Tributes
36 JUST (AND GOOD, GREAT AND BEAUTIFUL) PEOPLE
By Eric Nilsson, April 14, 2023
JOHN G. HOESCHLER – 1942 - 2022
RAMSEY COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION 2023 MEMORIAL
by Eric Nilsson, delivered April 14, 2023 at Sundin Hall, Hamline University, St. Paul
If only every lawyer, in the early years of practice, could have the edifying experience of opposing the likes of Jack Hoeschler. I had that good fortune in a case that consumed the better part of my practice—and Jack’s—for nearly four years.
The contest turned into an epic legal battle, not unlike some über-board game combining elements of Risk, Battleship and Monopoly, and ever so rarely, Chutes and Ladders, when I’d prevail against a long-shot motion that Jack conceded would likely be his chute, my ladder.
Yet, in the course of our marathon competition, I developed a deep respect for Jack as a lawyer and a person. As our struggle deepened, so did an abiding friendship. Years after our “über-board game,” we even wound up sharing offices. With the backdrop of Jack’s heavy involvement with the leading arts and civic organizations of the Twin Cities and beyond, I managed to recruit him to the board of the World Press Institute, on which he served until his death. Jack’s engagement was always active, replete with fresh ideas and probing questions. When it came to action, Jack was in the vanguard.
In our case, Jack exemplified the hallmarks of a great lawyer: civility—no exceptions—in the course of zealous advocacy; intellectual rigor; and the courage to be creative. At every turn, Jack demonstrated how lawyers can be gracious, even cheerful, while playing Risk, Battleship, Monopoly—and yes, Chutes and Ladders—to the bitter end.
But over time Jack exuded attributes that reached far beyond his time and talents at the bar. He was defined by his curiosity about the world, and equally, by his tireless engagement with it.
After growing up in La Crosse, he became a Georgetown honors scholar and oarsman, then proceeded to NYU Law School as a Root-Tilden Scholar. Before joining the real estate practice of the prestigious St. Paul firm of Dougherty, Rumble & Butler, Jack with his wife Linda, worked as VISTA volunteers in the trenches of Chicago’s South Side—Jack as a member of the ABA-sponsored pilot project called Community Legal Counsel. The year was 1968, when Chicago was consumed by riots and violence—much of which surrounded the Democratic Convention. It was a formative experience—from Jack’s severe beating at the hands of a group of angry neighborhood toughs to Jack’s volunteer representation of a protester arrested for climbing a statue and waving a flag.
An avid skier, voracious reader and gardener on a grand scale, Jack was a world traveler many times over. When their son and daughter were young, Jack and Linda led them on a six-month odyssey around the globe. The travel tradition continued with Jack and Linda’s two accomplished grandsons, who grew to idolize their high-achieving grandparents.
Above all, Jack was interested in people, their stories, their viewpoints, their humanity. Perhaps this trait is what endeared him most to people who knew him best. The legal profession, our community . . . and the world . . . are much better off because of Jack Hoeschler. May his remarkable life and generous spirit inspire all of us to give more than we take.
Respectfully submitted,
Eric Nilsson, Esq., on behalf of the family of John G. Hoeschler
In Memoriam
by Eric Nilsson, June 23, 2022
I’m interrupting my “True Story” series—an explanation of life on earth, as told to an alien from a galaxy far, far away—and exceeding all self-imposed word limits (for “True Story,” I’ve increased my previous limit of 500 to 550) to write about the loss of a dear, dear friend, the inimitable John “Jack” Hoeschler.
I was informed by his dear, dear spouse, Linda, also my dear, dear friend, by a text yesterday evening: “Jack just died 10 minutes ago . . . so keep editing.” The post-ellipsis referred to the beautiful obituary she’d drafted earlier for me to review. I’d wept when I read the obit; I wept again when I read her text. Jack had just entered hospice after a long struggle with cancer, so his body’s surrender was unsurprising, but I wept nonetheless. As I was thumbing out a response to Linda (I got as far as, “Oh my gosh. A titan has left us—but his”), she called me. Despite her stress, strain, and exhaustion, she sounded characteristically strong. Despite my reputation for manliness, I did not sound characteristically strong. I wept again—as I had when my brother-in-law Dean died after decades of progressive MS finally robbed him of life; as I had when my 93-year-old mother, long in decline, succumbed to time; as I had when my father died at nearly 88, seven years before Mother, from the wholly untreated disease that modern medical science is now conquering in my own mortal body. For no other deaths but these have I so grieved—and wept.
Jack Hoeschler gave to this world so many mighty gifts, they are beyond accounting. His keen intellect; his expansive curiosity; his indefatigable spirit; his love for the arts; his love of active sports and communing with nature; his willingness to answer any call to dive in, listen to the issues, sort out the noise, develop ideas, then roll up his sleeves and implement constructive solutions—that was Jack. He never met a person he didn’t like; he never met a challenge he didn’t face with cheer.
In recent months, under the care of the same outstanding clinic where I’ve been receiving my own treatment, Jack and I regularly spoke by phone. I was ever impressed by how he took one setback after another—then asked with genuine interest and empathy how I myself was doing, followed inevitably by a hearty discussion of the issues of the day. The last time I saw Jack was by coincidence at the infusion center. We greeted each other heartily, and as usual, Jack’s broad smile lightened my heart.
We first met in the course of a real estate transaction. I knew on the first encounter that Jack was a “cut-to-the-chase” kind of lawyer with a cheerful manner. Once business was finished, he easily shifted to free-ranging conversation. We learned immediately that we shared many common interests.
Soon afterward I found myself in a wholly unrelated meeting with Jack and a couple of Laotian immigrants whom he was advising on a prospective business transaction. I worked at a bank at the time, and Jack thought I could help the plucky entrepreneurs find financing. I’d subsequently learned that this was not a “one-off” piece of Jack’s pro bono work. It was his regular fare.
Several years passed when I next encountered Jack, this time on the opposite side of a protracted and very public dispute involving a failed real estate development in the heart of downtown St. Paul. The partner who’d passed the thick red rope files off to me said he never wanted to have anything more to do with the case. “Why?” I asked. –“Because I can’t stand the lawyer for our client’s main adversary.” –“That bad, eh? Who is it?” –“A guy named Jack Hoeschler.”
I laughed. And for the next three years, Jack and I wound up having pitched battles by phone, letter, opposing briefs, court motion and hearing after court motion and hearing. I’d never battled another lawyer as I fought Jack Hoeschler. And yet—the legal fight served me better than any other professional experience I’d had to that point—or since. From Jack’s cheerful style and powerfully courageous intellect, I learned that one can be a zealous advocate without compromising one’s principles; that one can argue, contest, oppose, without being offensive; and above all, that operating within the confines of a highly structured framework of laws, rules, and standards, the creative and courageous mind can devise elegant solutions. That was Jack—the lawyer my partner “couldn’t stand.” Over time, I established a solid working relationship with that partner. But over that case, I developed a richly rewarding friendship with Jack that would deepen all the way to his dying day, over 30 years later.
To finish the text I’d begun to Linda, “A titan has left us, but his spirit lives on.” Each of us is a thread—with a beginning and an end—in the great, mysterious tapestry of human existence. Each thread is interwoven with surrounding threads. The thread of Jack Hoeschler’s life is so tightly bound to others, it will brighten the tapestry in inestimable ways long beyond sight of Jack’s physical death. By his example, by his zest for life, and his discovery of meaning in every encounter, I will re-dedicate my own life, my own thread, to living life to its fullest.
In loving memory of . . . a titan.
by Philip Brunelle, VocalEssence
Last evening our dear friend Jack Hoeschler passed away. For many years he was VocalEssence’ private lawyer, helping with so many legal matters – all without charge to VocalEssence. I used to tell him that he (a good Catholic) was like one of those cardinals that the Pope held secretly –
In pectore – as they say. Jack was our lawyer – in pectore (in the breast).
To those of you who knew him, you know what a fantastic lawyer he was – caring for the underdog in so many places and, at the same time, being an amazing fundraiser and supporter of causes such as the building of the Science Museum, among many other projects.
Jack had a wonderful sense of humor – how could it be otherwise when his favorite composer was Cole Porter! And together with his dear wife Linda, they were an amazing duo on the dance floor! I have many, many memories of Jack that I will always keep – he was one of God’s great treasures.
Rest in peace, Jack.
Fondly,
Philip
Saint Paul Loses an Early River Champion
by Peter Myers, Chair, Great River Passage Conservancy, Board of Directors, June 2022
Longtime Saint Paul lawyer and riverfront advocate Jack Hoeschler passed away at his home on Wednesday after a battle with advance prostate cancer. Jack was a man of many talents and passions, one of which was the Saint Paul riverfront. As a former chair of the St. Paul Riverfront Redevelopment Corp., he helped lead the effort to transform the riverfront from an industrial zone to a more appealing and environmentally friendly asset for the people of Saint Paul. As he wrote in a 1994 Pioneer Press editorial, “As our economy shifts into a post-industrial age, there is a window of opportunity to recast the riverfront as the attractive front yard of our city rather than its abused back alley.” The latter was certainly an apt description of the riverfront as it existed for most of the 20th century.
Anybody who was here prior to 2000 can recall a riverfront occupied by scrapyards and abandoned industrial sites. Public amenities were practically nonexistent and there was little reason for anybody to venture down to the river for pleasure. There was no Science Museum, no inviting gathering spaces or docks on Harriet Island, no Upper Landing housing, no bike or walking paths, and no tree-lined approach to downtown from Warner Road. The green space that is now Upper Landing Park was occupied by a decaying Shepard Road. The picture was largely the same on the West Side, too. It was a very different scene than we enjoy today.
Jack firmly believed in the need for a “third-sector” nonprofit entity to bridge the gap between what the public and private sectors could accomplish. Local government was burdened by insufficient funding and political pressures that prioritized short-term action over long-term planning. Businesses were naturally focused on their own goals and did not have the time or patience to engage in the kind of consensus-building that complex projects require. It would take a third-party entity to provide leadership, find common ground among diverse stakeholders, and engage the public in shaping the future. He was absolutely right, in my view. And that’s why the Conservancy is so important today. We are in a unique position to shape the next phase of riverfront development and reorient our community to the river.
