Judie Davis Florenzano Funeral

Thursday, December 21, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Florenzano, Judie age 77, of Edina, MN, passed away from complications of pneumonia on December 4, 2023 at Fairview Southdale hospital. Heaven gained an angel and our beautiful Judie claimed her wings surrounded by her loving family.

Judie was as beautiful inside as she was radiant on the outside. She was the beloved only child of Flick and Luella Davis (deceased.) She grew up in south Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School. She met Joe Florenzano during spring break in Florida in a romance that could have been from a beach party movie. They fell in love immediately, carried on a long distance romance between Minnesota and Rhode Island, and married in Barrington, Rhode Island in June, 1970.

Judie became an RN, graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Winona, MN. She started her professional nursing career at the University of Minnesota Burn Unit and then worked at Metropolitan Medical Center (which later became Hennepin County Medical Center.) At MMC Judie practiced nursing in the field of Psychology, becoming the Head Nursing Supervisor of the Psychiatric Intensive Care unit. In 1975 - 1977 Judie taught Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) courses at St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute (STP-TVI) now called St. Paul College. During this time Judie was also studying for her masters degree at Augsburg University on a nursing scholarship. She was doing her masters thesis on MS and taking a clinical course where she was assigned to a veteran at the Veterans Hospital diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After learning all the early signs of the disease, Judie realized that she thought she may have M.S. because she was experiencing many of the same symptoms as her VA patient. Judie’s self-diagnosis was later confirmed by her doctors. Her health slowly declined to the point that she was unable to work any longer and was later confined to a wheelchair. The once rising shining star in the nursing profession was no longer able to climb at the tender young age of 31. Judie and her family continued to live with M.S. until her death. Judie always gave her best to combat her disease and maintain her vitality, and her valiant, fighting spirit persisted until her last, final breath.

Judie was the mother of two children that she adored. She is survived by her loving daughter, Ashle; her son, Zachary, who survives in our hearts, predeceased Judie in 1998 at the age of 16. She is also survived by her devoted husband, Joe Florenzano, her brother-in-law David Florenzano, his wife Anne and nephews Eric and Kevin Florenzano.

A celebration of her life will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina, 5071 Eden Ave, at 10:30 AM with a visitation at 9:30 AM. In Lieu of flowers donations can be sent online to either the MS Society fundraisingsupport@nmss.org specify “Upper Midwest Chapter” (checks may be sent to: National MS Society, PO. Box 88540, Carol Stream, IL. 60188 specify “Upper Midwest Chapter”) -OR- Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of MN (wrcmn.org) 2530 Dale St N, Roseville, MN 55113.

Alan Sweet Funeral

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

William F. Schoenwetter Funeral

Friday, December 15, 2023 | 10:30 AM

William F. “Bill” Schoenwetter, M.D. (88) passed away surrounded by loved ones after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Barbara; his children: Jeffrey M. Schoenwetter (Nancy), Laura L. Johnson (Brooks), and Charles J. Schoenwetter (Robin); his grandchildren: Anne L. Omdahl (Eric), Jon M. Schoenwetter, Alissa M. Johnson, Hunter F. Johnson, and Elizabeth “Betsy” Schoenwetter; his brother, James L. Schoenwetter, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, William M. Schoenwetter and his mother, Anne L. Schoenwetter. Raised in Emerald, WI, Bill earned his B.S. and M.D. from the University of WI where he fell in love with Barbara Barney. After completing his Internship at Hennepin County General Hospital in Minneapolis, they married in 1960. Bill completed an Internal Medicine Residency at the University of MN, followed by a NIH Fellowship in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He was drafted into Active Duty in 1968. As a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Pennsylvania, he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal and served as both Chief of the Department of Hospital Clinics and as Chief of Allergy at Valley Forge General Hospital. After his Army service, Bill and his family returned to Minnesota where he was certified in Allergy & Immunology as well as Internal Medicine. He practiced medicine for 40 years and served as: Chief, Allergy Section at Hennepin County Medical Center; Medical Director, Asthma and Allergy Research Center at Park Nicollet; Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Minnesota Medical School; and as a consultant in allergic diseases at Brainerd Medical Center. Bill had a passion for research and continuing medical education. He published numerous scientific papers in leading medical journals and presented lectures all over the world. He served in local, state, and national roles in allergy societies and boards including: Chair, Ethics Committee at American Academy of Allergy; Board Chair, Med Center Health Plan; President, Minnesota Allergy Society; President and Board Chair, Hennepin Medical Society; Member, Editorial Board of MN Medicine; Member, Editorial Board of the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology; and board member at both Health Partners and Park Nicollet in St. Louis Park. He was a man of great faith and integrity, not easily swayed by changing times and values. He had a wry sense of humor, a wonderful smile, and enjoyed annual fishing and hunting trips. A private family interment will be held at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

The funeral will take place at Our Lady of Grace on Friday, December 15, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with a visitation at 9:30 AM.

