James 'Owl' Walsh, stalwart Minnesota musician from the band Gypsy, dies at 74

He dropped out of Edison High School at age 16 because he was making more money playing in a Minneapolis rock band than his dad was at a printing job. That group morphed into Gypsy, Minnesota's seminal progressive rockers and the first local act to sign a major album deal in the 1960s. For more than six decades, James "Owl" Walsh remained a stalwart on the Minnesota music scene.

"He was a leader, an organist, a pianist, a producer, a killer vocalist and a very, very underrated songwriter," said Minneapolis drummer/singer Bobby Vandell, who joined Gypsy in 2021 but had admired Walsh since a 1965 Minnesota State Fair gig. "As a songwriter, James Walsh was breathing the same air as Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor."

Walsh died Saturday at M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital of congestive heart failure. He had been in declining health with diabetes, heart issues and mobility concerns. He was 74.

Gypsy hung out with Jimi Hendrix, toured with the Guess Who for two years and played in front of 300,000 people at Atlanta Pop Festival in 1970. In the early '70s, Gypsy's songs "Gypsy Queen, Part 1" and the 11-minute "Dead and Gone" became staples on FM radio, especially in the Twin Cities and St. Louis.

"Little Jimmy Walsh from 31st and Pierce Northeast" Minneapolis, as he told it, started his career at age 12 playing drums in a polka band. His mother sang in a barbershop quartet. Having switched to accordion and then piano (with lessons from Mom), he joined a local rock outfit called the Hot Half Dozen and then got recruited by the Underbeats, who had the local hit "Foot Stompin.' "

In 1968, the Underbeats evolved into Gypsy and moved to Los Angeles. They became the house band at the popular Whisky a Go Go for nearly two years, making lots of friends in the music community, opening for such acts as the Kinks and Little Richard.

"Jimi Hendrix came to see us and apologized for using the name Band of Gypsys [for an album title]," Walsh said. "We didn't care. He came to the [Gypsy] house for a few days. We jammed a little bit, hung out mostly."

Gypsy received recording offers from the established Atlantic Records and Metromedia, a broadcast company suddenly hot in music with Bobby Sherman. Gypsy chose Metromedia, for which they made two records (including a rare double-LP debut) and then two more for RCA.

"The joke on the bus on our way to California in '68 was: We were going to go out there and get a record deal and we'd retire in '73 and cut our hair," Walsh said in November 2021. "So here I am. I still haven't cut my hair, whatever I have left."

In 1975, the band broke up but singer-keyboardist Walsh, after the drug-related suicide of lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Enrico Rosenbaum in '79, periodically resurrected Gypsy, releasing five albums, including one in 2021, and doing occasional performances.

When he was 38, Walsh turned his life around and his girlfriend became pregnant. She wanted an abortion; he committed to raising the baby without her. So, Walsh got a job as manager of Metro Studios in Minneapolis' Warehouse District and worked on more than 100 albums, including one by Sheryl Crow. He also recently toiled one day a week in a Roseville piano shop.

"Owl could be a real sweetheart and he could be very bully-like," said drummer Stanley Kipper, who played in Gypsy on and off since 1974. "He's still a dear friend of mine. It was like brothers fighting. He was hard-working. We played a lot of great shows."

In 2021, Gypsy delivered "Red Stone Line," which Walsh described then as "Gypsy's grown up. We are taking it from a less starry-eyed view and more of a musical position." The sound was still adventurous but less long-winded. Influenced by Steely Dan and early Chicago, the songs were still trippy, eclectic and philosophical.

"Spent many, many days in the studio with him," said Todd Fitzgerald, an engineer/producer at Winterland Studios in New Hope. "He still had an amazing voice."

Gypsy last performed in October at Crooners in Fridley. Walsh went into the hospital in the fall but he was coming up with ideas for another album.

"He was telling me he had a whole new batch of songs in his head," Vandell said. "And they were coming quickly. He was excited about doing another album."

Survivors include his wife, Tere Walsh, sons Ryan and Jon; daughters Gina, Jennifer, Natalie and Jessica; brother John Walsh, sister Jeanne Armstrong and several grandchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.

