In Memoriam

Former Registrar

Oster, Glenn F. of Bloomington passed away peacefully on May 31, 2022 at the age of 88. Preceded in death by father, Frank; mother, Emma; 3 sisters and 4 brothers. Survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet; sons, Dave (Vicki) Kevin (Amy); grandsons, Charlie, Jack, Thomas, Joseph and Patrick.

Glenn survived the hardship of the depression and went on to serve his country in the Navy. He then attended the University of Minnesota and became the first family member to graduate from college. He enjoyed a 30-year career at Normandale College as the registrar and was part of the school's original hires. Glenn enjoyed doing just about anything if it involved being with friends and family. For him life was about being with the people most important to him.

Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday June 8, 2022 11:00 a.m. at Saint Bonaventure Church 901 E 90th Street, Bloomington, MN, Visitation 1 hour prior to Mass at Church. Interment, Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers donations to Loaves and fishes or donor's choice. BLOOMINGTON, MN 952-888-7771.

For online condolences and further information, please visit his page on www.gillbrothers.com. To donate to the Normandale Foundation in memory of Glenn, please visit our giving page.

Coordinator of Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Programs

Stephen X Sullivan, age 73 of St. Louis Park, died of a heart attack on Jan 6, 2021. He is survived by his wife Diana Sullivan. Steve attended Blake High School Class of 1966. He received his Public Safety Master of Education degree at University of St. Thomas Class of 1991. Steve was a great believer in the rule of law and dedicated his life to the service of his community. After serving many years at various departments around the cities including Glencoe and New Brighton he became the Chief of Police for the City of Bayport, MN in 1982. In 1991 he became the Chief of Police for Orono, eventually retiring in 1995. After his many years of service, Steve decided to pursue his second passion; education of the next generation of police officers. He became the coordinator of the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement programs at Normandale Community College from 1996 until 2021. During much of this time he still continued to serve the community as a member of Metro Transit Police. In 2013, after serving for 25 years he retired from duty. Steve had the pleasure of touching many lives within the community over a long career of service. He was founding member of the Emerald Society of Minnesota and proud platinum card holder at Starbucks.

In lieu of flowers and in recognition of Steve's passion for education, please support the Steve Sullivan Law Enforcement Scholarship through the Normandale Community College Foundation. To make a gift, please visit the Foundation's giving page.

Founding Faculty & Former Theatre Instructor

James D. Wallace, age 86 years, of Prescott, Wisc., died on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Jim graduated from Little Rock High School. After serving in the Army, he received a B. A. from the University of Arkansas, a Master's degree from the University of Illinois, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

Jim taught at Normandale Community College and was one of the founding teachers at the school. He worked in many of the leading theaters spanning the entire Twin Cities area. Jim was a member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church Basswood Grove, Afton, Minn.He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Wallace; father, Durham Wallace; and his sister, Ouida Wallace. He is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Susan Erickson (Steve); sons, Todd Wallace (Carmon) and Noah Wallace; grandchildren, Molly Paul (William) and Micaela Erickson; David, Leah, Mariah, Ellie, Nicole, and Rebecca Wallace; Zach Wallace and Tamara DeMars; great-grandchildren, Matthew and Ethan DeMars; brother, Ronald Wallace (Maria); and many nieces and nephews.Due to Covid restrictions, a celebration of life service will be postponed until spring of 2022. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

Leader for Football Alumni

Brian Martin Stark was born September 30, 1955, in Gaylord, Minnesota. He was the son of Delas and Shirley (Becke) Stark. Brian was baptized as an infant on October 23, 1955 by the Rev. Schira, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on May 24, 1970, by the Rev. Dohmeier, at St. John's Lutheran Church. He graduated from Buffalo Lake High School in 1973. Brian went on to play football at Normandale Community College and the University of Minnesota, Morris. He completed his degree in Health and Physical Education while at Morris, graduating in 1978.