Today we are contemplating a River Balcony that will provide access along and down to the river, engage people with our rich multicultural heritage, and provide opportunities to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. I can only imagine the reaction if someone had proposed such a walkway in 1990, when there wasn’t much beauty to look at, and no reason why anyone would want to go near the river! Thanks to the visionary work of Jack Hoeschler and others from that era, we now have a riverfront that we are eager to present to the community and to the world.
April 20, 2022
Dear Jack,
It is so hard to put into words all at I am feeling and want to say to you. We met 60 years ago and spent two of the following years with you having my back, literally. I still remember the running commentary during practice and even during races.
We were a good team at 5 and 6. Those around us changed but we were a constant in the varsity for two years until you graduated. You found Linda and I found Carol, fabulous women who became two more constants in our lives. We went our separate ways but the attachment to crew always brought us back together.
Carol and I watched as you and Linda forged an incredible partnership and engaged life with total commitment to whatever projects, people, family or causes you focused on. Through the years you have made an enormous difference in the world around you. You have changed so many lives, enriched the world through art and music, and advanced causes in which you believed. You always had time to listen to people, advise them through difficult times and lift their spirits with your kindness, a good story or a kind word of encouragement.
The two of you became such close friends to Carol and me and we have treasured your friendship through the years. Without the two of you the Cadle era members would not be such a close band of brothers, we would have drifted apart. The annual Boundary Waters Canoe Trip has further cemented that bond and will continue to bring us together. You should be very proud of what you have done with your life.
With much love to you both
Peter Blyberg
April 29
Dear Aunt Linda, here is my letter to Uncle Jack. Will you read it to him? Love you SOooo much.
Beloved Uncle Jack, my best friend and Uncle. I love you. I always do. I MISS and care Soooooooooo much about you. I treasure you. I love all of our times together, conversations, heart to hearts or intellect to intellects connecting. I love that you see the world specifically how you do and all the times I've had questions in my journey, I've relished in your good counsel and wonderfully stable answers.
You know I have not always had a dad present to me in my life and that has been hard. Still, since I was young, I saw you in that way as a wonderful father and received any and all love from you as a kind of daughter for herself. Do you remember swinging me perfectly and flipping me like a rocket over your shoulders for my Visitation Father daughter dance? Maybe year 1999? It was a live Big band playing at the Radisson Hotel in downtown Saint Paul and we put all the other Dads to shame with your amazing high class dance moves! I felt like a
true Princess and then some! In those moments Uncle Jack, you made up for the countless losses of my childhood and the first half of my life.
Another early memory I loved as a Vis student was coming over to the house on Edgcumbe and having you help me with my Egyptian history project. We talked Hieroglyphics, the various Sun Gods and pyramid construction. It was and is a most bright spot on my childhood. Funny going from no one helping me at home with my homework to an All Star like you! Haha! It made me feel so important, on top of receiving your time and knowledge and care. I may have lost the physical work I created from the Egyptian history project, still, I have and do hold
like a treasure chest the time spent together. It's GOLD. Nothing like it!! And there were other work projects covering topics like Little Crow and the Sioux uprising of 1862. I still find that time frame in US and Midwest history so fascinating. Can you tell me more of that again?!?
I feel Uncle Jack, you could make anything interesting and worth listening to… which is YOU! Hehe.
I think of other many happy and peaceful memories together like at the cabin... (you mowing the grass! Or many other projects on the grounds) or family gatherings in La Crosse, at Nana and Grampa's house or the old Country Club. I think of you and Aunt Linda traveling through whole wide world over and over.
To be clear, you have created with Beautiful Aunt Linda, a most amazing life together and Kristen and Fritz as your legacy and those beautiful grand children! Jack and William.
Uncle Jack, I am praying for you. We all are. I wish I was there to hold your hand and sing to you.. a beautiful song called, "Take Lord, Receive." It was written by a Jesuit priest and it goes like this "Take Lord, Receive, all my liberty, my memory, understanding, my entire will... give me only your love, and your Grace, that's enough for me.. your love and your Grace.. are enough for me..." I know your love for music is great and you've belted our many a note or two! I love listening to your singing voice at Peter Claver church for 4pm mass. I would love to hear you sing over and over again too.
As I close my eyes and pray for you, I see you ready to open the door of your heart.. and as you do, you will delight in life's cares and burdens, yours since childhood and since your journey began, lifting, one by one, quickly freeing themselves from your chest... like many fireflies dancing around you. I see the deepest of joy and smiles, relief and warm gentleness meeting you now. I know God is good and you can prepare for your journey back home if this is your time. I am always here for you, living and listening, and quickening my heart to yours.
For now I say peace be with you. I am Your most loving niece, in FULL admiration and joy, knowing I will see you soon. For now, rest, deep breath and Xoxoooo to the moon.
Love, Meagan Maureen Hoeschler yours only, Treefrog. "
Family and friends wrote personal tributes directly as Jack was passing and in the following weeks. The following is a small selection:
June 18, 2022
Jack, my dear friend.
I know you're not a sentimental fellow. But you have been gracious enough to permit me to be sentimental around you. And you have honored me with the very particular friendship that we have shared, and that is one of the most cherished of my life.
So forgive me for saying that I am a little bit pissed off that I have to endure your absence going forward. Bu you have made it easier for all of us, and no doubt for yourself, by your own equanimity. Ever the teacher of how to be in the world. I'll do my best.
Thanks for these gifts, which we are constrained to receive. I am blessed to have shared what I have shared with you.
Be at ease.
I love you.
That's what i know...
Larry Siegel
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Oh, dear Linda,
Thank you for giving us the gift of walking alongside you and Jack (from far too great a distance) as you have courageously, honestly faced his cancer together.
These are sacred days ahead that you, your children, in-laws and grandchildren will be sharing together. May Jack's passing be peaceful and free from physical pain. I am certain that his Angel is there with all of you, and that he/she will be holding him closely as he crosses over. I am also certain that his spirit will be present with you for several days after this happens. When there is so much love, I can imagine how hard it must be to leave this world and those we love behind. From what I have experienced with death, I firmly believe the spirit of the one who has passed sticks around a while to savor it all, to embrace in a new way those he loves, to revel in gratitude for all that this life has been. These are sacred days and moments. Full of so much love, gratitude and joy for the gift that Jack's life has been to so many of us. Know that we are crying with you, and sending love to all of you and gratitude that we have been privileged to be part of your circle.
Love,
Susan Schilperoort
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Dear, dear Linda and Jack,
While in the pool here in Naples last evening my thoughts turned to you both. I held you close as I swam, paddled, moved through the warm and soothing waters. And now 1 know why. Jack, may your passage be peaceful. Linda, you are the finest wife any man could ever ask for. And Jack is the fortunate one to have joined his life with yours. May you, your beautiful children and grandchildren find comfort from all those who love you, from the knowledge that you saw this difficult journey through together, and that Jack, as our faith offers, you will be in Eternal light.
My love to each and all of you.
Cathie Fischer
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Dear Linda,
My heart just broke when I read your last email.
I have been praying for you and Jack each and every day. Praying for strength for you and your family and praying that Jack could have beat that cancer.
Even though I would have loved to see Jack one last time, lam not ready to say goodbye to someone we considered a
wonderful friend and lawyer. I need to remember Jack as that strong man that he was. Please whisper to Jack for me and thank him for so many years of always being there for me and my family and I will miss him dearly.
With much love and many prayers.
Jan Plaskett
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Dear Linda and Jack,
It must have been so difficult to write many of your email updates, especially today's, but it has been a privilege to accompany you both on this final journey. This is such a sacred time for you and your family and you have been most generous to share it. I have several special memories of the times we've shared with you as a couple, one of the best being the meal we shared on your deck not long ago with an amazing tour of your beautiful garden as the centerpiece.
You will both be on my heart and in my prayers over these next days. I know these two things for sure. Jack, you are an imminently good person and this world has been a much better place with you in it! We will miss you.
With love, Kay and Dan Halvorsen
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Linda and Jack and all the Hoeschler Family,
Sharing your love for life, the passions you endear about each other and family, the sheer gravity of our human mortality plus the compassion for the ending we all must face ...
is truly setting a leading example of how to close our lives.
I must say thank you to you both, Jack and Linda, because as you have both lived exemplary lives you are showing us how the best in human kindness, compassion and love brings a journey to a close.
With love and prayers from all of us in the Halvorsen Family.
And when you want Kay's best soup to arrive at Edgecombe we will deliver it within minutes!
Love,
Kay and Dan; Christian Lars and Rachel; Anders and Mackenzie plus our new Grandson Daniel John who will be hearing many stories over the years about a wonderful couple and an amazing man!
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Jack (five-man),
In our last conversation, you shared a thought that hasn't left me, "when I depart, I want to be able to be in control and not left lingering." Jack, you are the most willful person I have met, always positively and constructively, and you act so fittingly to the end. Fighting fiercely, never a victim, and as you said, "in control." Good for you. Bravo!
Also, thank you for enabling those around and near you to get prepared. My only regret is not being able to see and visit with you to tell you what I now must write. "Goodbye and have fun winning the most important race in life; to be at the right hand of the father, you earned it."
You and Linda filled Jane and my lives with joy, friendship, and a thirst for accomplishment and improvement for all within reach. So thank you.
Your "two-man"
Mark Pisano
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Dear Linda and Jack,
I think it was Halloween of 2001 (or was it 2002?) when we were invited to meet Terry's fiance and her family out at a costume party in Wayzata. Dave and I gamely suited up and headed out there, looking forward to checking out just who this new clan would be.
Little did we know that was the first page of of a story of twenty years of friendship, family, and even a lovely commission. It has been a joy to get to know you, Jack- first as a father-in-law to Terry, then father to Kristen, then grandfather to Jack and William. We enjoyed seeing you at birthday parties for the boys, violin concerts, T-ball games. And what a joy to discover your passions for music, for gardening, for architecture, for history. You are the only person I know who sued City Hall and won.