By Jon Bream Star Tribune

MARCH 6, 2023 — 4:02PM

Gary Stimmler 1936-2023

Gary D. Stimmler, 86, of Fridley, Minn., passed away Jan. 13. Born on January 22, 1936, a day that holds the Minnesota record for windchill at -67 degrees, he would attend St. Bridget Catholic School and later DeLaSalle High School, graduating in 1953. Stimmler’s passion for golf started with his first job caddieing at Golden Valley Country Club and continued by serving the Minnesota Golf Association as a course rater from 1996-2015. He was responsible for planning and coordinating the rating team’s course visits across the state each year and rated several hundred courses during his tenure. Stimmler also served as the Minnesota Public Golf Association (MPGA) President in 1996 and 1997 and furthered the relationship between the MGA and MPGA by creating a MPGA liaison position within the MGA and served in that role from 1998-2004. Some of his favorite golf memories were volunteering for PGA Tour tournaments that were conducted in the Twin Cities. 

An avid golfer, Stimmler was just a few states shy of playing in all 50 United States. Following his graduation from DeLaSalle, he enlisted in the Army in 1954 and served as a radio operator until 1956, including a posting to Japan. After his service, Stimmler worked for Prudential Insurance Co., where he met his future wife, Barbara Holmes. He later worked for Honeywell and as a computer analyst utilizing an early version of the Cray computer. Once retired, he spent his winters in Florida and then Arizona which allowed him to enjoy the outdoors and golf. Stimmler was an avid reader and enjoyed classical music, puzzles, travel, playing cards, horse racing, hiking, skating, and coaching hockey. Growing up, he loved to hunt and fish with his family and especially loved nature and visits to National Parks and Civil War battlefields. He is survived by five children Cynthia, Sheryl, Patti, Steven and David, and ten grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

From MN Golfer (Jack Mendesh): 1/23/2023

Members Lost

We lost the following members this year. They will be missed by many.

Joe Kmetz

From StarTribune: Kmetz, Joseph Louis Born 12/13/1936 passed 12/24/2022 within 3 months of being diagnosed with a glioblastoma. He fought a courageous battle, and passed surrounded by loving family. He is now golfing in heaven! https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/joseph9/journal

John J. 'Jack' Knip, Jr.

Knip, John J. "Jack" Jr. Jack Knip passed away on October 5, 2022, at the age of 87. He passed away peacefully with family at his side. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr and Helen; brother, Dr Robert (Bob); sister-in-law, Mardonna; granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth. He was survived by his wife, Janet (McNeely); his children, Susan (Dan) Masterson, Karen (Paul) Botner, Sharon Knip, Karol (Rick) Joos, John (Jodi) Knip III and Shelley (Kyle) Smith; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother-in-law, Robert (Kathleen) McNeely; 8 nieces and nephews. In death as in life he was a very generous person. He donated his body to the Anatomy Bequest program at the U of M for medical research. We will be holding a celebration of life for him in the next few weeks to gather and raise one last toast. We will be posting an update here at a later date, once the time and place have been established. You can also reach out to: JohnJKnipJr@gmail.com, we will update anyone that is interested. Memorials can be sent to Mpls Children's Hospital, St Jude's or Doctors Without Borders. These were three that he was passionate about and supported in life. Thanks

Update (11/3/2022):  Jack's celebration of life will be held on November 20th, 2022 at the Greenhaven Golf Course Club House, between 11-2.  We will raise one last toast and a few memories at his second favorite home.  Please join us to remember a special person that affected all of our lives.