On May 13, 1978, Brian was united in marriage to Carol Sierakowski by Father Sieg at St. Peter's Catholic Church in North St. Paul, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with two children, Arlen and Jackie. Brian and Carol moved to Hutchinson, where Brian worked for Land-O-Lakes Dairy, Tombstone Pizza and Nuvera. He also stayed busy with numerous part time jobs - driving school bus for Hutchinson Tiger sports teams, a charter school bus route, and was a frequently requested sober cab driver. Brian spent over twenty years working at the Hutchinson Municipal Liquor store.Brian entertained many in various forms over the years, whether playing practical jokes, the part of Santa Claus for family and friends each Christmas Eve, or dabbling in local theater. He participated in various Hutchinson Theater Company productions and found a love of acting later in his life.Brian was an extroverted socialite to the highest degree. His many jobs and social abilities gave him the chance to talk to and meet people from all walks of life. Brian was happy to talk with friends, neighbors, and family. He would talk to complete strangers and form new friendships. Brian knew someone almost everywhere he went. He was such a kind and positive person, always seeing the best in people and situations.

Brian worked hard and enjoyed life to the fullest. He brought fun wherever he went. Brian enjoyed his last earthly day having a blast with his closest friends and family at a Super Bowl party.

Brian passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 14, 2022, at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota, at the age of 66 years, 4 months, and 15 days. Blessed be his memory.

Former Academic Affairs Secretary

Barbara Jean (Rusin) Sarff, age 85 of Burnsville, MN, passed away on December 22, 2021. She was a beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She was born April 1, 1936 in Taconite, Minnesota to Frank and Mary (Aimonetti) Rusin. Barbara graduated from Greenway High School (Coleraine) in 1954. She married Robert Sarff in 1955 and was divorced in 1987. Together they had four wonderful children. In 1989, Barbara started as a faculty secretary in Normandale's science building. She then worked as an Academic Affairs Secretary until her retirement in 1999.

Barbara is survived by her children - Gary/Trish, Rick/Sheryl, Sue/John Swartz and Dave/Theresa. Five grandchildren - Nikki, Matt, Tony, Nadine and Annie. Two great grandchildren - Riley and Charlotte. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Mary Rusin, sisters Donna Bjork, Lottie Staydohar and many other loved ones. A Celebration of Life was held at the Edina Chapel of Cremation, 7110 France Avenue South, Edina on Wednesday, January 5, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, www.alz.org.

Stephen William Murray, age 60, of Burnsville, passed away unexpectedly October 6, 2021. Stephen is preceded in death by his parents Donald and Ardelle. He is survived by his children Ben and Abbe; brothers Brian and Mike; sisters Diana and Michelle; and nephew Christopher.

Stephen was born on January 28, 1961, and was raised in Ankeny, Iowa. He moved to Minnesota to start his career in College Admissions. He took a job at Normandale Community College where worked for 21 years helping kids follow their dreams. Stephen's interment will take place in Ankeny, Iowa on Friday, October 15.

Because no memorial service will be held in the area, you may sign a guestbook using this link:Stephen's Guestbook.

Mary Lou Ernst, 64, of Shakopee, passed away suddenly on Saturday, August 14, 2021, at Mayo St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, surrounded by her family.

Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 20 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Belle Plaine. Rev. John Stelljes will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday at the Kolden Funeral Home in Belle Plaine and continue one hour prior to the service on Friday morning.

Mary was born in St. Peter on August 27, 1956, to Arvin and Shirley (Busta) Ernst. She attended Trinity Lutheran School and graduated from Belle Plaine High School in 1974. She received an accounting degree at Hutchinson Technical College, received an A.A. degree from Normandale College and a B.A. degree from Metro State University.

She worked for the State of Minnesota in the accounting department at Normandale C.C. for 34 years.

She enjoyed traveling, especially after her retirement. She spread her love in many ways through her volunteering and church activities. She lived life to the fullest doing the many activities she loved, including working at the Twins, biking, softball and golf.

God blessed us with an amazing woman who will be truly missed by all. Her memory will live on forever and she will be forever cherished.

