Robert Short Funeral

Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Short, Robert McCann Age 74, died unexpectedly in his home at The Glenn on November 9, 2023. Preceded in death by his father, businessman Robert E. Short, and almost a year to the date by his beloved mother, Marion D. Short. Bob is survived by his brothers and sisters, Brian Short (Kathleen) of St. Paul, Marianne Short (Ray Skowyra) of St. Paul, Kevin Short of Hudson, Wisconsin, Elizabeth Short (Dr. Jon Floriano) of University Heights, Ohio, Carolyn Short (Joseph Torsella) of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, and Colleen Short Lucke (Stephen) of Edina.

Brilliant, quirky, and quick, Bob enriched the lives of his 21 nieces and nephews, Kathryn (Sam Minow), Robert (Mary Rose), Michael (Morgan), Louis (Carolyn), Nicholas (Alexa Hunter), Meghan (Robert Worthington), Caitlin, Maura (Joseph Valdivia), Anna, Emily, Daniel, Jessica, Maureen (Thomas Drescher), Elizabeth (Ryan Miller), Travis (Camille Woodbury), Kelly (Quinn Henry), Joey, Grace, Patrick, Paul, and John; and 14 great nieces and nephews, Rory, Grace, Loretta, Teddy, Skip, Rosemary, Hannah, William, Charlotte, J.J., Elise, Logan, Reid, and Conrad.

Born on December 10, 1948, in Washington D.C., Bob grew up in Edina, Minnesota. The oldest of seven children, he thrived in a busy and bustling household, riding horses and go-carts, swimming on the Interlachen Country Club Swim Team, and tending a bountiful vegetable garden (despite a lifelong habit of not eating vegetables).

Bob graduated from Our Lady of Grace Grade School in 1962 and Benilde High School in 1966. He pursued business and accounting at St. Mary's in Winona and the University of St. Thomas.

After completing his formal education, Bob joined his father's business, where he served in various accounting and finance roles at the Leamington Hotel. He also focused on the payroll departments of the Park Towers, the Calhoun Towers, Admiral Merchants Motor Freight, and the St. Paul Flight Center.

Admired for his self-discipline and strong work ethic, Bob rarely took breaks: no lunch hour, no sick days, no vacations. He fulfilled the oft-mentioned goal of his later years: "I will work until the day I die."

A key member of the team, Bob spent as much time as was necessary to make sure the accounting records were accurate - be it the finances of the Leamington Hotel or the lease records of the Calhoun Towers.

A stickler for detail, Bob was never to be rushed. He knew that his work, if it was to be valuable, had to be accurate. That commitment and dedication carried over to almost every other aspect of his life.

Bob loved the music of Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, classic television shows such as Andy Griffith and My Three Sons, and Minnesota sports. He never missed a family birthday. His annual Christmas guitar concerts, featuring such hits as Mele Kalikimaka, Little Boxes, Charlie on the M.T.A., and The Fox (Went Out On A Chilly Night) are never to be forgotten.

Life was not easy for Bob. Atypical in a neurotypical world, long before those labels became commonplace, Bob could be underestimated and misunderstood. But he was peerless in his determination, resourcefulness, and perseverance in overcoming life's obstacles.

Bob was our hero and will be sorely missed.

Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, December 7th, 2023 at 10:30 AM, The Church of Our Lady of Grace, 5071 Eden Avenue, Edina, MN 55436. Visitation Wednesday, December 6th, 2023, 6-8 PM at Gill Brothers Southwest Funeral Chapel, 5801 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, and also one hour prior to Mass at church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church or the University of St. Thomas.

Mary Bredt Funeral

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Mary H. Bredt, 86, Edina, born on January 16, 1937, passed away November 6, 2023. She is preceded in death by her son, Bobby, husband, Robert “Bob” and her four siblings. Survived by sister-in-law, Judith Wathen and many nieces and nephews. She was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Edina for over 55 years. Mary enjoyed estate sales and garage sales adding to her various collections. She especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas and spending time with her cats. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at the Willows and St. Croix Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina. Interment at Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Sharing and Caring Hands, 525 North 7th ST., Minneapolis, MN 55405, or Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church.