Please know that your life and your lovely relationship to Linda and your children and grandchildren have changed this world for the better. Rest easy. We're thinking of you, and will continue your efforts to nurture beauty wherever we can.
Nancy and Dave O’Brien Wagner
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Dear Linda, Dear Jack
I'm thinking of you very often these days and I'm so sad to learn that hospice has taken over your care but so glad you can be at home in your lovely library.
I can add that I too will greatly miss the possibility of crossing paths in a Europe-bound airplane or a historical cathedral tour, or a road trip to any destination just to hear your stories and silly jokes. Thank you for all those memories and great care for my brother and me. Thank you for the friendship with my parents and for being my godparents.
I hope our paths cross again somehow Jack and please do let us know if you can see us in the meantime. I will keep you deep in my heart in any case. You've been a role model and force of nature who has enriched my life and countless others, so I understand.
Love to you all.
With light and love may you carry on.
Elizabeth Imm
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Oh my dears. I am In tears as I read this and have forwarded this as well as all the other written gifts of your journey with Jack. You've described everything in beautiful detail, but still so hard to read. I can only imagine the sadness and love that has filled you all to the top, spilling over onto Jack. A love story from the beginning to the end. We are happy that Hospice is there to guide you. What a wonderful and comforting organization. Keeping Jack comfortable and pain free is the goal now. They will assure that is their mission too.
We can only send our love from afar. You are in our hearts and continual prayers. Only wish the outcome was different. But you have both given your all. You can be grateful for a wonderful life together. And you've expressed that so beautifully to each other. And I worry about you. You've given so much of your energy to jack and this horrible disease. Save some of that wonderful energy to help you heal, too. It's not going to be easy. And there are many to help you too. It's your tum to accept that help. We love you both so much and all that you've shared with us.
Jan and Terry
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I'm thinking of you two and trying to figure out what to say.
Thoughts are stupid. Words are stupid. My thoughts are stupid. My words are stupid. Stupid-not understanding. The longer I'm in the world, the less I understand it. Stupid. But I proceed anyway, stupidly.
I guess eventually we all owe a cock to Asclepius, although I'm not sure I do, brave fantasy of mine. Some of us die without warning: war, accident, murders of various sorts. Others of us get to live through the process in sometimes lengthy detail. My aunt had dementia and left us not really knowing what was going on. I held her hand as she died and for some 20 minutes after. Seemed really easy. My parents, on the other hand, were both lucid until their last moments and understood quite well what was going on. I can't decide which is the better fate.
Linda, I've been looking through some 20 of your e-mails to all of us starting on 7/2/21-that's not quite a year ago. I can't imagine a more wonderful partner to have during such a truly horrible and horrifying time. And, Jack, I can't imagine enduring all that you've had to endure, and apparently with such grace. I'm pretty sure I would die of fright somewhere at the beginning of your ordeal. Brave of you, and no doubt greatly supported by Linda. A lesson to all of us who have been aware of going on.
And I think, Jack, of how important you've been in the narrative of my life. From summoning me to your office in 1973 to reading a developer's document assigning his rights to the builder of this project here that I brought to the last Louis Hill meeting I attended.
In 1973, I was an ABD who had just returned to MN in personal defeat, abandoning a Ph.D. program in Santa Barbara. (I was later able to return and finish.) You offered me the job as School Director of the Minnesota Dance Theatre and School (you were on the board), and when I protested that I didn't know anything about dance, you said that I was a teacher and this was a school, so why not? The task was to clean up $30,000 of receivables-either collect on them or write them off the books, you didn't care which. That was the start of a somewhat minor career in arts management.
In December of that year, right after Nutcracker which sent Loyce Houlton to the hospital, the other three administrators walked off the job (I had no previous knowledge they would do such a thing), and when I walked in that morning, John Linnerson (with his Walt Whitman beard and dress) and said that I was it. I was what? I was the Executive Director. There were no other administrators.
Perhaps you remember that quiet John, the one who could create all the sets and repairs anything requiring repair, with his shoulder length hair and chest-long brown beard, and voice that could hardly be heard, who is was the brother of Beth Linnerson who invented the muppets in Minneapolis. Jim Henson essentially (as I was told) stole the idea and took it to New York. The rest...etc., etc.
So there I was, with 2-1/2 college degrees in English for gawd's sake, running a business of about $300,000, which is about $2,000,000 today, with no background in money or finance at all. So I invented budgeting. That must be figuring out when the money comes in, and when the money goes out. I was just bright enough to create some kind of spreadsheet (VisiCalc was still ahead of us) to do just that. And this was the start.
I'm hoping you were never disappointed in me (all through the final argument with Loyce), but if never being disappointed means never expecting thanks for what you did for all of us, I thank you now for offering me that opportunity. It led directly to my later becoming the Executive of the old Minneapolis Chamber Symphony and the Santa Barbara Dance Theatre and School, the latter financing my way through the final throes of the Ph.D.
Michael Foote
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Through tears as well I bid farewell, Jack. Libby and I will remember and pray for you and for your loving family. This stage of human life comes to us all and feels particularly close to me as I move through my eightieth year, but for those of us who have had truly blessed family lives it comes with comfort as well. I love and thank my Libby and I admire your Linda. I hope you can stay strong, Linda, but there is no shame in deep, deep mourning. Your children seem to be utterly wonderful, as are ours, Thank God!
Jack McDonald
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Now we are in Italy and have two dear friends who are very special in hospice
It's been a couple of weeks to reflect on life and our coming (planned or not) exits. I spend a lot of time with tears in my eyes as I contemplate how our lives change as we age. I've concluded that the best approach is to celebrate. We must seize every moment, hold those dear to us close and love life. It seems that life is for the living.
Jack is a graphic demonstration.
To top things off, one of my grandkids got me with Covid a week ago
It isn't kind
Love to you both
Frank Barrett
June 19
Please tell your dad I am wishing him the most heartfelt Father's Day. He's had such an impact on me and I'll forever be grateful. I'll never forget when I was like 8 or 9 and we were all at some event that was more about your side of the family. I remember Megean and maybe another young Hoeschler was there. But all us young girls were fighting over who got to sit on Uncle Jack’s knee that day the longest. And I totally won in the end because he picked me, I think it's because he knew my dad wasn't a "knee dad" as much and kept pushing me off his. So in the end he let me have his knee for the event and I'll never forget the satisfaction I got from the other girls side eye and glare. I was so proud that day and I'll never forget his love.
It was such an honor to be one of his "kids" and to have the world know it. He always made you feel lifted and seen. I was probably beaming and felt like Ms United States that day. I think I dubbed myself president of the event.
Kate Hill
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Dear Linda,
I just saw Marge Virnlg's email forwarding your eloquent email about Jack's sudden apparently final decline. I knew Marge maintained contact with lots of old D&Bers, but my email address must have fallen off her list some time ago, apparently along with several others. And so it was forwarded last night.
I had heard from Lou Fors that Jack was battling cancer and heart issues, but that he seemed to be doing well. Of course I kick myself for not following up sooner.
I should know from personal experiences how rapidly the world can change and I should have written a note to Jack right away. He has always been such a force of nature, that in some way I sort of assumed he would just go on that way.
I owe Jack a debt of gratitude. He involved me in a number of his projects at DR&B that were interesting inherently, but even more importantly were great opportunities to watch and learn from a master negotiator and deal maker. He assigned challenging work on his projects that most lawyers there would have hung onto for themselves. He was a great role model and a born teacher in the "sink or swim" mode (that is, if you didn't sink, there were lots more chances to swim.) I was so sorry that he left the firm.
DR&B went through some revolving door years and I finally took a "leave of absence" knowing I was actually leaving, but wanted to avoid the inevitable "going away lunch." All I knew for sure was that I would never agree to be a partner in a large firm again. I spent the next few months contemplating my fate, knowing I would never go back to the large law firm mode. I never contacted a client of the firms, but several were seeking me out. So I knew I had to either retire or go about it in a professional way. I knew Jack had figured that out, so I called him to get some advice. In short, Hoeschler & Ecklund was born essentially, he took in the wayfaring stranger. I waffled about contacting former clients and he gave me the encouragement I needed to go upstairs in the bank building and ask for the Great Northern Iron Ore Property real property work. And he ran into Steve Wellington and told him where to find me. And those two became enduring clients. He was the model for how to manage your own complex work with almost no staff. And he was easy to get along with.
I could go on about his being a role model for community engagement and unsung work for clients without means and devotion of time to family and probably other things if I took the time to think a bit more. But I wanted to get this off this morning. I know how these last hours and days pass. Please accept my condolences to you and all your beautiful wondrous family.
And so Godspeed to Jack, Kareen Ecklund
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Linda and Jack,
Our hearts are with you.
I was the beneficiary of Jack's tutelage as a somewhat senior (about two years) real estate lawyer and to this day think of Jack when I "look at all four corners of the property". Jack continues to instruct as he faces the end of his mortality with grace and courage. The goth Birthday book is spectacular. I appreciated the opportunity to have lunch with Rick and Jack a few months ago.
Thank you, Linda, for keeping us all informed and for your loving care of Jack. Thank you, Jack, for everything!
Dick [Richard B. Peterson]
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Linda,
This is Bruce Engelbrekt from the City of Saint Paul. You may remember me coming to the house a couple times in recent years. Once I brought some Puerto Rican "pasteles" for you all to try; I also gave Jack a tape of my singing. I met Jack about 10 years ago working with him on some city real estate business.
I want to thank you for your beautiful message below that Ferd Peters forwarded to me. It says so much about Jack and your relationship with him and his life in these final days. So moving. Such a tribute to Jack and to your love for him. A few weeks ago Ferd reached out to me to let me know of Jack's condition. He suggested I contact Jack while his health was still reasonably good, but as things happen in life I didn't do so and I regret it now. I know he's in his final days and it's too late for me to talk to him, but I at least want to share with you how he has touched my life.
