COMMODORES CHORUs MINNEAPOLIS, MN

On Monday, July 25, 2022, Gary Jacobson, loving husband and father of three children, passed away at age 85. Gary was born June 7, 1937 in Wahpeton, ND to Lyle "Bill" and Verone (Benson) Jacobson.

Gary graduated from Wahpeton High School in 1955 and attended the State School of Science, Wahpeton and Yankton College, earning a Master in Social Work from the University of California, Berkeley. During his service in the Marines, he played in the West Coast Marine Corps band and sang in the "Dress Blues" quartet.

Gary was a member of the Barbershop Quartet Society for 57 years, thrilling chorus and quartet audiences with great entertainment and ringing chords. After retiring from teaching social work at Moorhead State University, he became a PGA Assistant Professional at Rose Creek golf course in Fargo.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lyle, and his mother, Verone. Gary is survived by his wife Marilyn, his three children, Steve (Sonia) Jacobson, Pam (Paul) Welsh and Eric (Mary) Jacobson, grandchildren Zachery Jacobson; Sam, Paige, and Parker Welsh; and Joey Jacobson, his brother Ron (Connie) Jacobson, sisters JoAnn Klein, Cathy (William) Zinn, Deborah Johnson, and Jayne (Randy) Bauer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Christian and Missionary Alliance: secure.cmalliance.org 

Bob Griffith passed away on April 26th at 5:43 p.m. at Methodist Hospital. He was surrounded all day by 8 of his loved ones. He was peaceful, calm, and was kept out of pain. His wife Pat says there will most likely be a service in June at Hillcrest United Methodist Church in Bloomington, and she has mentioned having barbershoppers sing the Irish Blessing. 

The family will send more details at a later date. Two chaplains came during the day and prayed with us. Bob is at home in Glory with the Lord!

Jane was born to Delrose (Bendix) Bode and Edmond Bode on September 2, 1939 in New Ulm, MN. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at the Missouri Synod Immanuel Lutheran Church, Courtland, MN, the church that was established and built with the support of her German immigrant great-grandfather, Karl Bode and his four brothers. She attended Immanuel Lutheran Parochial School, K-8. The church and school are located “a short walk through woods on the original family farm.”

Jane was raised in a home built in 1916 by her grandparents, located in the northern hills of the Minnesota River Valley. Jane was the oldest in a family of nine children and enjoyed farm life. Farm activities included butchering every winter, sausage making, feeding little pigs and chickens, milking cows, sowing, harvesting, swimming and fishing in the man-made lake created by her father, playing crokinole and carrom, churning home-made ice cream on cold winter nights, cooking homemade chocolate topping, pets, birthday parties, participating in the annual children’s Christmas Eve church program and receiving gift bags filled with aromatic fruits and nuts, visiting with cousins whose three farms were all near, and spending fun times with relatives. All family members were required to pitch in, help, and care for each other.

After being confirmed in 1953, she began attending Nicollet High School. She sang in the choir, played trumpet in the marching and swing bands, and loved to attend dances. She has special memories of dancing the “Ping Pong Polka” with her dad.

In 1957, after graduating from Nicollet High School, she married the man she loved, Dennis Raymond Rolloff (“Denny”). They lived in New Ulm for the first year of their marriage. Denny was transferred to Northwestern Bell and they moved to Gaylord with their baby daughter, Debora. They lived there for five years, where they added David and Denise to their family. In 1963, Denny was transferred to the Twin Cities and they moved to Shakopee and built a home. There another daughter, Dana, was born.

Denny and Jane raised their family in Shakopee. Jane especially loved to support the music and drama activities of her children, and for many years she served as a Den Mother in Cub Scouts and Webelos. During these years, she especially enjoyed baking, gardening, and freezing and drying vegetables. Jane was a talented and creative person who loved to work with her hands. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, painting, tatting, and making blankets and quilts for her grandchildren. She took ceramic classes and enjoyed the hobby tremendously. She made many beautiful projects for her home and also shared original “Jane” creations with children and family.

Family Week at Lutheran Island Camp on Battle Lake, MN was a special vacation for the family, a place and time where faith was nurtured and the family had fun. Tarryall Resort in Canada was another unique location for rustic summer fishing vacations and many inspirational fish stories; friends and relatives many times accompanied the family on these trips. Jane participated in many church activities, especially the elegant Easter and Christmas brunches she and her friends hosted. Jane created beautiful banners for the church with her involvement on the altar guild. She taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and was church secretary for almost 10 years. She also worked for Kawasaki and Metaphor Computer Systems before retiring. In 1991, her husband retired from AT&T and went into business for himself, during which time they built a new home.

Her husband sang with the Minneapolis Commodores Barbershop, which provided them the opportunity to travel to many states and countries abroad, where the group would perform. They also traveled to Israel on two occasions with church groups.