She is survived by her parents, Arvin and Shirley; brothers, Paul (Vicki) and David (Sharon) Ernst; niece, Jennifer (Aaron) Pearson; and nephews, Joshua, Chad, Tony (Cruz), and Pastor Patrick (Kate) Ernst; as well as aunt, Shirley Reinke; and uncle, Mel (Karen) Busta; many other relatives and many friends. Mary is preceded in death by her grandparents, Elmer and Elsie Ernst and George and Mary Busta; as well as aunt, Betty McCurdy; and uncles, Eldon Reinke and Don Busta; and nephew, Jason Ernst.

The Foundation has re-named Mary's favorite scholarship in her honor. To make a gift to the Mary Ernst Memorial Staff Scholarship. please visit the Foundation giving page. Mary worked tirelessly on behalf of Normandale students since her retirement, and her goal was to fully fund this scholarship.

Lacher (Bartosh), Judith Ann Age 79, of Bloomington, formerly of Moorhead, died peacefully in her home June 25, 2021, of bile duct cancer. Preceded in death by husband, Robert. Survived by sister, Linda (Bernard) Kovach; daughters, Lori (Craig) Malvey and Lissa (Ryan) Starr; granddaughters, Jessie and Willa Malvey and many other relatives and friends.

Judy spent her career working in all levels of education as a Physical Education teacher, coach, and academic advisor in both the Twin Cities and Fargo/Moorhead areas. She was a Health & Physical Education Instructor at Normandale Community College. She was a true sports fan and attended many sporting events earning her the title amongst her family and friends of "Number One Fan".

At Judy's request there will be no memorial service, but in her honor, please consider making a donation to a youth sports team or arts program, or Safe Hands Animal Rescue.

Docter, David Reinhardt Born on April 8, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dave grew up in Florida and California and studied at the University of California at Santa Barbara and at the University of Minnesota, where he earned his doctorate in music. In 1968, he helped found the Department of Music at Normandale Community College. There he directed the choral program, served as chairman of the department, taught various music courses and presented annual Madrigal dinners. In 1982 he founded the Normandale Chorale Society which continues today as the Bloomington Chorale. Dave married fellow music educator Rita Kanne in 1966. Together with their three children, they became passionate members of the Twin Cities classical music community.

In 1978 Dave received a grant through the American Scandinavian Foundation to study Danish Choral Music, which included a Fulbright Travel Grant. The family lived in Copenhagen while on sabbatical for 14 months and travelled around Europe in a VW camper van. This love of travel continued to propel Dave and Rita to beautiful locations including Hawaii, Crater Lake, the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone, and the Rocky Mountains as baby sitters for their grandchildren. Since his retirement in 1996, Dave worked with various Bloomington organizations, including the Fine Arts Committee, the Bloomington Symphony, and the Sister City Committee. As President of the Young People's Symphony Concert Association, he was an honorary Board Member of the Minnesota Orchestra. He also undertook several archival projects for the orchestra. Dave enjoyed getting together with friends, reading, traveling, attending concerts, and appreciating the outdoors. Dave's curiosity and interests earned him many lifelong friends, who kept his spirits buoyed as he battled pancreatic cancer over the past year. His voice, which was strong until near his passing on May 15, 2021 reflected his passion for life.

He is survived by his wife Rita, children Peter (Amanda), Kirsten (Paul), Kari (Bruno) and six grandchildren. Services will be held in the fall. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Park Foundation, Met Orchestra Musicians Fund, Community of the Cross Lutheran Church, or consider participating in the virtual Pancreatic Cancer Walk for Research lustgarten.org/walk-for-research/

Beverly Ann Horak, 76, of White Bear Lake, MN died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on April 21 after a battle with cancer. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Carlton and Lorraine Bergeron; and son, Jason Horak. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Tom; her son, Jeff (Becky) Horak; daughter, Jill (Esau) Underhill; grandchildren, Scarlett, Noah, Sage, and Cassie; great grandchildren, Evelyn and Kennedy; sister Betty (Lindley) Johnson; brothers, Robert (Diane) Bergeron, Glen (Tanya) Bergeron, and Brian (Kathy) Bergeron; and many nieces, nephews, cousin, and beloved friends.