Jack was the attorney for Dart Transit and I was the city real estate staffer purchasing an easement over Dart's property. At first I thought Jack was arrogant and trying to bully me. He went on and on about how important his client's position was and how unreasonable the City was being. Finally I had had enough and said, "Jack, if you'd just stop talking I think we could get something done here." He paused, then said, "You know, my wife tells me that all the time. Maybe I should listen to her more." In that moment I saw a more vulnerable side to Jack that made me instantly like him. Since that time we shared many emails and phone conversations and always seemed to mix business with talk about personal matters. For being such a hot shot attorney with so many accomplishments and so many friends on the "Who's Who" list, he nonetheless treated me as if I were a big shot, even more important than him - a great reminder of how all of us should be. He kept trying to get me to join the Swedish Men's Chorus and I should've taken him up on it, just to hang around him a bit more. Then COVID hit and that was the end of that. But I surely appreciated him taking what seemed like a special interest in me, although I expect he was that way with many others.
I hope Jack's final days can be as peaceful and pain free as possible. Both of my parents went through similar end of life experiences and it wasn't easy for them or any of their family and friends, but it was full of tenderness and meaning and joy and sadness and thankfulness. I expect you're feeling all of those emotions and many more, and deeply.
I don't know if Jack is alert enough for you to convey a message to him from me, but if he is, and if you're so inclined, please tell him that I was fortunate to have met him and that I'll always deeply admire him. And I'll think of him every time I venture back into the BWCA, knowing that he had the strength and youthful attitude to do it well into his ?O's.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Bruce Engelbrek
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Dear Linda,
Sissel has shared your email with me and I'm really sad to hear about Jack's disease. I've only met you and Jack a couple of times, but you guys have made a solid impression every time. I've always been struck by Jack's presence, both in size and personality. Every time I met him I felt he was very much present and gave people around him his full attention. I remember him as having a quick comment and a smile standby. He has always been an interesting guy to have conversations with, sharing of his intelligence, warmth and curiosity. I have no problem understanding why people who very lucky to be around him for some time, got to love and admire him that much. I can only imagine how this must be for you, Linda. I'm happy that Jack has experienced true love, long-lasting friendships and professional mastery in life, but I wish he could have stuck around for many more years. I will bring you both in my mind and heart for days to come.
Warm regards, J0rn Owe Blandehoel
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Dear Linda,
I learned from Bobby Johns that Jack is in Hospice. Today is father's day and it is appropriate that I communicate with you today. Jack is a good father and wonderful Grandpa. I have enjoyed keeping up with your family all these years. Please give him a hug from me and tell himthat I often think of the crazy and sometimes dangerous things we did as teenagers. I have many memories of those times and the friends we shared, the debate teams, drinking at the Cavalier with Jeff Davis driving in the jeep with the windshield down laughing with Jeff Klund and having a great group of friends who were smart and liked to have fun on the river and at their cottage. I could go on but you get the picture of a group of friends who enjoyed each others company.
My heart broke when Jim was in his final days so I can understand what you are experiencing. I want you to know that I care about the two of you and will always remember the little boy who brought a goat to kindergarten.
Love, Linda Sherwood
June 20
Dearest Jack and Linda,
We are headed your way in a couple weeks to see you as well as take time to participate in the St. Paul Strong/SPNN panel discussion (July 12) on the right-of-way maintenance (special assessment or tax?) whereby the Courts have agreed with your (Jack's) argument that the city's fee was, in fact, a tax.
Jack, I understand that you will be watching this from your library. Our SPNN panel will be following the format and "teaching moment" tone that you laid out in your May 25 email. Thank you for that advice. We will, of course, as we fly in from DC to MSP be gliding over the River Warren.
Right, the River Warren. In every one of our Washington to St. Paul trips it never fails that our first thought as we arrive is that we are "home again" and we will be seeing the Hoeschler's.
That we moved in next door was a gift -- from having fun with plastic flamingos in front of our house (do you remember that?) to evenings at Gem Lake, which included dinner inside at the long table followed by a Mosquito Beater stroll on the lawn. This is a "Jack and Linda" routine we now follow during our sunset times in Tilghman.
Then, there is all of the time that you took showing us around the Twin Cities. Our first "Jack tour" had us walking down to the banks of the Minnesota River (that is when we learned about what had been the River Warren) to what has become the pleasure of taking a drive together around the metro area to see how downtown St. Paul is changing, and then going across the river to that St. Paul suburb (that city that starts with a "M") and on to the Minnehaha Falls neighborhood where as a little girl Leslie would visit her grandmother.
Too, you were our introduction to events that were episodic at the time, but that changed our lives in very, very good ways -- from introducing us to the Ordway to joining you for the Gustavius Nobel conference, which includes (well, at least for Jack and Bob), slipping away to the Third Street Tavern next to the Konsbruck.
And in between all that, there was the time you found time to introduce us to Fuzzy Navels in the garden (we will have the picture of that in our DC home) before going off to a formal event downtown where Jack took Leslie to the dance floor and threw her over his shoulder and put her down on her feet!
And, perhaps best of all, you brought us into your wonderful family with Fritz and Kristen and, now, your grandchildren!
You are both such dear friends and have truly been one of the most important and best parts of our lives -- learning, laughing, and loving. We will see you soon.
With much love,
Robert D. Ebel and Leslie A. Steen
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Dear Jack and Linda,
Natalie and I heartbroken that we can't be with you in this most difficult time. It's been both hard and comforting to read the updates via email, my mom has been forwarding them to me, b t we've been inspired by the courage, love, and wisdom the two of you are demonstrating. Linda, you have brought words, I would even say poetry, to a moment that is not easy to express with language. We're happy to know you have been surrounded by loved ones and resting in the light of the beautiful home you built together.
We really enjoyed catching up with the two of you over tea at your home last summer. Natalie loved meeting you and was impressed and inspired by your beautiful library and art. During our talk it became even more evident your passion and generosity for creating opportunities for artists to thrive. As an artist myself, and Natalie a previous youth circus performer at Circus Juventus, we want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and life long commitment to artists. You've made a huge impact.
Jack, I want you to know how much I appreciate your intellect and curiosity as a learner. You've always been an interesting person to speak with because you are interested in the beauty and uniqueness of this wacky thing we call life. You're also not afraid to speak the truth of a moment even if it's difficult. And you do it with humor. Thank you.
We love and miss you both and will be holding you in our thoughts. Love,
Will and Natalie Hoeschler
P.S. I'd like to share one of my favorite poems with you.
Everything Is Going to Be All Right by Derek Mahon
How should I not be glad to contemplate
the clouds clearing beyond the dormer window and a high tide reflected on the ceiling?
There will be dying, there will be dying, but there is no need to go into that.
The poems flow from the hand unbidden and the hidden source is the watchful heart.
The sun rises in spite of everything
and the far cities are beautiful and bright.
I lie here in a riot of sunlight
watching the day break and the clouds flying. Everything is going to be all right.
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Haven't stationary and don't trust mail let alone Italy's. It may be better. Saw a sign today that said
Dance -as though no one is watching you
Love -as though you have never been hurt
Sing-as though no one can hear you
Live-- it does not mean to be in a place
It's clumsy but it fits my assessment as to how Jack and Linda have lived since you met in 1963 It's been the Hoeschler way, out there in plain sight, a partnership that worked so very very well
Watching from a distance I have been thrilled watching you move through life at 110 miles a hour. Honestly I have been a little jealous of the openness and joy of your adventure
Great adventures don't have to end. They simply change form.
Since'63 when I finished military service and came back to GU , it was clear that Jack was a special character. Adding Linda was a stroke of genius or good fortune ( let's stick with genius) as the two of you as a combined "one" have created so much joy and accomplished things beyond my ability to comprehend.
I was blessed to be along for a bit of the ride. It's been great fun and am so happy to have been there. I love you both, cherish the memories and am better for having been a small part of a fantastic trip!! God bless us one and all.
Never Row, Frank
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Dear Jack and Linda, Jack,
A leader you are! I have been "following you" in fact and spirit for 60 years!! On my best days as an oarsman, I was five seats behind you (and most often further back than that!). Your energy and outgoing spirit have set the pace ever since for me and so many of our friends. I remember with fondness and joy, your and I meeting in Paris the year after graduation, traveling by train to Lake Como, where we literally jumped together off the moving train and re-boarded another train the same way the next day after a night on the town, all this on our way to experiencing the magnificence of Florence. Then there were the quiet walks on Fire-island beaches and in Manhattan with you and Linda after you were married. There were the get-togethers in D.C., including a celebration of a new piece of music you and Linda had commissioned. More recently, you visited Jaffrey, NH with G.U. crewmates, and a "work-crew" suddenly emerged and submerged to remove our ancient water system (piping) from our Gilmore Pond! More recently still, we came together again in fellowship to experience the beauty of your lake escape and then northern Minnesota and its Boundary Waters. Most recently, you set the pace in support of the future of Georgetown Crew in bringing us together once more, this time in financial support of light-weight women's crew. Your spirit was in DC this past Spring, yet your familiar physical presence was not. We greatly missed you. We will greatly miss you. Your spirit will remain with us. At this stage of my life, I spend much time in touch with feelings of gratitude for the many people who have enriched my life. Surely, you are and always will be among those I consider a blessing to have known, having shared many happy moments in your company.
Thank you and bless you, Jack!!
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Linda,
You are a more than worthy soulmate to an amazing Jack Hoeschler. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing with me many of the joyous times described above and these very difficult recent days. It has been hard to write because I fear there are few words that can affect the inevitable. But speak and breathe we must. It is encouraging to know you have family and friends in proximity, both complicating and enriching such difficult and amazing days. Sally and I join our prayers for you and Jack with those of so many others. Of course, if there is ANYTHING I can do that might make a day brighter or easier, please be in touch.
Our thanks and our love go out to you,
Marc and Sally O’Brien
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The following is definitely a dream because the events are all questionable and jumbled up...
Prologue: A dream takes us to Earth where we meet Jack and Linda.
After Jack's graduation, his father, Jake tells his son not to become a priest but to go out into the world and get into some trouble. Son Jack decides to head to the esteemed Georgetown University and attends a Tea Dance where he meets the love-of-his-life, Linda Lovas. While at Georgetown, Jack excels at crew and is honored as a Student-Athlete.