Mary O’Neill Secord Funeral

Monday, November 20, 2023 | 10:30 AM

Mary O'Neill Secord passed away on August 22 with her loving father and sister-in-law by her side. Born March 27, 1979, to James P. and D'Arcy O'Neill Secord, Mary joined her big family adding so much enthusiasm and joy as the spirited youngest. An athlete all through her childhood and high school years, Mary excelled at gymnastics, swimming, competitive figure skating, skiing, diving and really anything else she tried. Her "Mary Lou Retton" haircut, bounce in her step and witty little grin are remembered with smiles. Mary was very smart; it was no surprise to anyone when she spread her wings at Case Western Reserve; picking a school in Cleveland made her mother very proud. As a young adult, Mary loved music and had an unmatched knowledge for the top 40 as much as the old classics. She could sit and converse with just about anyone in the most relaxed and comfortable fashion. Even when visiting siblings and their friends, she could hang out with the older kids like she was one of them; she was just so cool. In her adulthood, Mary brought tremendous joy to her family, especially her nieces and nephews who loved the way she could crack a joke or say the one thing everyone was thinking at a family gathering; all of us need the witty Aunt. Jewelry making and sketching nurtured her creative spirit and brought happiness when she gave them as gifts. After an accident left her paraplegic in 2011, the world weighed especially heavy on sweet Mary and finally after many courageous years, her body gave out so that her soul could be reunited with her mother, who was her biggest fan as well as her grandparents: Mary and Bill Secord, and Dorothy and Dennis O'Neill. Left to cherish her beautiful memory are her father, Jim Secord and his wife Teresa; sister Megan Milligan and husband Mike and their children Flynn, Roan, and Liam; brother Paul and his wife Deborah and their children Alex and Patrick; brother Billy and his wife Hanna and their children Maryam, Megan, and Mackenzie; and brother Danh and wife Jenny and their children Christina, Jennifer, Kyle, An, and Hien. The family would like to thank the nurses and doctors who have cared for Mary over the years, most recently at Fairview Ridges Hospital. Funeral will be held at Our Lady of Grace on Monday, November 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with a visitation at 9:30 AM, to allow for family members and friends to gather in celebration of her life.

Nathan Keller Funeral

Thursday, November 9, 2023 | 10:30 AM

The funeral for Nathan Keller will take place on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with a visitation at 9:00 AM.

Nathan Richard Keller, 26 of Edina unexpectedly passed away into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on Oct. 31, 2023. He was stricken with a rare pulmonary embolism. Upon birth, his parents selected his name because he truly was "a gift given by God". As a child Nathan was always inquisitive, occasionally leading to a bit of mischief, which he regarded as fun. However, he always had a gentle caring spirit and an enormous sensitive heart. Nathan attended Our Lady of Grace School in Edina K-8th grade where developed his strong foundation in faith. Those formative years taught Nathan to love the Lord, excel in academic rigor, and embrace a community of teachers and lifelong friends. He was very active in sports and other activities, which was an extension of his gregarious personality. Nathan chose St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights for high school where he expanded his scope of friendship and embraced the value of being a Cadet. He was a leader and active in soccer, Crack Drill Squad and other activities that helped shape his personality. He enjoyed his years at St. Thomas and often spoke about the great young men he met and the significant lessons he learned as well as his foundation of faith. Nathan attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison for two years in the business program. He then worked at various retail jobs in the metro area while pursuing his passion of Hip Hop music. He was proud of his songs and albums which he released on Spotify. He was a true sports enthusiast and loved playing golf. Nathan will always be remembered for his kind and gentle spirit which he shared with everyone he met. His smile, laughter and deep love for family and friends is the legacy he leaves behind for the many lives he touched along the way. Nathan is survived by his parents Dick/Richard Keller and Nancy (Ricks) Keller, his brother Zachary Keller, Grandmother Ina Jean Ricks along with many aunts, uncles, and cousins that he dearly loved. He is preceded in death by Grandfather Jerome Ricks, Grandmother Vi Stroup and Aunt Kathryn Ricks White. A visitation for Nathan will be held at Washburn McReavy Edina on Wednesday Nov. 8th from 4:00-7:00 pm. A funeral service will take place at Our Lady of Grace Church Edina on Thursday November 9th at 10:30 with visitation beginning at 9:00. Interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery in Hopkins. Memorials can be made to Hennepin Healthcare Foundation at www.hennepinhealthcare.org/donate by writing Nathan Keller in the tribute gift section. Gifts received will be designated in support of the HOPE Program.

Dan Willette Funeral

Wednesday, November 8, 2023 | 11:00 AM

Willette, Daniel F. Age 77, of Edina. Born November 23, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN, passed away October 26, 2023 peacefully at his home in Edina, MN, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Patricia A.; children, Paul D. Willette (Erika), Patrick A. Willette (Tina), Chris J. Willette, Matthew T. Willette (Nikki); grandchildren, Lexi, Charlie, Dylan, Ava, Kyla, Mara, Brynn, Lily, Luke, and Mason; brothers, Ted Willette (Carol), Tim Willette (Mary), Jack Willette (Kathy); sister, Arlene Bernardy; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Preceded in death by parents, Norman and Lorraine Willette; brothers-in-law, William Bernardy and Kevin McGruder; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou Haffner. After graduating from DeLaSalle High School, Dan attended the University of Minnesota graduating in 1968 and earning his Masters in Education in 1976. He was a teacher for many years in the Minneapolis Public Schools system serving as Vice President of the Teachers’ Union until he found his passion for real estate. Dan began working for C21, and quickly earned many honors regionally and nationally. Dan then had a very successful career with Edina Realty for over 32 years and was an Emma Rovick award winner amongst his peers. He had a passion for helping people first and foremost, always keeping his clients’ best interests in mind. He was very generous with his time, talents, and resources including serving on the School Board of the Academy of Holy Angels. Dan retired from Real Estate in 2018. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed and will live on in our hearts forever. A special thanks to North Memorial Hospice and the volunteers for the special love and care given to Dan over the past year. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Wednesday, Nov. 8 with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Grace Church, 5071 Eden Ave, Edina. A luncheon will follow at Our Lady of Grace. A private interment will be held at a later date.