In Memoriam: Remembering Deb Holtz, lifelong disability rights advocate
Debra “Deb” Holtz, a dedicated attorney, educator, and fierce advocate for the Minnesota disability community, passed away on February 4, […]
Features
In Memoriam: John Sauer: Advancing inclusion through systems change
John Sauer, who passed away on December 23, 2025, lived a life marked by quiet conviction, deep relationships, and an […]
In Memoriam: Jenni Taylor: A radiant spirit and powerful advocate
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that a beloved member of our Minnesota spinal cord injury […]
In Memoriam: Smith’s research made a difference for many
John Good Smith was a respected research specialist at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI). He was […]
In Memoriam: Seibert combined talents with compassion
Walt Seibert was known for his compassion for people with disabilities, and his commitment to helping everyone live their best […]
In Memoriam: Schultz was avid skier
Daniel Winston “Hawkeye” Schultz was one of the early promoters of adapted skiing. Schultz died in June from complications of […]
In Memoriam – Pamela Gayle (Sagvold) Gonnella
Gonnella a dedicated leader Pamela Gayle Sagvold Gonnella was a caregiver who became an outspoken and effective advocate for people […]
Goldberg a committed leader at PACER Center
Marge Goldberg’s experiences as the parent of a disabled child led her to help other families. She became a co-founder […]
Performer, author Orr was always the life of the party
Leslye Susan Orr Mistry was a remarkable performer, writer, teacher and disability advocate. Orr died earlier this spring. She was […]
In Memoriam – Lou Michaels
Lou “The Photo Guy” Michaels captured decades of community events Lou “The Photo Guy” Michaels enjoyed his lifelong vocation as […]
In Memoriam – Philip John Anderson
Anderson led special education Philip John Anderson was a pioneering special education director in Minnesota, as part of his long […]
Remembering Ann Roscoe and her dedication to Minnesotans with disabilities
Ann Roscoe is remembered as a compassionate and dedicated advocate for Minnesotans with disabilities and elders. She held a strong […]
Zats helped found Groves Academy
Marjorie Zats was a multi-talented woman whose interest in aiding her son led to the founding of what is now […]
Bentson was beloved neighbor
Carl Bentson was known in his West End neighborhood as “Mister Positive.” He worked for decades at St. Paul Public […]
In Memoriam – Damon Leivestad
Leivestad leaves a legacy of legislative service, enjoyment of sports Whether he was playing hockey or testifying before the Minnesota […]
In Memoriam – Nancy Uden
Uden fought for choices Nancy Uden was a well-known advocate for medical aid in dying for all Minnesotans. She died […]
In Memoriam – John Nousaine
Nousaine championed access in North Country John Nousaine was a champion of disability rights advocacy and access in the Duluth- […]
Pioneering Margot Imdieke Cross opened doors for countless Minnesotans
Margot Imdieke Cross was a fearless champion of civil rights and accessibility for Minnesotans with disabilities. She died July 21 […]
In Memoriam – Johnson remembered for dedication to making educational improvements
Longtime University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration (ICI) leader David Johnson is remembered for his work to improve the […]
Prohofsky was beloved teacher
Edward “Ed” Prohofsky was a beloved gym teacher and pioneer in adapted sports in the Minneapolis Public Schools. Prohofsky died […]
Bartz an adapted sports champion
John Bartz was a lifelong Minnesota sports figure whose accomplishments included work with prep adapted sports tournaments. Bartz died April […]
Fisher a DAV leader
Vietnam veteran Craig W. Fisher was a leader in state and national Disabled American Veterans (DAV) affairs. Fisher died in […]
Feigal is remembered for his dedication to mental health advocacy
Peter D. “Pete” Feigal had an unwavering dedication to mental health advocacy and the need to treat mental health and […]
Semo drew on experience
Scott Semo and his family used his experience with a childhood head injury to advocate for change in the home […]
Dunn served in many posts