Jane considers her greatest gift to be God, her Creator, who gave His only Son to be sacrificed for the redemption of her sins through the gift of grace, and for her family, who never stopped giving and caring. She is grateful for her loving, faithful husband Denny, her rock, for almost 64 years. She especially cherishes her children and their spouses, all who are loving, caring, Christian mates, exemplifying their love of God to their children and grandchildren. Praise and thanks be to God! 

A member of Christ the King since 1964, Robert “Bob” Spong, was the much beloved director of Christ the King’s Senior Choir, serving from 1969 to 1997 in that capacity (with a year or so. During these 26 years of music ministry, Bob established a level of excellence in choral music for this congregation. In addition to leading the choir in their weekly anthems during worship, Bob was responsible for directing and producing a number of cantatas and musicals over the years, performances for which CtK continues to be well known in our community.

In addition to his leadership in worship and music, Bob was active in many different aspects of our shared life and ministry at CtK. He was a founding member of the CtK Foundation Board, co-chair of the Global Mission Team, a member of Church Council, Stewardship Committee and Worship and Music Committee to name just a few. He and Jean lead many trips to Tanzania and other places around the world, often accompanied at various times by choir members and other CtK folks.

Bob passed away early Sunday morning, October 3, 2021. As we anticipate a large turn-out (and in light of Covid protocols) Pastor John and Pastor Peter will be leading Bob’s memorial service in the St. Andrew’s sanctuary. We are grateful to the folks at St Andrew’s for making this space available to us.

Please continue to pray for Jean, Bob’s beloved wife of nearly 60 years, as well as for their children, grandchildren, extended family and many friends from many different May his memory be a blessing to us all as we prepare to celebrate his life, grieve his death, and claim on Bob’s behalf the promise of resurrection and new life in Christ, a promised made to Bob many years ago in the waters of baptism.

Click link for directions to St. Andrew's: 
https://www.saintandrews.org/directions/

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.
In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.
If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?"
John 14:1-2

August 6, 1932-August 5, 2021 Age 88 years and 364 days. Marv was born in Minneapolis, and because his father worked for the Soo Line, he spent time in Duluth and Seattle as well. He was a graduate of West High in Minneapolis, where he met his wife of 67 years, Jeannie Gillett. He is survived by Jeannie, their children, Shannon (Spears) and Jesus Osorio, Darcey Spears and Pat Reddemann, Becky (Spears) and David Bartol, Ben Spears and Barbara, and Maaren Spears, four grandchildren, and one great grandson. His family was his pride and joy, and he will be greatly missed. After graduation from the University of Minnesota, he worked his entire career for the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, finding employment for people with disabilities. He served a term as president of the National Rehabilitation Association. His experience as a lobbyist for the program led to a fervent interest in politics and volunteering on many political campaigns. Music was a passion for him, singing in the Minneapolis Commodores Barbershop Chorus and holding many offices. Most recently, he was involved in Giving Voice Chorus, a musical group for people with Alzheimers and their care partners. He was never without a camera, and has left a vast legacy of images of family events and extensive travels. Memorials suggested to Giving Voice Chorus or 2nd Half Lyngblomsten. 

Vinson, Cheryl age 74, of Eden Prairie, MN passed away peacefully at home on August 8th, 2021. Cheryl was born on October 30th, 1946 to parents Lawrence and Marjorie (Bellig) Kramer in Sleepy Eye, MN. She was the first of five children and grew up on the family farm. After graduating from Sleepy Eye Public High School, Cheryl went to Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN and graduated with a bachelor's degree in nursing. Cheryl then moved to Minneapolis to pursue her career as a registered nurse and later went on to get her master's degree in education. Cheryl met her husband Keith (Mike) Vinson in Minneapolis. They planted their roots in St. Louis Park and had two children (Eric and Erin) and soon after moved to Eden Prairie where she lived for the remaining 40 years of her life. Cheryl and Mike later divorced but remained friends, celebrating holidays together as a family. Cheryl spent her career helping others. She worked as a public health nurse as well as a school nurse. She spent many years at Cooper High School where she met wonderful friends including one teacher in particular who caught her eye. Harvey Weiss and Cheryl became great friends and partners and spent the last 20 years traveling, enjoying barbershop concerts, dining out and just enjoying their time together. Cheryl loved volunteering her time at Eden Prairie's PROP Shop. She had a passion for thrifting and a keen eye for a great deal. She was a creative soul and spent much of her spare time crafting. Cheryl is survived by her children Eric (Marcie) Vinson and their son Sawyer of Eden Prairie, daughter Erin (John) Carlson and their kids Brennan, Caden, Quinn, Rowan and Ashlyn of Prior Lake. Her very special friend Harvey Weiss of Eden Prairie and his kids Julie (John) Opheim, their daughters Hannah and Amelia, Tim (Christine) Weiss and their kids Spencer and Annika. Sisters Cindy (Joe) Steffl and Sue (Rich) Lund, along with ten nieces and nephews. Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Larry and her sister Vicky. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 15th, 2021 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie (16515 Luther Way).