Robert Short Funeral

Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Short, Robert McCann Age 74, died unexpectedly in his home at The Glenn on November 9, 2023. Preceded in death by his father, businessman Robert E. Short, and almost a year to the date by his beloved mother, Marion D. Short. Bob is survived by his brothers and sisters, Brian Short (Kathleen) of St. Paul, Marianne Short (Ray Skowyra) of St. Paul, Kevin Short of Hudson, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Short (Dr. Jon Floriano) of University Heights, Ohio, Carolyn Short (Joseph Torsella) of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and Colleen Short Lucke (Stephen) of Edina.

Brilliant, quirky, and quick, Bob enriched the lives of his 21 nieces and nephews, Kathryn (Sam Minow), Robert (Mary Rose), Michael (Morgan), Louis (Carolyn), Nicholas (Alexa Hunter), Meghan (Robert Worthington), Caitlin, Maura (Joseph Valdivia), Anna, Emily, Daniel, Jessica, Maureen (Thomas Drescher), Elizabeth (Ryan Miller), Travis (Camille Woodbury), Kelly (Quinn Henry), Joey, Grace, Patrick, Paul, and John; and 14 great nieces and nephews, Rory, Grace, Loretta, Teddy, Skip, Rosemary, Hannah, William, Charlotte, J.J., Elise, Logan, Reid, and Conrad.

Born on December 10, 1948, in Washington D.C., Bob grew up in Edina, Minnesota. The oldest of seven children, he thrived in a busy and bustling household, riding horses and go-carts, swimming on the Interlachen Country Club Swim Team, and tending a bountiful vegetable garden (despite a lifelong habit of not eating vegetables).

Bob graduated from Our Lady of Grace Grade School in 1962 and Benilde High School in 1966. He pursued business and accounting at St. Mary's in Winona and the University of St. Thomas.

After completing his formal education, Bob joined his father's business, where he served in various accounting and finance roles at the Leamington Hotel. He also focused on the payroll departments of the Park Towers, the Calhoun Towers, Admiral Merchants Motor Freight, and the St. Paul Flight Center.

Admired for his self-discipline and strong work ethic, Bob rarely took breaks: no lunch hour, no sick days, no vacations. He fulfilled the oft-mentioned goal of his later years: "I will work until the day I die."

A key member of the team, Bob spent as much time as was necessary to make sure the accounting records were accurate - be it the finances of the Leamington Hotel or the lease records of the Calhoun Towers.

A stickler for detail, Bob was never to be rushed. He knew that his work, if it was to be valuable, had to be accurate. That commitment and dedication carried over to almost every other aspect of his life.

Bob loved the music of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, classic television shows such as Andy Griffith and My Three Sons, and Minnesota sports. He never missed a family birthday. His annual Christmas guitar concerts, featuring such hits as Mele Kalikimaka, Little Boxes, Charlie on the M.T.A., and The Fox (Went Out On A Chilly Night) are never to be forgotten.

Life was not easy for Bob. Atypical in a neurotypical world, long before those labels became commonplace, Bob could be underestimated and misunderstood. But he was peerless in his determination, resourcefulness, and perseverance in overcoming life's obstacles.

Bob was our hero and will be sorely missed.

Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 10:30 AM, The Church of Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436. Visitation Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, 6-8 PM at Gill Brothers Southwest Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, and also one hour prior to Mass at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or the University of St. Thomas.

