laura. He is interred at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
Richard Miller
December 29, 2019
No additional information available