Twin Cities PBS Remembers

Linda Goligoski

One of many seniors who because of COVID-19 had to spend their last months alone, and still ended up getting it. She enjoyed being a grandma, watching sports, socializing and car trips with friends in retirement. She wasn’t always the easiest to understand or get along with for me, but I love her anyway.

— Submitted by Kelly Josephson, Daughter

Anne Kanten

Anne Kanten, age 93, of Crookston, formerly of Milan, died Monday, December 7, 2020, of COVID-19. Over her life, Anne was a living example of grace lived out in service to others. Her roots in faith, family and community grounded her life in working for justice and hope for farm communities not only in MN, but around the world. Throughout her life’s work, she was highly respected for her passionate, articulate and committed work on behalf of justice for farmers and the land. Anne was never afraid to speak out on behalf of others, even when her voice was the only voice heard.

Anne, born of immigrant parents in Goldfield Iowa, went on to St. Olaf and began teaching in Clarkfield and Milan. She met a young farmer whose roots and sense of belonging began her own love for the land. She married Chuck Kanten in 1952 and together raised 3 children on the family farm near Milan, which she and Chuck worked for 40+ years.

During the economic farm crisis in the late 70’s and 80’s, Anne became involved in the politics of Agriculture and worked with fellow activists to form the American Agricultural Movement (AAM) whose mission was to keep families on their farms. Anne spent time in Washington, D.C. serving as a farm lobbyist and took up the cause to bring economic justice to family farmers.

That passion led Rudy Perpich to call Anne to be Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Minnesota in 1982. Anne was proud the Minneapolis Star Tribune titled the article “Radical Farm Woman Comes Full Circle”. She was promoted to Deputy Commissioner in 1987. Along with her friend and fellow farm activist Lou Anne Kling, Anne founded the Minnesota Farm Advocate Program, which assisted farm families during the farm crisis of the 1980s and served as the model for similar programs here and abroad.

Anne’s commitment for justice and the land continued throughout her life, leading to countless speeches, written articles and awards too numerous to fit in 200 words. Her life was well-lived, spent as a faithful steward, making a difference in the lives of rural Minnesotans.

— Submitted by Rebecca Kanten-McCoy, Daughter

Charlie Keal

Charlie grew up in northwest Nebraska, graduated from Chadron High School, served four years in the U.S. Air Force, and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He had a 25-year career at IBM, living many years in Rochester, MN. After early retirement from IBM, he taught Computer Science at Minnesota State University, Mankato. He had eclectic tastes: trains, crossword puzzles, classical music, and farm tractors. He was sweet and kind, and will be remembered for his jovial smile, intelligence and gentle nature. He was a father of four, grandfather to three and a foster father to many. He would have turned 85 on Monday, December 21.

— Submitted by Laura Paynter, Daughter

Cheryl Kropelnicki

My beautiful mother Cheryl Kropelnicki died from COVID-19 on October 26th. She was only 73 years old. She devoted her life to giving to others. She was a Certified Wound Ostomy resource nurse at Regions hospital for over 30 years. She loved her job. Besides being a nurse, she helped care for her elderly mother in-law that lived with our family for over 20 years. But most importantly to me, she supported me by helping take care for my daughter while I finished my degree to become a NICU RN. Her children and grandchildren were her world. I know she’s an angel in heaven. I miss her every second of everyday! We always watched Call the Midwife Christmas special together. I will cry more than usual this year when I watch it because she won’t be there. Thank you mom for everything. I love you and thank you! Love, Danette

— Submitted by Danette Hontarenko, Daughter

Randy Margolis

“My brother, who was 70, first experienced headaches for a few days and then got sicker and sicker. He followed all of the guidelines (mask wearing, hand washing, etc.).

His wife and grown son also got COVID, and were only sick for a few weeks, but Randy did not survive. He died in August 12, 2020. Before retiring to Arizona, Randy worked for many years at Fairview/U of M hospital, first in book keeping/accounting and then in I.T./computer services. An avid golfer and movie fan, he was my best friend and I still get the urge to call him, sadly.”

— Submitted Barry Margolis, Brother

Andy Scheffler

I grew up with four parents: my Mom and Dad, and Aunt JoAnn and Uncle Andy. Mom and Dad and JoAnn passed away over time, but I just lost Uncle Andy (standing) to COVID-19 on December 11. Working on his farm, Andy taught me the value of hard work in cultivating corn and milking cows. And the importance of having fun in cold water fights and eating hot fresh sweet corn. I miss them all.

— Submitted by Gene Scheffler, Nephew

Kermit Swanson

This 101 year old man was kind, gentle and a humble soul. WWII glider pilot that survived 3 missions. Married for 73 years and a true role model for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Kermit died on Nov. 1, All Saints Sunday. Walking among the Saints who left before him and numerous family pets who welcomed him home. Grace and Peace to you dear man.

— Submitted by Joanie Swanson, Daughter-in-law