Bev was born on New Year's Day in 1945 in Argyle, Minnesota. She graduated from Argyle, HS in 1962, completed a BS degree in Occupational Therapy from the College of St. Catherine in 1966 and later earned a Master's Degree in Special Education from the University of St. Thomas. While raising three children, she worked as a special education teacher at Bridgeview School in St. Paul for 20 years where she was devoted to her students with special needs. She was very proud to be a part of the talented and dedicated staff at that school. After retirement, she enjoyed a part-time retail sales position at Talbots. After living in St. Paul for 39 years, Bev and Tom moved to White Bear Lake in 2005. Bev loved to entertain, play games, sew, solve crossword and jigsaw puzzles, watch Jeopardy, listen to country music, travel and spend time with her grandchildren, family, friends, and neighbors. She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth, compassion, wit, friendly smile, knowledge and competitive spirit.

A visitation will be held from 4- 7 PM on Wednesday, May 5 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave, White Bear Lake. A private family Mass by invitation only will be held at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Jason Horak Scholarship Fund at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN are preferred. Live stream information for the Mass will be posted.

Dale Thomas Brown, age 55 of Northfield, died on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at his home with family after courageously battling bladder cancer for 2.5 years.

Dale was born in Northfield, Minnesota to Leo and Irene (Shimota) Brown on March 23, 1965. He grew up on the family farm in Dundas/Bridgewater Township. He was number 7 out of 9 children. As a child he traveled to many states with his parents and siblings in the family RV. When the family set out on vacation, they never quite knew what adventures lay ahead and were open to where the road took them. Dale had many adventures in his life that included education, family, friends, photography, volunteering, outdoorsmanship and fun.

He attended St. Dominic's Catholic School and graduated from Northfield High School in 1983. Dale received his bachelor's from St. Cloud State University in Photographic Science and master's degree from Mankato State University in Environmental Sciences.

After graduating from St. Cloud, Dale accepted a position with Konica Photography in New Jersey. The east coast was not for him and a few years later he returned home. He held various jobs at Sheldahl, Cannon River Watershed Partnership, Crown Cork & Seal-Lakeville, Target, and finished out his career in a position he loved at Normandale Community College. Dale assisted in the Art lab and teaching photography, fused glass, and other arts over the past 18 years. He was passionate about working in the arts, collaborating with wonderful colleagues, and engaging with creative students.

On Sept 24, 1999 Dale married Cindy Keogh at St. Dominic's Church in Northfield. He met Cindy as a fellow Jaycee from Faribault, MN. They were friends for many years before their life together began. They went for a spring wildflower guided tour at the Riverbend Nature Center as friends and walked out realizing they were holding hands. They never let go for 25 years until Dale's last breath.

Besides Cindy, his greatest joy was his son Tommy. Together Cindy and Dale traveled to Seoul, South Korea to bring Tommy to his forever home. He and Tommy made many memories together through different Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts activities. Dale loved going on school field trips and most of all to Thorn Crest Farm each October for their annual family picture among the pumpkins.

Community was Dale's life. He loved volunteering in the Dundas and Northfield areas. He was a past president of the Dundas Jaycees which led him to hold offices at the state level. He received his Statesman and Senatorship which are the top honors of Minnesota and the United States Jaycees. Dale belonged to the Knights of Columbus #1516 at St. Dominic's Church. He was the past Cub Master for Cub Scouts Troop 300 which he held for many years. Dale, Cindy, and Tommy started volunteering at the Laura Baker Community Thanksgiving Dinner more than five years ago and it became an annual family tradition. For anything that involved family and kids, Dale was always there.

He had a unique and keen eye to capture the beauty of the world around him. He shared his many photographic memories with others to enjoy. He slept many nights under the stars in his car just to capture the perfect night sky. He explored many miles in parks and nature centers witnessing God's creations. He loved traveling to Duluth, Grand Marais, and Door County Wisconsin to capture his photographic wonders. He was a talented artist who used his creativity and imagination to produce astounding fused glass artwork as well. He was a member of the River Walk Art Fair and the Paradise Center for the Arts for many years.