Scene 1, The Ebner's Coulee Visit:
Linda arrives in La Crosse, Wisconsin with Jack to meet the J Hoeschlers. Linda meets Jake's wife ice skater Janet, skier (Jungle) Jim, tennis player Janice, and future log roller Jay. Linda explains to Jack's father Jake that she, too, has a sport, fencing. For some unfathomable reason, fencing is considered strange and log rolling is considered normal.
Scene 2, Marriage and Early Years
A beautiful wedding in Tarrytown, New York is captured in a wedding photo (that hangs in the stunning Scandinavian-styled Cottages at Gem Lake that Jack and Linda wisely acquire later in life). After Jack completes Law Studies, the couple serve as volunteers (AmeriCorps?) in Chicago and meet lifelong friend Manny. An attack results in concerns for their future family, so they move to St Paul where Jack will begin the practice of law.
Scene 3, Kroehler Furniture
Jack's Uncle Bob is able to assist the new couple with furniture from Kroehler, a company which at the time was the world's largest furniture manufacturer. Linda is working as an arts and music newspaper critic while Jack begins building his law practice. They are gifted with daughter Kristen and a few years later son Fritz.
Scene 4, Dancing
Jack and Linda hone their "Tea" dancing skills to become the stars whenever and wherever people gather to dance. Jack expertly lifts Linda across his back and flips her over with style and grace. They are true marvels and have a wonderful time on the
Dance floor….
Parki Hoeschler
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Linda, Blessings to you all as Jack leaves you. I was honored to have his friendship and also his a vice and support as Veep of the ASI Male Chorus. He was always there when I had questions or wanted advice.
I feel what you are going through. Nine years ago now my wife, Delores, entered hospice our Condo in Roseville. It was only three days for us with her mostly asleep. We were married for 115 years - truly. She for 57 and a half and me the same. Happened it was together. I have fun now telling folks that and reminiscing.
My sister, Judy, has now entered hospice at Lyngblomsten. She's physically bedridden but alert and enjoying visits of friends and family.
Do keep in touch and join us when you can. Maybe on another trip to Sweden even, in a couple of years we hope.
Sympathies from all of us in the Chorus. Ted
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Linda, your updates continue to be a beautiful tribute to Jack and the family. He certainly has given it a valiant effort to get the most time he could with his family.
Chuck and I both had tears when reading your note on Saturday evening as I'm sure many of your friends did also. The gift that you and Jack have given your family is the love affair that produced 2 generations that got to witness the partnership that you two enjoyed. Your travels, the cultural exposures are just beautiful memories that you all will have even though Jack is not physically present, he is forever in your hearts. The other blessing is the boys are old enough to truly remember all their special times and lessons learned from their Grampa.
You will continue to be in our nightly grace prayers. This is a tough time and we know that you will continue to be supportive to each other.
Take care and know if there is anything we can do just give us a call.
Most fondly, Mary and Chuck Killian
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Dear Linda,
Thank you so much for keeping so many of us in the loop during this last year of Jack's life. Both Laurel and I have been reading your epistles about Jack and have been so happy to get them and hear about how bravely he, you and your family have faced these final months and days.
I only wish I could have gotten by to see him before he left us but it sounds like he has had many friends and family around him to make that journey as easy and happy as it can be.
As you may or may not know, I first met Jack during my final year in law school at NYU (1979) as I was interviewing for my first law job after completing law school and a one-year clerkship with U.S. District Judge Earl Larson. He made an immediate impression on me as a man of immense intellect and real joy for life and the law. Although I went to work for another law firm (Briggs and Morgan), that impression held and stayed with me for many years. It was such a happy coincidence that I got to re-acquaint myself with him (and meet you) when I took over the leadership of the World Press Institute in 2007-08 and Jack joined our board of directors. While I value so much the support and guidance that he (and you) gave to me as I kept WPI going and thriving, I value even more the fun and joy of getting to know him more deeply because of this connection.
You and Jack are in Laurel and my thoughts and we wish Jack and your family a peaceful crossing-over in these final days. We both look forward to attending the celebration of Jack's life on August 22.
Good wishes and much love to you both,
David McDonald
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Hello••••thanks for your loving Jack update .........take care of yourself and your wonderful husband……..miss you both••••••••who are in my daily hourly prayers.
Glad that you and the family are in preparation.
As a Christian I believe we are all going to our rightful place with the Father in heaven who created us.... Peace be with you and your family throughout this time of life.....
Most sincerely,
Joyce Gillespie
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Dear Linda,
Thank you for the touching recounting of these last poignant days. We are so sorry that Jack has come to this passage. He has leda full and blessed life, mostly for having you by his side. He has accomplished much, and, more importantly, he has left an indelible mark on everyone he has touched, be it with outstanding legal work in his
professional life, and with his humor, heart, love and compassion in his personal life. How many can say the same thing?
May you both find the peace and rest you so richly deserve. Love,
Chip and Ceeya Bolman
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Linda- Cole Porter, violin music played by grandsons, you and the rest of the family supporting him at every step, and so many friends carrying him to his rest - when the time comes, as it does for us all, does it get any better than this? It is a great loss, I know, but Jack is going out with his mind intact and In the manner and style that you mutually hav devised. You and he have had a chance to plan his going away party down to the last detail, including the service at St. Olaf's. This is a marvelous testament to you and to Jack, but mostly to your support of him throughout his life and now in its final moments. He is so fortunate to have married you and to have the wisdom to have made decisions that allowed him to remain married to you.
I too am sorry that I did not get to know Jack well and you at all until 2018. (I only knew you through your reputation, your clear devotion to Jack and the G. U. Crew, and your written e-mail messages.) I am so glad that I accepted Jack's personal invitation to join the Boundary Waters waters four years ago about this time of year. He said it would be an adventure of a life time and it has been in many ways, one of which was the opportunity to get to know him so much better and to meet and get to know you. What an extraordinary man he is and what a wonderful wife and person are you.
Take good care of yourself in the coming weeks and see you in the Fall. - Olin
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Dear Linda,
Please know how dear you and Jack are to me. You both took such loving care of me in my time of need, something I think about often and am forever grateful. I'm so glad I told Jack on a couple occasions that I love him. Those words are not shared all that often between us strong male types. I told him that almost exactly one year ago when he called to tell me about his diagnosis. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to say it again when he called early this month.
Jack gave me my career, which has been a source of happiness all my life. He taught me everything I know about the real estate business in great lawyerly detail. He called me wonder-fellow often, which made me think I must be doing pretty good. But then to my surprise, I overhead him call someone else wonder-fellow over the phone. I've made peace that the world is large enough to have a couple such wonder-fellows, although I think Jack may have anointed more than just two.
Nery fell in love with Jack too, she holds him dear. I've been sad for some time not getting to see Jack often at work this past year, but when I did, I was happy.
As I've gotten older, I've spent time thinking about what it must be like knowing ones time is short and how best to go about using that time. Your sharing of your family's journey this past year, and Jack's courage to confront reality with grace and a light heart, has shown me the way. Nery messaged me back upon reading your update today writing "I want to be like Jack" - so do I!
Love, Gary Santoorjian
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Linda,
Abbey and I read the news today, and she said something that really struck me. She said Jack is an incredible man, and you are an incredible woman, but that together you are both so much more. The honesty, the devotion, the laughter, the adventures, the selflessness for each other and your friends, family, and communities, watching and being around the two of you has been so inspirational to so many, Abbey and I included. His spirit, his thirst for learning, his willingness to help are things I try to emulate, and I will for as long as I live. I am so blessed to be mentored by Jack and by you. The two of you truly are the best, and I am so sorry your time with him, the family's time with him, and the world's time with him is being cut short. I take a little bit of solace in knowing very few people can say they truly lived as much as Jack has.
Abbey and I love you and Jack. You know we are here if you need anything a week from now, a year from now, or a decade from now.
Doug Grawe
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Hi Linda.
Judy forwarded your email on to Sue and I. So sorry to hear of Jacks condition. My Mom passed at her home in Hospice. It was the right way to complete her life.
Your note was eloquent and sad and wonderfully honest. It of course brought Sue to tears. It made her reflect on a trip to the airport in Mexico where we shared a cab with Jack and Kristen. She found them both delightful and engaging.
Wishing you peace in these last days. The completion of the circle of life is never kind but it is something we will all experience. My goal will be to show grace in that moment. just as you have.
Sending our Best.
Fred Scheer
June 21
Dear Linda:
Thank you for your most recent note.
Calling a halt to visits from your family's wide circle of friends is just the right thing to do.
This is a sacred time for you and Jack, your children, your grandchildren, and whoever seems right to you from that wider circle of family you think appropriate. As my son Jon was dying and in hospice Care, I frankly did not have the energy, physical, emotional, or spiritual, to entertain anyone else. It was a precious time for my daughters and I, Kathy, and Jon's mother Christine to gather around Jon as he lay in bed for stories, for tears, for prayers, for support to and from each other.
Please know that my prayers are with you all as you gather around Jack in the library overlooking the Garden. We have all come from that first Garden of Eden and our life's pilgrimage will finally bring us to that other garden, Paradise, to enjoy the mysteries it has yet to share with us all. And along the way we must stop and pause at that third Garden, Gethsemane, and wrestle with the meaning of our destiny as human beings who are somehow comprehended within G-D's gracious embrace.
Please give Jack a hug and a kiss and a smile from me!
Peace!
Chris Thomforde
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I have been thinking so much about you and just wanted to reach out and say how much I love you and Jack and how much both of you have meant and continue to mean to me and my family.
My Dad absolutely loved you both and felt so close to you. He always felt so honored that you (when he was there) called your guest room "Bobbie's room". With our moving to Ca. when I was so young, I unfortunately do not have the same connections that Parki does, but always love hearing the stories.
You have handled this very trying time with such grace and caring and I love how you both have maintained your humor.
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. All my love and HUGE HUGS.