Published on October 16, 2022 StarTribune

Bill Boyum

Boyum, William Michael AKA Wild Bill, Billy, Willy, Age 59 Born September 29, 1962 (The Feast of Archangels). Died at home peacefully in the arms of his fiancé; Kim, on September 22, 2022. He was number 11 of 13 children. He was preceded in death by his parents Gloyd & Loretta Mary (Adelmann) Boyum, four brothers: Tom, Greg, Jimmy and Joseph Boyum. He will be greatly missed by his surviving fiancé Kimberly (Fields) Stone, children Brooke, Josie and Jax Boyum, and stepsons Calvin and Cole Stone. Surviving brothers and sisters Mary Green (Joe), Susan Johnson (Gary), Joan Davis (Rick), Bobby (Michelle) Danny, John, Kathy Shelander (Curt) and Paul. He will also be deeply missed by all of his many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and all of his friends. Billy was a very 'simple man,' except when it came to golf - he was a serious man and wanted to win it all. He was funny; his expressions said it all. He was the one you could count on for anything at anytime. Billy's love of working out was shown when he was at the gym every day. He was a strong, strong man, and even when he wasn't feeling the best - he made it to the gym. He enjoyed playing golf and watching all sports. He was definitely a perfectionist in everything he did, and did it to the highest level with great pride and integrity. He was definitely a larger than life kind of guy, with the biggest heart of gold. He was always willing to give to others. He had the most dynamic personality you could imagine - always adaptable to whatever his family and friends needed at the time, and the best sense of humor. The letters, riddles, and thank you's he wrote were the best. Who knew he had it in him? "Roses are red, anything could be blue", and anything about what you did would end the riddles. They were the most perfect, hilarious notes for the day. Billy was a stubborn man and would hate it if he ever lost a game of golf, a bet, or a silly game - just ask his friends and family. He was the best, or always had to be the best. He was an entrepreneur, he was hands on in all he did, he was not afraid of hard work or bringing you out to where he was going. It may be work, or it may be lunch. You may not have known it, but he got you there, and when you got there, you either ate lunch or helped - because it was Billy. How could you tell him no? He was way bigger than you, so you just went with what Billy wanted. Mass of Christian Burial to be held Wed. Sep. 28 at 11AM with visitation one hour prior at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 19921 Nightingale St NW, Oak Grove. Washburn-McReavy.com Coon Rapids Chapel 763-767-1000

Published on September 25, 2022

Joseph 'Joe' Schleisman

Schleisman, Joseph "Joe" age 93 of New Brighton. April 8, 1929 June 27, 2022. Preceded in death by wife, Elise in April of 2017. Survived by daughter, Mary (Steve) Eggert; son, Joe (Becky) Schleisman; grandchildren, Katie (Bill) Pomerleau, Keri Schleisman, Adam (Jade) Eggert and Joe (Tina) Schleisman; great-grandchildren, Vinny, Kimberly, Luca, Jack, JoJo, Simon, Marco, Elise and Ruby; sister, Ann Booth; and brother, George (Julie) Schleisman. Joe had a wonderful sense of humor. Talking about sports was always something he enjoyed. He had many long-time friends from the different neighborhoods he lived in, many golfing buddies, and many more recent friends from Meadowood Shores, where he was proud to be voted their Valentine King. Family and golf were his passions. His wife, Elise, was his best caddy, his children were par, his grandchildren birdies and each great-grandchild was a hole-in-one, something Joe knew first-hand as he had seven holes-in-one at Greenhaven Golf Club. Our deepest gratitude to Eliza, for her loving care the last few weeks of his life. Per Joe's wishes, there will be a small family gathering to share memories, talk sports and celebrate his life. Miller Funeral Home 763-571-1300 millerfuneralfridley.com

Published on July 3, 2022

Bruce Hein has Passed

We are very sorry to report that long time Men's Club member Bruce Hein has passed away.

Here is the obituary from the Star Tribune:

Hein, Bruce "The Captain" Age 79, passed away peacefully on the 16th of January, 2022 surrounded by his beloved family. Bruce was born and raised in Waverly, Iowa. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1960 and Wartburg College four years later with a degree in Elementary Education. He then moved to Fridley, MN with his new wife, Marilyn, to begin his 34 year career in teaching and coaching. He earned a master's degree Education from St. Cloud State University in 1968. He was known for his upbeat and optimistic nature, fun loving personality and a belief in people. He was an avid golfer, a tremendous card player and an enthusiastic Minnesota sports fan. His greatest roles were those of husband, father and grandfather. His golden years were spent traveling with his wife and attending grandchildren centric events. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Esther Hein, and sister, Marldine Moeller, all from Waverly, Iowa. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Marilyn, sons Jeff (Maria) and Mark (Jamie), and grandchildren Nicklaus, Zachary, Claire and Gavin. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Barnabas Lutheran in Plymouth, 15600 Old Rockford Road, on February 3rd at 1pm with a visitation starting at noon. Memorials preferred to St. Barnabas Lutheran Church.

Published on January 30, 2022

Kenny Bourdeaux has Passed

We are very sorry to report that long time Men's Club member Kenny Bourdeaux has passed away.