The Arc Southeastern Minnesota had a dedicated volunteer in David J. “Dave” Dunn. Dunn died in January. He was 88 […]
Schneider a mental health champion
Terry Schneider’s pioneering years working in community mental health spanned more than 40 decades of change. Schneider died in December […]
Hanson a longtime leader
James “Jim” or “Jimmie” Hanson led a life of service to Minnesotans with disabilities. Hanson died in September due to respiratory […]
Lentz dedicated to community
Deborah “Debbie” Lentz led a life of service to deaf and deafblind Minnesotans. Lentz died earlier in July after a […]
Lopez helped others enjoy books
Anthony “Tony” Lopez was dedicated to helping people with disabilities enjoy a wide variety of reading material, through his longtime […]
Thompson’s research helped many
Travis Thompon’s academic and research career helped many people with disabilities. Thompson died in August. He was 86 and lived […]
Kenney gave spiritual gifts
Rev. William “Bill” Kenney considered himself to be a servant of God, who focused much of his life to serving […]
Rosenfield made an impact for disabled Minnesotans
The death of Barnett “Bud” Rosenfield is being felt all across Minnesota. Rosenfield, Minnesota’s Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, […]
Scott-Poole lived by example
Nila Frances Scott-Poole had a long record of community service, including advocacy for people with disabilities. Scott-Poole died this spring. She […]
Runyon helped start outdoor groups
Greggory Lynn Runyon considered hunting to be an important part of his life. Runyon died this spring. He was 65 […]
Anderson remembered for love of sailing, the outdoors
Lifelong Northland resident Scott “Scottie” Anderson is remembered as someone who enjoyed the outdoors, and was eager to share his love […]
Judy Heumann leaves us with a lasting legacy of leadership, activism
by Taryn M. Williams It is often said that true leaders don’t build followers, they build more leaders. If this […]
In Memoriam – Robert Mingo
Mingo led life of service Robert Mingo lived for many years with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), working to educate others […]
Heroes of disability rights
The passing of retired State Rep. Lee Greenfield met with little attention recently. And that is unfortunate given his long […]
In Memoriam – David Durenberger
David Durenberger is remembered for many accomplishments, including his work on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Durenberger, who died […]
In Memoriam – January 2023
His family led group home work Stephen Lawrence Johnson’s parents saw a need for housing for people with disabilities, and helped […]
In Memoriam: She helped start foundation
Veta Robbins Segal helped start an early Twin Cities foundation that addressed how law enforcement officers respond to people in […]
In Memoriam
Tomassoni was dedicated lawmaker Sen. David Tomassoni (I-Chisholm) was a dedicated Iron Range lawmaker who led the way on amyotrophic […]
Benjamin was very dedicated to disability rights, journalism
Tim Benjamin will be remembered as someone dedicated to shining a light on issues affecting Minnesota’s disability community. He also […]
Chevrette worked on employment needs, and wrote a travel guide
Michael “Chevy” Chevrette loved his large circle of family and friends, travel and the Minnesota State Fair. Chevrette died in […]
Thoughts about Tim Benjamin, by Jeff Bangsberg
by Jeff Bangsberg Over twenty years ago, I met Tim Benjamin, who later became my close friend. Before he died […]
A Tribute to Tim Benjamin
Tim Benjamin will be remembered as someone dedicated to shining a light on issues affecting Minnesota’s disability community. He also […]
Paula Goldberg’s PACER legacy to live on
Paula Goldberg is remembered for her strong advocacy and passion for helping children with disabilities. Goldberg, a cofounder of PACER […]
In Memoriam
Schwartzkopf led life of service David “Dave” Schwartzkopf, a leader in Minnesota’s disability community for many years, will be remembered […]
In Memoriam
Sannes led disability services Judy (Boettcher) Sannes was an early leader in disability services for the region’s college students. Sannes […]
In Memoriam
Mental health was her focus Marcia Kay Taylor Lovejoy used her lived experience with mental illness to advocate for others, […]