Susan Hoeschler
June 22
Dear Linda,
Thank you for including me in your updates. I feel honored to be a small part of the energy and love being sent your way.
I am truly fortunate that our family has crossed paths with yours. Kristen has such flair for life that I realize as I get to know you better must come from you. I also see Jack's strength and resilience in her though. I appreciate the comfort and stability of Jack's presence and see how you two complement one another so nicely. When our boys were young Kristen was telling me about her travels as a child which I immediately was impressed by as it is something I crave gifting my children. As we prepped for our adventure living abroad she would share stories of trips with you both.
One of my favorites was her telling of your visit to London when she was a teenager and thought museums were 'so boring' as most teens would. She told me Jack encouraged her and Fritz to look for all the naked bodies as they went through the museum and she said it really made their attitude shift that day! Too funny. I'm guessing it was the British Museum, but not entirely sure. Regardless, a brilliant move by Jack, who was clearly in touch with his kids.
You and Jack's presence at Sunny Hollow showed how loving and important family is. What a wonderful example you and Jack have been to our family and to the many you've touched through your lives and your grandchildren's lives. Please give Jack a big hug from the Hipps family. We will see him in Jack & William always.
Much love to you all, Tricia Hipps
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Linda, I just heard from Mary Killian that Jack is on hospice. I talked to you early Spring and knew he was quite ill. You have frequently been in my heart and thoughts since we last spoke.
I miss seeing you and Jack on your walks - or just seeing you with your walking sticks. I have walking sticks of my own and enjoy walking. When the time is right for you and you want a silent or talking partner on the path, please call. If you want a last minute task accomplished please call.
Please give Jack a hug or hand squeeze from me and all the Burke's including my beloved son and husband somewhere beyond this time and space. With deep compassion
Mary Burke
June 23
Thank you, Fritz! Your family did more for my soul than I have ever imagined possible in my career. It was a truly beautiful and special experience to be involved in your father's care. I feel blessed. I refreshed my computer at about 10 pm and saw that he had moved on in his incredible journey. Tears flowed as I went outside and looked up to the sky and said, "you did it, Jack!" What an amazing man! Right up to the end he did it exactly how he wanted to do it. Beautiful.
We have your Mom's book and can return it today or whenever she's up for a visit. Please let us know what is most convenient. Thank you so much for the care you provided. It was so touching to watch the love in that beautiful home. If you would like to keep the book, mom would like you to keep it as a thank you. Mom is saying that she would love to have you and Dawn (social worker) {I hope I got the right name) still come this morning at 10:30 if it is still possible.
Keep the planned appointment if it is allowed. I was planning to come with Erin today, the social worker. I could see if she has rearranged her schedule or if she can still come. I'll see if Dawn is available, too. I'll let you know. Thank you! Sorry for getting the names wrong between Erin and Dawn. I may not be there when you show up since I am going to the airport to pick up my wife and check in with work. However, I know it will be great for my Mom to talk. I look forward to it! Thanks, Fritz! Take care. Reach out to me or hospice if you need anything or have any questions for you or the family.
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For his peaceful release, I am grateful. Your exquisite ministrations, poetry, music, words of meaning were as perfect as can be imagined. I mourn and salute this wonderful man, thankful he gave part of his life to Charlie and me. Much love to all of you.
Carol Heen
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Dear Linda,
Thank you for this beautifully written diary about Papa Jack's last day. Kristen had called me to say that there was a lot of music from the boys. I am sure Jack appreciated every note and every poem.
I am very sad that we will miss his memorial as we are headed to Italy that day for a music festival that Ariana and Daniel are performing in.
Please know we will be thinking of your family, for the lovely celebration of Jack's life. He lived it large and will be missed by all.
If there is anything I can do in the meantime, please let me know. With love and sadness,
Ellen and Young-Nam Kim
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We will raise a glass of that very old Porto that he so liked. If we could all be like him.
Standing by for anything you may need or like.
With love and deep admiration for you and your man.
fred w.kay
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Dear Linda:
Thank you for sharing this beautiful account of Jack's last moments with your family. Rest In Peace, dear Jack!
I can hear from not too far away, "Well done, Thou good and faithful servant!"
My prayers continue to be with you, the grandsons, the whole family circle! G-D's embrace, expressed through their very human means, sustain you in the busy-ness and the grief of the immediate days to come!
With love and sadness, Chris Thomforde
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Thank you, Dear Linda,
Thank you, Dear Jack, for your extraordinary life.
As I said, I will dedicate my latest work to him as well.
I will try to be present at the August 22 service - although I note that it is Jackie's Birthday, so it may be in spirit.
We still have some meaningful living to do, Dear Friend, and so I will make a toast with Limoncello together with the two of you, transported to that rooftop Terrace in Rome, which I can conjure so vividly.
Cosmic hugs and love, Jon Deak
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Dear Linda and your loving family, No one could have a more thoughtful and loving passing than the one you all gave to Jack. May you all get some rest now, knowing Jack left full of your love. With thanks to you for letting us share such precious moments through your beautiful messages, Linda. Yours, Donna and Don Zuckerman
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Oh Linda, how is it possible our wonderful Jack will no longer be with us? He was a brave warrior and is now at rest. You are his brave partner who shared an amazingly rich life with Jack of love, travels and accomplishments.
Please know that if you want to call at any hour of the day or night, I'd be honored. Selfishly, I had hoped that my Red Chamber reverie would arrive in time, but clearly your poems were the perfect choices. (I'll send an edited version later today.)
All my love to you, Kristen & Terry, Fritz & Julia, Jack and William, xoxo, Parki Hoeschler
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Hello Linda
May he Rest In Peace on this summer solstice passing. A fine time of year to be surrounded by family, flowers, fellowship and fantastic memories of times gone by.
I will let you know if I can to come to you in August. I am on my way to Boston now until July 17, so I wonder if I could even pay my respects during this trip?
It is a strange feeling surely to be without Jack in body but may you be surrounded by his love and joy that he brought to you.
So glad you, Kristen and Fritz are together. Love to you all,
Elizabeth Imm
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Linda - what a beautiful summary of your last days with Jack. You both and your family gave him the gift of a wonderful goodbye and send off from this life. Thank you for sharing your journey with so many of us. It was a privilege to be a part of his journey this last year. I wish you peace and piece of mind knowing you did all you could for Jack. Take care and let me know if you need anything. If I don't see you before - I will be at his celebration of life in August.
Megan Remark
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Dear Linda,
Thank you for your wonderful, loving tribute to Jack and your enduring commitment to invest the time in sharing the most intimate experiences of Jack's final days and final hours. You have been such a complement to Jack and finished the race with him, in so many ways almost as if you rowed in a double together, now just gliding to a gentle stop.
Rest assured, all travel arrangements have been completed and I will see you at Saint Olaf church, in August. You probably already know that Jack, you, and all of your family members are in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.
Warmest regards, as always, And much love, too,
Jim Hanna
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I'm so, so sorry - I didn't know Jack the way many of you did, but his integrity and concern for St. Paul was so evident in all my interactions with him. I appreciate all the wonderful, vulnerable, informative letters about Jack's progress over the last months from Linda. The family's love for Jack shines through in every word.
And I hope she, her family, and all his many friends and acquaintances, find comfort and joy in all the wonderful memories with him...
Take care, be well, and cherish your loved ones,
Elizabeth Dickinson
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So much of Saint Paul's past and it's future left us with this unusual man. In so many good ways Jack was and remains forever - one of a kind.
Dave Durenberger
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Dear John [Mannillo]
I met Jack as a member of St. Paul STRONG. What I have always appreciated about Jack was his willingness to debate the issue with me, a woman, a feminist, whose experience with men Jack's age was more often dismissive. At his very first SPS meeting we sparred, respectfully, about policing (my expertise). A younger me would've gone silent when challenged by important men, but no more!
Since then, Jack not only listened to my ideas, but asked for them and supported them and me. I have been saddened lately when that he was no longer able to participate and now even more so that he has moved on. I will miss him, his vision, his ideas for an improved future for all, his humor, his love of animals, children and the underdog...his willingness to respectfully debate an issue and to let women into the circle of influence, of which I feel certain Linda had a hand.
I had wished there was more time. I wish I had sent another card. I hope in his parting, he knew he will bemissed by those of us who, while not part of his inner circle, saw him, heard him, and were impacted positively by him. I will miss him and will be forever grateful for Linda's generous sharing with us all.
Laura Goodman
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Just read your message, Linda. Now he is seeing the face of God and is with us all in his new life - at peace at last - but I am sure still directing things from his new perspective. Watch for his signs.
In prayer and with you all. Be strong, my dear. You are loved dearly. So glad you have had these days of preparation. With love and with you,
Sister Anne Clare Keeler
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Thank you.
What a beautiful goodbye to a mensch, in every way. Highest compliment bestowed on a person. Love, Barb (started to type S-(Sherm)
Thanks, Barbara Winthrop
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Dear Linda,
Elizabeth has been forwarding your wonderful messages messages about the changes in Jack's life during his last days. You made it clear that you both were blessed to have each other in your lives. You and his family served him well during his last days with us. I always thought of Jack as someone I could trust to help me or my family if a need arose.
I have to admit that I am envious of your experience of being able to have such a high, thoughtful, two sided level of communication during those last days. We were confident that Judith was able to understand all we said to her during her last days, but we weren't able to understand her because of the difficulty she had in expressing herself to be assured that we understood her reactions.
I have noted the date of Jack's memorial service. It would be wonderful to attend if I can arrange a trip back to Minnesota at that time. Wouldn't it be wonderful of you could manage to come to our celebration of Judith's life on 30 June in Ipswich, Mass. You were such a major figure in her life during our life in St. Paul.
Much love to all the Hoeschlers,
Martin Imm
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Dear Laura and John [Doyle],
Please convey our sincere condolences to Linda and family. They're in our prayers. We remember Jack as a man of keen intelligence, humor, and warm hospitality. But most of all, we remember his and Linda's commitment to improving the social and cultural environment of their community.
We hope to be able to attend Jack's memorial service in August. When you have a chance, please send us Linda's home address. Thanks.
Take care.