Here is the obituary from the Star Tribune:

Bourdeaux, Kenneth "Kenny" Age 75, of St. Francis, passed away on December 6, 2021 surrounded by his family. Kenny is preceded in death by his parents, René & Christine; sister, Patricia, and sister-inlaw, Yvonne. Kenny grew up in New Brighton and graduated from Mounds View High School in 1964 and then attended Dunwoody Institute and graduated with a degree in printing. He met his wife Kristie in 1970 and they were married in 1974 and had 3 children. Kenny worked for The John Roberts Company for over 20 years as a lithographer and ended his career as a job planner. Kenny was an excellent golfer and bowler. He had many friends through different leagues he played on over the years. He spent many years hunting and fishing with his two sons. Together with his boys, he purchased hunting land in Caledonia, MN. Recently they purchased property in Sandstone, MN. Kenny took pride in these properties and loved making their camper as comfortable as possible for everyone. He loved sitting by the fire enjoying good company. He always had a smile and a joke to tell. He was also an avid sports fan. He loved the Vikings, but his favorite team was the Twins. He also followed college and high school sports. He played fantasy football and managed a fantasy golf league. He loved to travel with friends and his wife. He also loved spending time with his family, especially his 4 grandchildren. Kenny is survived by the love of his life, Kristie; children, Angela (Leroy) Stanislowski, Bryan (Stacy) Bourdeaux, and Craig (Anna) Bourdeaux; grandchildren, Natalie, Lydia, Grayson, and Charles; siblings, Skip (Kathy) Bourdeaux, Gerald Bourdeaux, Elaine (Jim) Laumeyer, and Suzie (Bill) Richart and many nieces, nephews, great- nieces, great-nephews, and life long best friend, Larry Pavek II. A Celebration of Life at KOZLAK-RADULOVICH CHAPEL (1385 - 107th, Ave. NE, Blaine) Monday, December 13 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior. kozlakradulovich.com "A Celebration of Life" 763-783-1100

Published on December 12, 2021

Dale Hanson has Passed

We are very sorry to report that long time Men's Club member Dale Hanson has passed away.

Here is the obituary from the Star Tribune:

Hanson, Dale R. Age 73, of Champlin, MN. Gone too soon. Passed into God's arms April 17, 2021 at North Memorial Hospital, Robbinsdale, MN of Covid/ Pneumonia. Preceded in death by parents, Ray and Mary Hanson and brother, Ron Hanson. Dale graduated from Brooklyn Center H.S. in 1965. He went on to become the top diesel mechanic at Iten Chev in Brooklyn Center. He moved on to become an instructor of diesel mechanics at Hennepin Voc Tech. He then moved forward to become an IT specialist at DeLoitte and Touche for many years, until retirement. Dale was a proud member of MENSA. Dale is survived by his cousin, John Wasilak (Debbie, deceased), Carey N.C. and John's daughter, Mary. He is also survived by many loving family members in MN and tons of friends. May God bless him. He will be missed. Per Dale's wishes he was cremated. Graveside services to be held at a future date due to Covid. Memorials preferred to Eternal Hope Lutheran Church, 10508 Douglas Drive, Brooklyn Park MN 55443.

Published on April 25, 2021

Duane Blaska Has Passed

We are very sorry to report that long time Men's Club member Duane Blaska has passed away. Here’s the story published in the Star Tribune:

Duane Blaska, Gophers quarterback from 1960s heyday, dies at age 79

Anoka native replaced Sandy Stephens after two Rose Bowl seasons in the 1960s.

By Joel Rippel Star Tribune

MARCH 8, 2021 — 4:38PM

Duane Blaska, shown here in 1961, was called the most improved player on the team in 1962 by legendary head coach Murray Warmath.

Duane Blaska, a member of the only two Gophers football teams to play in the Rose Bowl, died Monday from complications of cancer. Blaska, from Anoka, was 79.

After backing up Sandy Stephens on the 1960 and '61 teams that advanced to the Rose Bowl, Blaska became the starting quarterback for the Gophers in 1962. A loss to Wisconsin in the 1962 season finale prevented the Gophers from a third consecutive trip to the Rose Bowl.

Before the 1962 season, coach Murray Warmath told the Minneapolis Tribune that one of the keys to the Gophers' success was how Blaska developed at quarterback.

Following the season, Warmath told the Tribune's Sid Hartman, "Blaska did a terrific job and was the most improved player among our seniors."