Lynch, Dale Odman 91, of Bloomington, died August 22, 2020. He was born in Fort Dodge, IA, to Dennis and Judy Lynch. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Jo; sons, Charles and Christopher Lynch; parents, and eight brothers and sisters. He is survived by his long-time companion, Mary MacLaughlin; daughters, Jean (Tom) Guthery, Nancy Jo (Walt) Norris, Sally Lynch; daughter-in-law, Veronica Lynch; grandchildren, Heather Bien, Danielle West, Jennifer Guthery, Laura Guthery; six great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Levi, Wyatt, Trevon, Zoey, Novalee; family friend, Kevin Henkels, and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Dale was a kind, loving man with a good heart, sense of humor, and a helping hand. He grew up in south Minneapolis and St. Paul before joining the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base. After being honorably discharged he went on to graduate from Macalester College in St. Paul with a Bachelor's Degree in English. Dale was a news writer for KSTP in the late 1950s before joining 3M Company as a writer and Public Relations manager. He retired in 1991. Dale loved to sing as a member of the Minneapolis Commodore Chorus (SPEBSQSA and Barbershop Harmony Society) and Men and Women of Note, adventures with the Bahama 8, and spending time with family and friends.. 

Send your thoughts, prayers, and all the positive energy you can muster to our comrade, Al Matchinsky. He had a stroke this past Thursday. After attentive care and treatment at Fairview Ridges and the U of M, he was able to return home Saturday evening. Considering all of the potential consequences of stroke events, Al is intact and sound, though his right side is pretty thick and partially affected.  He is learning and practicing some new routines. Al reports that he is still able to sing and is hoping this pandemic loosens its icy grip so that can get back together. He would be happy to hear from any or all of us at alanmatsky@gmail.com or (612) 910-2770.
Submited By Gene Heupel 11/4/2020 

I'm not sure if you know, but mom has been in the hospital following a heart valve replacement.
There were complications and she is in rehab for a couple of weeks, hoping to go home.
Subbmitted byAndy Richards 10/30/2020

Ebie Richards is recovering comfortably after placement yesterday of a subclavian artery stent in her heart. As usual, she is upbeat and looking forward to her physical therapy, which starts tomorrow. She is at Allina United Hospital in St. Paul and the therapy will take place in the Sister Kenney Rehab Institute on site there. Her legs are weak after the successive heart surgeries so the therapy will focus on regaining leg strength. Let’s keep Ebie in our thoughts and prayers. Submitted by Gene Heupel 10/20/2020

Friday, January 8, 2021

Dear Family and Friends of Ebie Richards,

My mom passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2021.  She had suffered a series of strokes following a heart valve replacement on Oct 13, 2020.  She spent nearly three months in rehab, courageously working with physical therapy, but was unable to regain her strength.  The hope was to move her to an assisted living facility near her home, but she never left transitional care. 

Ebie cast a wide net of love and generosity in her 94 years.  She was a strong woman who lived life to the fullest; Kind, thoughtful, caring, affable, empathic, smart and friendly. She touched a lot of lives and will be greatly missed.  She is joined in heaven by her loving husband and best friend, Jim.

She also joins my sister Mary, who passed away ten days earlier on December 28, 2020.  Mary had been in poor health for a while, suffering from congestive heart failure and kidney disease.

Ebie and Mary will be cremated and interred in the columbarium at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Roseville, alongside my dad.

We will be having a virtual memorial for Ebie in the next few weeks.  If you would like to join us on zoom, or have any stories or pictures you would like share, please let me know, and send me your email address.  I’ll send out a zoom invite once we have set a date. We plan to place an obituary in the St. Paul Pioneer Press paper and on-line edition, on Sunday, January 17, 2021.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Andy

Frederick William von Fischer Jr. passed away Sept 9, 2020 at the age of 88. Fred was born September 3, 1932 in Springfield, MN to Frederick A. and Martha M. (Bauch) von Fischer. He was raised in Springfield and graduated from Springfield High School in 1949. He went to South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD where he received his pharmacy degree in 1955.

Most of his career was spent in the Winona, MN and LaCrosse, WI area. He was the owner of Holmen Drug, in Holmen, Wisconsin, from 1974-1992. In 2004, Fred and his wife, Ardis, moved to Dakota County.

Fred enjoyed his many friends and family, singing in various choirs, and following the Twins and Vikings. He was a member of the Barbershop Harmony Society for 50 years, singing with Choruses and Barbershop Quartets in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Arizona. Most recently he sang with the award winning Minneapolis Commodore Chorus.