Peace,
Ed & Barbara Martinez
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Dearest Linda,
I have read nothing more beautiful or meaningful to me than this letter about caring for one's beloved making life's final journey.
Though your letter is filled with relief, grace and peace, I can't help sobbing as I write this brief note, filled with our love.
Thank you, dear and most amazing friend.
We will toast Jack this evening in his honor. And toast again in yours.
Emilie and Henry Buchwald
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Dear Linda,
I'm sitting in the Swedish countryside where the sun won't really go down tonite. There are doves calling softly. It is beautiful and peaceful. Today we visited my brother in law Kurt's grave in a section of the church cemetery which is unimproved woodland covered with blueberry bushes. We put daisies on his grave and reminisced about his life.
That is the context in which I read your account of Jack's last day on earth. It was on the day after midsommar, a day when the sun does not go down in the polar region to the north. A day when Swedes are celebrating life. It all flows together. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Love,
Jerry and Dagmar Getz
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Dear Linda & Fritz,
Shumin and I were quite sad to hear of Jack's passing, though we were also quite comforted to read how he was surrounded by so many loved ones and was under the attention of such compassionate care.
I only met Jack twice, but thanks to my mother I feel like I've known you all for quite some time. You are all such kind and generous people, I can only imagine how many family and friends are sharing this loss.
We have a long weekend here in Montreal, as Friday is "John the Baptist" day. Shumin and I are going to take it easy, and do a bit of gardening. I am going to think of you all. I'll be remembering the night Jack and Linda treated Shumin and I to a surprisingly good Sushi dinner at the train station in Goteborg, just after we had come back from burying my mother in Lillkyrka. It was so comforting to speak with you both at that time. My mother admired you all very much, and while I am not religious, I can't help but imagine that somehow my mother is welcoming Jack to heaven with some good conversation and laughter.
May the warmth of so many wonderful memories and the comfort of so many friends and family help you to celebrate a life that I suspect was exceptionally well lived. And may the joy of those memories outweigh the sorrow of your loss.
Love and condolences, Anders & Shumin
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Linda,
Sad but not unexpected news.
Thanks for your wonderful account of Jack's last days; it made me feel like I was able to share them with you.
I am following your advice; Jane and I will have a limoncello toast tonight made from Meyer lemons from our trees and brewed by me.
Jane and I will be there to celebrate on the 22nd. Wouldn't miss a Jack Hoescher planned event.
Mark Pisano
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Yes, this is pure Jack I agree. And your report to us is pure Linda, full of faith, love, and a wonderful sense of life even in the face of death. I'm taking notes for when it comes time for another member of my own family.
Lots of love, Scott Wheeler
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Dear Linda,
Thank you. It was indeed a beautiful day, and a good day for a crossing for Jack. We are so grateful for his efficiency, as you put it, and "if it had to be", this was clearly a blessing for all of you. How wonderful for Jack to be released from all the imposed limitations. I hope Saint Peter is ready for some challenging conversations.
Our hearts are with you and your family during these days ahead. Love to you,
Karen and Nick Lundholm
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Dear Linda,
As I have stated before, on many occasions, yet I cannot say it enough, you have a beautiful way of putting your thoughts and emotions into the written word. (I was going to say "on paper", but that doesn't always apply to this day and age).
I am so glad that I had the opportunity to meet you and Jack those few years ago, when Amanda couldn't make it work for her to help you with a dinner party. You are a great friend and mentor to me. Jack was always kind to me and inquisitive about my life. I have felt like both of you care about me. I also care for both of you and your family. Your kindness has been uplifting to me.
I remember one time while serving at a party when I had a little break. Dishes were done, food was served, counters cleaned and I was waiting for dessert time. I had a knitting project which I pulled out of my bag to knit a couple rows. Jack came into the kitchen and said, "I'm glad to see you're gainfully employed!"
I was so embarrassed ! But he seemed to forgive me.Thank You for the wine! It is very good.
Teresa Moore
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Linda, thank you for sharing these moments of Jack's life, your thoughts and your family's caring support.
Linda, I must admit, that I had a heavy spirit of loss this morning thinking about Jack and the impact of this special man in your life, your children's lives, your two wonderful grandchildren and the many people that loved Jack I Susie and I love and support you. Let us know when you would like us to visit you!
Richard Chaffee
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Dearest Linda,
What a journey you have been on with your beloved Jack. You have been a true advocate and cheer leader. You have become knowledgeable about the health care system. You coped through challenges during COVID and Jack's illness.
So many memories you have shared with us. You were a special couple. Please accept our sincere sympathy.
Barbara Brown and John Michel
Keeping you in our prayers
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Linda,
My heart goes out to you and the entire family. We are losing one of the greats in the Twin Cities.
John Nuechterlein
June 24
Hi John and Laura [Doyle]
Thank you for letting us know about Jack. We spoke about his battle with cancer when I was with you in April and I remember thinking how much courage you need to fight the relentless attacks of cancer. Of course our thoughts are with Linda and with you both.
I think we met Jack and Linda twice and one of those times was at their cabin. At the time they were both recovering from a serious car accident-I think they were in Sweden having just picked up a new car from the factory. Of course, I could be completely wrong about this. I remember him being tall and gentle and calm.
All the best to you both from here. Sarah continues to make gentle progress and we are learning to adjust our speed and limit our horizons while she recovers.
Much love from here!
Pat and Sarah Donlan
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Dear Linda,
Thank you for your beautiful reflections. I hope you feel better to have released all that happened yesterday. I'm glad that you were able to have a kiss goodbye. My task, a skål to Jack, is completed. Lisa and I look forward to the celebration.
Love,
Philip and Lisa Isenberg
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Linda,
We were so very sad to hear that Jack has passed. In recent months, as you have steadfastly held him with love and confidence in his team at Regions, please know that you have been mentioned in the RHF board meetings several times.
At this time of grief and transition, I am most willing to assist you in any way that may be of comfort. You have been so articulate in recognizing how the Regions team supported you and Jack; I hope you will at some time, be open to sharing more of your journey with us as an inspirational story of care at Regions.
With regards and admiration,
Linda Hanson
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Dear Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about Jack's passing. I am glad, however, that his passing was so peaceful and that I had the wonderful opportunity to talk extensively with Jack at our get together at Leaetta's home last year. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Linda at this time of great loss.
Sincerely, Bill Frey
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Dear Linda,
We've read this last message from your long journey and Jack's with tears and deep sadness. It's a relief to know that he is finally at peace, and that you'll be able to start out on your new journey of healing, such as that will ever be possible, in the times ahead. Your generosity through all this, in sharing it with such candor and beauty, has beena powerful experience and lesson, for which gratitude mingles with heartbreak. Jack was such a wonderful man, who left too soon but who leaves the kind of legacy that is sure to buoy and nourish you and all of us in the ever-widening arc his goodness.
With much love, Christopher Kendall and Susan Schilperoort
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I mostly knew Jack through our Friday luncheons at the Downtowner. He had a great curiosity about so many things. I once lent him a lengthy audio book on the history of the British empire. He liked it so much that he bought his own copy. Also, he was witty. On several occasions, at our Tuesday soirees, he humorously explained the finer distinctions between the various angels that are contained in the nine choirs of angels of the Roman Catholic Church. I learned the differences between the seraphim, cherubim, archangels and others in the heavenly pantheon. Such knowledge will serve me well, in the event I should ever meet up with any of that crew of heavenly creatures.
Jack had a great love of nature and enjoyed leading friends and acquaintances on tours of the Japanese garden that he and Linda cared for in their backyard. As the garden's official "Moss Cowboy," he was the self appointed seeker and finder of wild moss for the garden. There is a deeply spiritual aspect and artistic aesthetic to Japanese gardens. That spirituality and love of art was an important part of Jack.
Jack often showed kindness and compassion towards others who were needy and less fortunate. He once told me about the young man who had climbed out of the ravine in the backyard and showed up naked (or nearly naked) at the Hoeschler's back door one cold autumn evening. The young man was cold and shivering. He may have had some mental health issues, or perhaps he had been taking who-knows-what street drugs. In any case, Jack took him in, gave him some blankets for warmth and then called the young man's father, who gratefully came and picked up his troubled son. I'm not sure how I would have handled that situation, but Jack handled it with great compassion, and he showed deep respect to a fellow human who was struggling with life. What a mensch!
It was such a privilege having known Jack, as I did.
Mike Kluznik
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Hello Linda
I'm so sorry Jack is gone. You were so clear about your life philosophy, yet this came so quickly. And no matter the philosophy, you were such in-synch partners, that there is no way you could not now have a huge void in your life.
I'm thinking about you and about being 80. We were both the "youngest to ever.,," and who ever thought that would change. But of course it does.
My best to you. And to your family.
Bill Kling
June 25
Linda-
I received your earlier email of Jack's departure about half-way through my 48-hour travel journey to Henley, England with the LW men. I send my deepest condolences and will continue to pray for you and your family.
I so admire how Jack and you faced his decline and death with eyes wide-open and bore brave witness to the final life experience we will all one day face. Thank you for all the sharing that you have blessed us with.
I am staying with the lightweight team at a house here at Henley. Today was our first full day in this wonderful place. If heaven is anything like being at the Henley Royal Regatta, Jack will be very happy in the afterlife.
Tonight over dinner, I plan to tell the nine members of the LW squad about Jack: about his love for the Georgetown Crew, about his remarkable athletic and academic achievements, about his life-long commitment to advance Georgetown Rowing, and about a wonderful life well lived in service to others. I know I won't get through it without a few tears.
Thank you, Linda. I am planning to go on the canoe trip in September. This travel to England has made me realize how much more I need to strengthen my legs following my extended inactivity due to recent knee replacement surgery.
God bless,
Pat McArdle
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Dear Linda,
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. Reading of all his accomplishments in his life of 80 years it is humbling to recall the days when he was Jack, another of the "boys in the boat," when we were all pretty much tabulae rasa with our whole lives ahead of us. Jack clearly made the most of the opportunities he encountered and clearly made his smartest move in wooing and wedding you. I was very pleased to get to re connect with you both on the occasion of our 2014 gathering in Philadelphia. Remembering Jack as he was then, it was hard to imagine anything could bring him down.