Blaska was a three-sport star at Anoka High School, earning 10 letters in baseball, basketball and football. As a senior in 1958, Blaska was named to the Tribune's All-State football team. Academically, he was a National Honor Society Member and the student body president. He is a member of the Anoka High School Hall Fame.

After graduating from Minnesota in 1963 with a degree in business, Blaska worked for McKesson, a pharmaceutical company, for 35 years. He was a salesman for 10 years before moving into management.

"He had very fond memories of playing for the Gophers and he loved playing for Coach Warmath," said his wife, Joan. "He said he was tough but fair. He kept an active interest in Gopher football. He had season tickets and he and his former teammates would go to functions."

Joan Blaska said that besides football, Duane's "next love was hunting and fishing. And he was proud of awards he won for his work with the Anoka Lions organization."

The couple started dating in high school and in addition to his wife, Blaska is survived by sons Steve and Mike. Another son, David, died in 2008.

Chuck Wennerlund Has Passed

We are very sorry to report that long time Men's Club member Chuck Wennerlund has passed away.

Here is the obituary from the Star Tribune:

Charles A. 'Chuck' Wennerlund

Wennerlund, Charles A. "Chuck" Chuck passed away on Halloween at the age of 81 at home in Ham Lake, surrounded by loving family. He is survived by his wife of sixty years (and high school sweetheart), Claudia (née Bauer); children, Kelly (Michael) Lyden, Kim (Greg) Bents, Kip (Lisa) Wennerlund, and Kerry (Craig) Zupko; eleven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Michael Richards) Lyden, Emmalie (Joe) Brudzinski and Noah Lyden, Jordon (Sara) and Juston Bents, Elina, Annika and Karsten Wennerlund, Quade, Quinncy, and Chloe Zupko; sister Diana Duffy; in-laws George Duffy, Joan and Duane Blaska, Phyllis Cooper; and close friends, Jackie and Jerry Hall. Charles was born to Peg and Arthur in St. Cloud, grew up in Anoka, and remained an Anoka guy his entire life. He excelled at athletics, collecting fourteen varsity letters and becoming an all-state quarterback. He graduated from Hamline University and later earned a Master's from College of St. Thomas. Chuck had a 34-year career in teaching and guidance counseling at North St. Paul HS, Coon Rapids HS, Northdale JHS, and Anoka HS. Chuck started the first basketball program at Coon Rapids HS, and he coached high school basketball, football, tennis and golf in various capacities for many years. He also shared his love of sports by coaching his kids' youth teams. In retirement Chuck could often be found at Greenhaven Golf Course in Anoka, playing or working, or hanging with good friend, Mike Clark. Chuck was a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful father, and a fun grandpa. He loved to get down on the floor and wrestle when the kids and grandkids were young, and he was the proud papa in hosting extended family vacations to Mexico, Florida and northern Minnesota. Chuck lived a full life. He gave and received a lot of love. He is remembered fondly and will be deeply missed. A private celebration in memory of Chuck will take place when the pandemic threat recedes. In lieu of flowers, the family would request memorials be directed to Sharing & Caring Hands.

Chuck will be missed!

November 09, 2020

Tom Spah Has Passed

We are very sorry to report that Men's Club member Tom Spah has passed away. His funeral will be held Saturday, December 7th in Andover.

Here is the obituary:

Thomas Gerald "Tommy" Spah

SPAH, Thomas G., Jr, age 48, of Andover, passed away on November 21, 2019. Preceded in death by his daughter, Alissa; father, Thomas G., Sr. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Lisa (Gitzen); daughter, Jess Spah (Jordan Lueck); mother, Sandy Spah; siblings, Tammy Molitor (Mark), Stacey Simon (Tony); “mom”, Cheryl Anderson; many relatives and good friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at Andover Seventh Day Adventist Church, 15036 Round Lake Blvd., NW, Andover from 2:30pm – 4pm on Saturday, December 7th with a brief Memorial Service at 4pm. There will be a light meal served in the basement of the church, following the service, for those that would like to continue sharing fond memories of Tom.

Tom will be missed!

December 04, 2019

Tom Guzik Has Passed

We are very sorry to report that Men's Club member Tom Guzik passed away Sunday. His funeral will be held Friday, August 23 in New Brighton.

