David Schmit Funeral
Funeral Mass Thursday, November 12, 10:30 AM
David M. Schmit Age 95 of Edina, formerly of Minneapolis, died at home Nov. 6. 2020, from complications of dementia.
Predeceased by parents, August and Exilda; siblings, Clara, Alfred, Ida, Maybelle, Bertha, Dorothy, and Yvonne; son, Peter Schmit. Survived by wife of 61 years, Mary Kranz Schmit; sons, Stephen (Sue) and John (fiancée Jodie); special niece and nephew, Nancy (Mike) Everson and Dave (Vicki) Foster; grandchildren, Mike (Libby), Sean, Patrick and Connor; sister, Darlene Hapka; sister-in-law, Gretchen Irvine (Rusty): dearly loved great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.
Born May 17, 1925, in Pearl Lake, Minn., raised on a farm near Rockville and graduated from St. Cloud Tech HS. A WW11 veteran, David received his B.S. from U of MN College of Education, did graduate study at John Herron Art Institute, Indianapolis, and earned his M.Ed. from U of MN.
After teaching in Kansas and Minneapolis, David taught 35 years at Edina East HS and Southview Jr. High. He taught art and also speech, drama and social studies. Popular with students, he directed 37 school variety shows, proclaimed for their professionalism.
A talented designer, artist and sculptor, he was particularly interested in the research, interpretation and hand painting of authentic family and municipal Coats of Arms. One of few artists focusing on Heraldry, he was a member of the International Society for Heraldry and Family Trees and the MN Genealogical Soc. He researched and painted numerous Arms for many families, along with providing their interpretation & history and was listed in Who’s Who in Genealogy & Heraldry. A member of the Edina Historical Society, he designed the society seal and scroll. His booth at several early Renaissance Fairs, featuring medieval heraldic items & his paintings, earned 2nd place honors.
A gifted vocalist, he sang for 25 years with the Mpls. So. Side Singers, a senior chorus performing at numerous sites including the Lk. Harriet bandshell.
David’s boyhood fascination with classic cars led to his acquiring both a 1937 Packard sedan and convertible in the early 1970s when they were available at bargain prices. Gradually he restored them and generously shared them with family and friends for special events. He was an organizer and a president of the MN Packard Club. He also collected and restored classic bicycles.
His ardent concern for the protection of God’s created life and the environment, led to his involvement with Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL), the MN chapter of EarthSave (retiring as President Emeritus), Annunciation Peace and Justice Cmte. and other related organizations. He was a trailblazer in many environmental protection practices.
Best described as a visionary, idealist, highly sensitive, creative, compassionate, devoted to his Catholic faith, intently focused on causes he championed, musical, humorous and gregarious, with an ever-ready smile! His wide range of talents, activities and enthusiasm greatly influenced his children, grandchildren and many others.
Special thanks to the Lifesprk nurses and aides from the Vernon Terrace of Edina Memory Care unit who so competently and lovingly assisted Mary with David’s care.
Due to COVID, an immediate family only funeral will be Thur., Nov.12 at 10:30 am at Our Lady of Grace Church, livestreamed at the link.
Memorials may be directed to MCCL, environmental protection groups or donor’s preferred charity.
Gene Kopyar Funeral
Funeral Mass Tuesday, November 10, 10:30 AM
Kopyar, Eugene F. Age 90, of Eden Prairie, MN passed away on 10/30/2020. Survived by wife of 61 years, Clara, 4 children, 6 grandchildren, one great-grand- son, and sister, Joann. Gene served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict prior to a 34 year career with Eaton Corporation. Gene left a lasting legacy of devotion to faith, family and country. Funeral Mass will be held on 11/10/20 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with private interment to follow. Guests to arrive no earlier than 10:15 AM. Mass live streamed at olgparish.org In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wounded Warrior Project. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996
11-08-20 | 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time
John Kirchner Funeral
Funeral Mass Monday, November 7, 10:30 AM
John Edmund Kirchner of Edina passed away on October 29th at age 84 in the arms of his wife of 61 years. John was born on May 13th, 1936 in Atwood, Kansas. He attended Rockhurst High School in Kansas City and was a proud Eagle Scout. Regis University in Denver, CO followed where he earned degrees in Math and Physics and met his wife Mary Dascher. Together they started their life in Beaufort, SC where he became a United States Marine Corps Pilot and Officer. After his time in the Marines, John went on to hold numerous executive positions in the Information Technology industry. John’s career brought him, his wife and their then growing family around the country to numerous cities before settling in Edina, MN, where they have remained for 46 years. Their early years were spent together with their sons camping, skiing in the mountains of Colorado, and simple things like playing basketball and pickle ball in the driveway. Later years were spent traveling to Europe, as well as many road trips all over the US, visiting family and friends they had met throughout their lives. John was a friend of Bill and Bob. John is survived by his wife Mary, sons; Kevin (Catherine), Mark (Betsy), Patrick (Anne), Edmund (Lisa), and Thomas (former daughter-in-law Marlo); grandchildren Kelsey Conway (Tom), Allison Ellis (Mike), John, Kathryn, Katie, Wesley, Maggie, Peter, Gabi, Izzy, two great grandchildren, George and Claire Conway and siblings Mary Jane Nugent (Hugh) of Alexandria, VA and Elizabeth Krisor (Ed) of Denver, CO. He is preceded in death by his parents John and Teresa. He will be greatly missed by all.
Visitation on Friday, November 6th from 4 PM to 7 PM at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, and Funeral Mass on Saturday, November 7th at 11 AM at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Edina, MN.
Covid-19 prevention practices will be in place for both the visitation as well as the Funeral.
The funeral will be live-streamed below.
Private Burial at Saint John’s Abbey Cemetery, Collegeville, MN.
Memorials preferred to The Robert T. Cassidy Endowment at Our Lady of Grace and/or Regis University.
Ethel Dunn Funeral
Funeral Mass Wednesday, November 4, 11:00 AM
11-01-20 | All Saints
Mark Van Sloun Funeral
Funeral Mass Friday, October 30, 10:30 AM
Van Sloun, Mark L. 69, passed away unexpectedly, overcome by smoke in a garage fire on Wednesday, October 14th, 2020 near his home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Mark was born on April 5th, 1951 to parents, Leon and Leonilla (Simon) Van Sloun. He graduated from Edina High School and University of Minnesota. His accomplished professional life was surpassed by his personal life as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He enjoyed his free time playing golf at Dahlgreen Golf Club in Minnesota and Sugar Mill Country Club in Florida, cruising the lakes in one of his vehicles or grilling to entertain his many friends and family in Minnesota or Florida. He will be remembered fondly for his kind nature, infectious laugh, impeccable fashion style, unassailable loyalty, and overall being a neat guy. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leon and Leonilla Van Sloun. He is survived by his wife, Janice; brother, John (JoAnne); children: Patrick (Kimberly), Michael (Allison), Kelly, Stephanie, Keith (Tanya); grandchildren: Aiden, Mikayla, Ava, Whitney, Olivia, Carter, Trent, Charlotte, and Warren, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and colleagues. Service will be at 10:30 AM on Friday October 30th, 2020 at the Chapel at the Church of Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina MN 55436. The service will be live streamed on this page. Memorials are preferred to American Cancer Society or Sacred Heart Food Bank, 998 Father Donlon Dr., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168.