Mary Bredt Funeral

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Mary H. Bredt, 86, Edina, born on January 16, 1937, passed away November 6, 2023. She is preceded in death by her son, Bobby, husband, Robert “Bob” and her four siblings. Survived by sister-in-law, Judith Wathen and many nieces and nephews. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina for over 55 years. Mary enjoyed estate sales and garage sales adding to her various collections. She especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas and spending time with her cats. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Willows and St. Croix Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Sharing and Caring Hands, 525 North 7th ST., Minneapolis, MN 55405, or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Mary O’Neill Secord Funeral

Monday, November 20, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Mary O'Neill Secord passed away on August 22 with her loving father and sister-in-law by her side. Born March 27, 1979, to James P. and D'Arcy O'Neill Secord, Mary joined her big family adding so much enthusiasm and joy as the spirited youngest. An athlete all through her childhood and high school years, Mary excelled at gymnastics, swimming, competitive figure skating, skiing, diving and really anything else she tried. Her "Mary Lou Retton" haircut, bounce in her step and witty little grin are remembered with smiles. Mary was very smart; it was no surprise to anyone when she spread her wings at Case Western Reserve; picking a school in Cleveland made her mother very proud. As a young adult, Mary loved music and had an unmatched knowledge for the top 40 as much as the old classics. She could sit and converse with just about anyone in the most relaxed and comfortable fashion. Even when visiting siblings and their friends, she could hang out with the older kids like she was one of them; she was just so cool. In her adulthood, Mary brought tremendous joy to her family, especially her nieces and nephews who loved the way she could crack a joke or say the one thing everyone was thinking at a family gathering; all of us need the witty Aunt. Jewelry making and sketching nurtured her creative spirit and brought happiness when she gave them as gifts. After an accident left her paraplegic in 2011, the world weighed especially heavy on sweet Mary and finally after many courageous years, her body gave out so that her soul could be reunited with her mother, who was her biggest fan as well as her grandparents: Mary and Bill Secord, and Dorothy and Dennis O'Neill. Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her father, Jim Secord and his wife Teresa; sister Megan Milligan and husband Mike and their children Flynn, Roan, and Liam; brother Paul and his wife Deborah and their children Alex and Patrick; brother Billy and his wife Hanna and their children Maryam, Megan, and Mackenzie; and brother Danh and wife Jenny and their children Christina, Jennifer, Kyle, An, and Hien. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors who have cared for Mary over the years, most recently at Fairview Ridges Hospital. Funeral will be held at Our Lady of Grace on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with a visitation at 9:30 AM, to allow for family members and friends to gather in celebration of her life.

Nathan Keller Funeral

Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 10:30 AM

The funeral for Nathan Keller will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with a visitation at 9:00 AM.

Nathan Richard Keller, 26 of Edina unexpectedly passed away into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Oct. 31, 2023. He was stricken with a rare pulmonary embolism. Upon birth, his parents selected his name because he truly was "a gift given by God". As a child Nathan was always inquisitive, occasionally leading to a bit of mischief, which he regarded as fun. However, he always had a gentle caring spirit and an enormous sensitive heart. Nathan attended Our Lady of Grace School in Edina K-8th grade where developed his strong foundation in faith. Those formative years taught Nathan to love the Lord, excel in academic rigor, and embrace a community of teachers and lifelong friends. He was very active in sports and other activities, which was an extension of his gregarious personality. Nathan chose St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights for high school where he expanded his scope of friendship and embraced the value of being a Cadet. He was a leader and active in soccer, Crack Drill Squad and other activities that helped shape his personality. He enjoyed his years at St. Thomas and often spoke about the great young men he met and the significant lessons he learned as well as his foundation of faith. Nathan attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison for two years in the business program. He then worked at various retail jobs in the metro area while pursuing his passion of Hip Hop music. He was proud of his songs and albums which he released on Spotify. He was a true sports enthusiast and loved playing golf. Nathan will always be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit which he shared with everyone he met. His smile, laughter and deep love for family and friends is the legacy he leaves behind for the many lives he touched along the way. Nathan is survived by his parents Dick/Richard Keller and Nancy (Ricks) Keller, his brother Zachary Keller, Grandmother Ina Jean Ricks along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins that he dearly loved. He is preceded in death by Grandfather Jerome Ricks, Grandmother Vi Stroup and Aunt Kathryn Ricks White. A visitation for Nathan will be held at Washburn McReavy Edina on Wednesday Nov. 8th from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral service will take place at Our Lady of Grace Church Edina on Thursday November 9th at 10:30 with visitation beginning at 9:00. Interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Hopkins. Memorials can be made to Hennepin Healthcare Foundation at www.hennepinhealthcare.org/donate by writing Nathan Keller in the tribute gift section. Gifts received will be designated in support of the HOPE Program.