Dale enjoyed spending time with family each year at the Annual Brown Summer Get Together. You could always find him on a dock or in a kayak with one of the nieces or nephews showing them how to catch that "Big Keeper".

Anything to do with nature was his gig. He loved to hike, explore, camp, and most of all fish! He found peaceful solitude while ice fishing, casting off some bank of a lake, river, creek, or pond.Dale came from a large farm family where hard work, honesty, faith, and togetherness were instilled in him. He valued these attributes throughout his life.

Dale will be missed deeply by every family member and by his communities. He will be remembered for his dedication to family and community, his love of nature, his artistic eye, his mischievous pranks, and his infectious laugh.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; son, Tommy, his foot warmer dog, Ellie; sisters, Jean (Steve) Pietig, Bonnie Brown, Jan (Marv) Brown Helgeson, Amy (Dave Pennock) Brown; brothers Don Brown and Ken (Usha) Brown; brothers-in-law Ed (Jean) Keogh, Dennis (Sandy) Keogh and sisters-in-law JoAnn Kozitza and Betty Vargo; godsons Erik Helgeson and Aidan Mason and many other beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Dennis and Patrick, godson Ryan Brown along with both maternal and paternal grandparents. We are thankful that they will be there to welcome him to heaven.A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Northfield. Dale's service will be livestreamed through a link found on his obituary page.

Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home of Faribault.

In lieu of flowers donations to Dale's family Go Fund Me page are preferred.

Dale requested casual attire to be worn, jeans, flannels, denim shirts, Mickey Mouse, Life is Good, he was a comfy down to earth beloved TreeHugger.

Kent Maffitt passed into eternal life on Saturday January 23rd 2021. He was born on February 24th 1936 in Shenandoah, Iowa to Floyd and Helen (nee Newton) Maffitt and grew up on a family farm near Sidney, Iowa.Though he lived in Missouri while earning his bachelor's degree, he lived 63 of his 85 years in Minnesota.

Kent met his lifetime sweetheart (Lois) Elaine Blezek as a boy. They dated through high school and recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They had been soul mates for more than 70 years. Together they raised their two sons in Minneapolis.

Kent truly lived the American dream. He was born a poor Iowa farm kid, but somehow managed to make it through graduate school at the University of Minnesota while supporting a growing family on a very modest stipend. Later he enjoyed a successful career as a research physicist, teacher, mentor, inventor, and industry executive. In 1985, Kent and Elaine moved from southeast Minneapolis to Lake Elmo. Their dream home was nestled into thick woods that he promptly equipped with a dizzying array of birdfeeders. He dearly loved watching the birds and grousing about the squirrels from the comfort of his chair by the window. Much to the chagrin of the squirrels (and amusement of his family), Kent employed his deep understanding of physics and electricity to skew the balance of seed strongly in favor of the birds.

Kent enjoyed fishing in the north woods, woodworking, birdwatching, traveling with Elaine and spending time with his family. His wooden creations were both numerous and beautiful, but he was most proud of the heirloom creations that he made for the weddings and births of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He had an incredible singing voice and sang in the 3M Male Chorus, The Mellow Fellows, and his church choirs. The many wonderful friends that he met through singing formed the core of Kent and Elaine's rich social circle. In recent years, you didn't have to visit long with him before you would learn that his great grandchildren were the absolute apples of his eye.

Survivors include his wife, Elaine Maffitt of Stillwater, sons Mark (Kay) Maffitt of Madison, WI, Neil (Bonnie) Maffitt of Rochester, grandchildren Kari (Andrew Tsai) Maffitt of St. Paul, Jeffrey (Adrian) Maffitt of Eden Prairie, Rachel Maffitt of Madison, WI and great grandchildren Vivienne, Gwen and Dorian. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Clark Maffitt and sister Barbara Maffitt.

A private family service will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. The service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/340831

Both Kent and Elaine moved to the Boutwells Landing campus of Presbyterian Homes in 2018. The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the many loving staff for taking such great care of them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Andrew's Lutheran Church Choir, Mahtomedi, MN, or the National Audubon Society.