Wednesday, December 20, 2023 | 10:30 AM
Sweet, Alan "Al" David beloved husband, father, musician, and educator died on Dec. 14, 2023 peacefully at his home in Hopkins, MN at the age of 100. He will be deeply missed by his spouse of 55 years, Philothea Theresa Sweet; daughter, Sue Ravenscraft Lynch (David); son, David Alan Sweet (Erin); along with his three adoring grandchildren, Andrew, Julianna and Katarina. Born on January 10, 1923, in Marble, MN, Al graduated from Greenway High School in Coleraine, MN in 1940. After graduating from Itasca Community College in 1942, he joined the US Army Engineers in1943, and then the US Army Air Corps and served with the Eighth Air Core in England during World War II. After being honorably discharged he returned to his love of music, graduating with a Music Education degree in 1947 and a Master of Education degree in 1949 from the University of Minnesota along with additional graduate work to achieve a certification in counseling and educational administration. Al was a high school band director in Aiken, Grand Rapids, Saint Paul Park, and Duluth. He then worked as a high school counselor in Minneapolis. He later became an administrator in the federal programs at the department of Minneapolis Public Schools in the Teacher Center at the University of Minnesota. Al's life was always filled with a great love for music - arranging music and directing the orchestra for the Grand Rapids Showboat for 30 years, the Somewhat Dixieland Band, then playing his trombone in the Classic Big Band and the St. Louis Park Community Band. Later in life, he composed several pieces for grade school, high school and college bands published by Love Bird Music and Harmony Bridge. During retirement, he enjoyed gardening, golfing, woodworking, skiing, volunteering at Our Lady of Grace Church, and spending time with his loving family. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30am Wednesday December 20th with visitation beginning at 9:30am at Our Lady of Grace Church, 5071 Eden Avenue South, Edina. Interment Fort Snelling Cemetery. washburn-mcreavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996