Here is the obituary from the Star Tribune:

Guzik, Thomas William "Tommy " passed away peacefully on Aug. 18, 2019. Preceded in death by eldest brother Ricky; & loving parents, June & Dick. Survived by twin brother & best friend, Timmy; sisters, Elizabeth (Bruce) Hegedus, Suzanne (Mark) Hart; nieces, nephews, cousins, and life-long friends. Tommy grew up in New Brighton and attended St. John the Baptist Grade School and Grace High School. He continued his education at College of Boca Raton and graduated with a Business Degree from Florida Atlantic University. Upon graduation he went to work for the family business, Arkad Corporation. He loved playing golf, talking to everybody, and he genuinely took interest in anyone he met. Tommy was a beautiful soul, always giving, always smiling. He was a character. He was unique. He brought humor and smiles to anyone who crossed his path. He was also very spiritual. There is no doubt he is delighted to be in the arms of our Heavenly Father, and with his mom, dad, and brother. Our Lord broke the mold when he created Tommy. He was a gift to all of us who knew him. We will miss him, but never forget his smile and generous spirit. Mass of Christian Burial, 11am, Friday, Aug, 23, with visitation starting one hour prior at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 835 2nd Ave. NW, New Brighton. Private interment Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to St. Jude Children's Hospital. Washburn-McReavy.com Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999.

Tom will be missed!

August 22, 2019

Carl Hedstrom has Passed

We are very sorry to report that long-time Men's Club member Carl Hedstrom passed away yesterday.

Carl was an institution at Green Haven. He was Club Champion in 1981 and remained an active player (and practicer!) even as he got older. He even shot his age - 85 - in the Spring Kickoff four years ago.

Additional details are not yet available, but will be posted on the club website's News section when known.

Carl will be missed!

Here is the Star-Tribune Obituary:

Hedstrom, Carl W. Age 89 of Anoka. Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, died peacefully at home on 5/12/19 surrounded by family. Raised in Appleton, MN; 44-year resident of Anoka. Preceded in death by parents, Carl and Stella Hedstrom; wife, Eva; siblings, Burt (Marilyn) Hedstrom, and Earl Hedstrom; daughter-in-law, Julie Hedstrom. Survived by children, Linda Hedstrom, Chuck (Holly) Hedstrom, and Steve (Kathy Smith) Hedstrom; grandchildren, Natasha (Jeremy Hemmelgard) Hedstrom, Alicia (Jessie Treseler) Hedstrom, Kassie (Zach) Nelson, Megan Hedstrom; great-grandchildren, Addie and Lily Nelson; sister-in-law, Margaret Hedstrom. Memorial Service 12 Noon Wednesday 5/22/19 at Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home, 2005 Branch Ave., Anoka. Visitation one hour prior to service (11 AM 12 Noon.) Luncheon to follow at Greenhaven Golf Club, Anoka. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Carl Hedstrom Memorial Junior Golf Scholarship or Minnesota Public Radio. Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home Anoka 763-421-0220 thurston-lindberg.com

May 13, 2019

Phil Chamberlain has Passed

We are very sorry to report the passing of longtime member Phil Chamberlain. Phil was a fun and friendly guy, and active in many Men's Club activities. He will be missed by many. Here is the obituary that appeared in the 2/3/19 Star Tribune:

Phillip Edward 'Phil' Chamberlain
Chamberlain, Phillip Edward "Phil" Age 68, of Anoka passed away on Friday, January 25, 2019 after a long battle with COPD and Leukemia. He will be greatly missed by his son, Troy; daughter, Nikki (Jeff) Schmeltzer; 6 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren; mother, Alice; sisters, Sheila (Ken) Fiecke, Karen Albro; brother, Terry (Carol); ex-wife, Linda; close friend, Sheryl Jenson; and extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence and brothers, Dean and Randy. A celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at 201 Tavern, Second & Jackson St. in Anoka.

January 29, 2019

Members Lost

We lost two members this fall. They will be missed by many.

Mick Pipenhagen passed away in late November. A long term member, he was often seen playing Tuesdays and Thursdays with his buddies. He had been retired for twenty years after a forty year career at Hoffman Engineering.

Scott Shoberg passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in late October. He was active as a 9 Hole City League member and played in tournaments and events. He was an avid Vikings fan and worked as a Graphic Technician Coordinator for Flint Group.

January 08, 2018