With fondest regards to the GU Crew Sweetheart, Glenn Farris
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Dear Linda --
Please accept my most sincere condolences at the "departure" of Jack with the assurances that you and your family will most certainly be remembered in my daily thoughts and prayers. There is such consolation in our faith, nurtured in so many ways by our Georgetown experiences and especially in the teamwork of our "pulling our oars" at each current task of lives that last forever. The image of Jack and Dean and other Hoya friends -- Fred King and of course Don Cadle come to my mind - gathering together at regular heavenly regattas inevitably brings a smile and some joy to mix with our sorrow at this time -- our loss, their gain!
A quick note on a couple of Jack Hoeschler memories. Since he and my brother Dean rowed together for four years, memories of both interlace together with work-outs and races on the Potomac and at the Dad Vail. I joined the GU crew as a first year student in 1962-63 and shared in the camaraderie of those early morning post-Christmas training sessions before the docks went down in late February and then paddling among the ice chunks floating downstream while we rowed up to the Three Sisters and back past Thompson's Boathouse to the Lincoln Memorial and Memorial Bridge. I spent my Junior Year with Gonzaga-in-Florence and met with Jack and Mark O'Brien at the end of that academic year - late spring, early summer, 1965 -- touring Normandy and Brittany with the two of them, cruising country roads in a Citroen "Deux Cheveaux" they had rented for a few days.
Jack and Dean and I share some Minnesota roots. Our Dad grew up in St. Mark's parish in the Midway area of St. Paul, and Dean and I both spent summers in the Brainerd area at Camp Foley (Whitefish Lake, Pine River, MN). Dad had attended St. Thomas Military Academy, started at St. Thomas College, and finished at the University of Minnesota where he eventually directed the Student Health Center. Before marrying Dad in 1941 and moving to Chicago in 1942, Mom administered the Camp Fire Girls Minnesota programs in the mid-1930's, which included directing Camp Ojiketa, not far from the Twin Cities. Although Jack and I never spoke together of this common Minnesota background, it has clearly been essential for all of us!
Linda, it is so good that you have agreed to continue as GURA "scribe," and I look forward to our paths crossing down the road. Again, please know how prayerfully and profoundly I share in your loss at this time.
Sincerely, Jim Conley
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Linda, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for keeping us up-to-date on Jack and so sad to hear of his passing. Not even knowing him that well, the interaction we had with the both of you was very memorable. He was always so passionate about the crew which was inspirational to the rest of us. We will miss him but thankfully we still have you. I am sure it is of great comfort that he was able to pass on so much of himself to so many others. May he rest in peace.
Ted Kundtz
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Dear Linda and Kristen,
Michael just shared your email with me. Your words are a beautiful tribute to the love you and Jack shared. My heart is broken for you.
I have fond memories of you both when you so graciously welcomed Michael and me, so many years ago, when we came up to tour the university. Jack took time to give us a driving tour of the cities. That meant a lot to us.
I'm just recovering from a full hysterectomy/cancer surgery, and at the moment, food poisoning, but I hope to be able to visit with you at the service in August.
You all are in my prayers. With sympathy and love, Mary Lovas
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Hi Linda,
Barb and I will be in St. Paul July 29-30 for a memorial for her brother and uncle. We would love to stop by to see you for a few minutes if you will be around and comfortable with yet another visitor. You have been extraordinarily brave throughout this ordeal but you and Jack have shown me and the rest of the world how to die, and I will be forever grateful for your example. I'll be in touch in a month's time to see if you want visitors - we absolutely do not want to intrude on your privacy and mourning. Until then, be at peace and try to get some of the rest you have sacrificed for so long.
As ever, John Michel
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Kristen - Laura called to let us know that your father died. I am so sorry. To lose a father is tough, but to lose such a wonderful man is a profound loss. Trust me when I say that he is not gone. You and the boys will think of him all the time, and often with a chuckle. He was that kind of man. The kind that brings his grandson on a trip to Florida and teaches him to ride a horse or watches proudly as his grandson holds his breath for a really, really long time underwater in the pool.
We all will miss your father so much. He was such a smart, fun and vigorous man who enjoyed his life and adored his family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please let us know if we can do anything for you or your family at this difficult time.
love,
Aunt Ann and Cousins Cliff & Sheila Loughlin
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Dearest Linda,
Bob and I are so saddened to hear that Jack has passed away. May he rest in peace.
Bob and I left for Alaska right after attending the revival of Dream of the Red Chamber In San Francisco. Parki wrote shortly thereafter and we had been praying for Jack since then. Mike Anthony wrote today with the sad news.
Jack was one of the kindest and most gracious person it had been my privilege to know. His passing will leave a big hole in the Twin Cities community, and I can only guess the hole he is leaving in your heart. We are still in Alaska and I will write again after we return next Tuesday. We will continue to send prayers your way.
In deep respect, Bob and Pearl Bergad
June 26
Dear Linda,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for your enormous loss of a loved husband, father and grandfather.
As we have read in the obituaries, and what we already knew from personal knowledge, Jack was an extraordinary man. For us, adopted cousins, he was a warm person with a good sense of humor - a man in whose company it was easy to feel comfortable. It is a loss to know that he is no longer "over there".
There is nothing we can say as a cheap comfort, unfortunately. Grief is known to be hard work. We are happy to know, Linda, that you have wonderful children and grandchildren.
We have been following your "reports" ( not the very best word ), Linda. It has been heartbreaking reading, but indeed beautifully written. Poetic.
We will be pleased if you - any ti me - choose to visit us / stay with us in Norway.
Love,
Sissel Erna Blandehoel and Hakon, Glenn, J0rn and Trude
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Dearest Linda,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Jack. I have never know such beautiful, intellectual, inquisitive individuals who were a perfect match for each other. Your and Jack's grace through this past year has been inspiring. Thanks for sending the obituary as I had not seen it. Although I knew of some of Jack's accomplishments and history, there were new facts I did not know that made me admire him even more.
With deepest sympathy and love, Jill Christiansen
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Dear Linda,
It was with deep sadness that I received the message of Jack's death. I had not met him personally but came to admire him for his loyalty to his family and his dedication to Georgetown and its rowing program. Several months ago when he called me to help support the Women's Crew, ostensibly to help defray the cost of the coach, I enjoyed speaking with him very much.
With deepest sympathies, Bulent Atalay
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Linda,
My sincere, heartfelt condolences. I realize that you were prepared for Jack's passing and take great comfort that his pain has ended. Nevertheless the finality of it has to be difficult, and I deeply commiserate.
I was touched by the wonderful obit. What an incredible, admirable life Jack lived with you! A life truly well lived. Take good care,
Rick Weiss
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Dear Linda,
We are so sorry that youlost Jack. He has helped us so much since we knew each other. I am always so impressed by his knowledge and humorous. At this moment, we just want to express our deepest condolence to him.
Fei Xiao and Wei
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Oh how I miss that wonderful voice resonating down the hall, his wonderful sense of humor, and the incredible compliments he always so generously bestowed on me. What a man....
Love, Judy Nelson
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Linda,
I'm heartbroken.
But, did any man, did any couple, live a fuller life?
I remember the first time I met you. It was the summer of '64 after the IRA races. Suzy had come over and She drove me back to Poughkeepsie and Jack was going to give me a ride home from your place. Suzy and her dad drove me down. We chatted briefly, and somehow the subject of Russian came up. I was taking Russian that summer. You asked me about the "myaki znak" the Russian soft sign. It was news to me. Funny what you remember.
Then back to Washington in Jack's VW (I think it was a convertible).
I was overwhelmed by the article and the obituary. I never knew anyone with such an impressive resume. And to be admired by your opposing lawyers speaks volumes about Jack. You may not be the "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" but you will always be the "Sweetheart of Never Row."
My prayers are with you and your family. Affectionately,
Jim Leahigh
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Dear Linda -
I am so sorry to hear about Jack, and am so grateful to you and to him for all you did and continue to do for our Georgetown community. Also - now that I know more about your and Jack's other "non-Georgetown" community and activities from the articles you sent - I am even more grateful and in awe of the life he led, and the one you two built together.
I wish I had known you and Jack better, but treasure the experience of having had our lives intersect, if only a bit, through our shared Georgetown rowing involvement. •
Thank you both so much!
Steve Bavaria
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Hi Marge [Vernig],
Thanks so much for the update. It's so sad to hear, but I am also so grateful Jack has his family and friends close at this difficult time.
You know better than most what force Jack can be when is on a mission, as he was in our battle against the City for First Baptist Church. Thinking about Jack now I went back to reading some of the hundreds of emails we exchanged over the years. I find some pride years later in the great work we all did together in drafting motion after motion, brief after brief-ultimately prevailing at the Minnesota Supreme Court. But for Jack's dogged persistence (and friends like David), we could never have succeeded.
I think I last saw Jack at my Investiture in May, 2019. I found a couple of pictures from that day-one with Jack sitting front and center in the gallery talking to our Sheriff and the other talking to our former DA. I thought I'd pass them on for Jack to see if he can. I was so glad to see him that day.
If Jack still can see friends for a few moments, I would be grateful to come by. But I know this may be a time for family and close friends. In any case, perhaps you could have Linda pass on this email and photo.
All the best to my very good friend, Jack.
Scott J. Nordstrand
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Linda, how kind! Jack was the guy that could adapt to virtually any personality he might encounter. And how typical of your amazing energy and thoughtfulness that you found time to send a note...
We're staying at the Normandy Inn, just a couple of blocks from St Olafs (surely the only St Olafs in the world to be a Catholic Church!) and the Minneapolis Club (which I remember fondly from the fantastic reception after Kristen's St Thomas Chapel wedding). The CD with the world premieres is always an instant pick-me-upper, and my spirits soar with the music. Janice sent me a photo of the family-group photo from the wedding and it was sweet to see Dad in good health and all of us looking so young!
Next Sunday, I'll see my second (SFO's final) performance of Dream of the Red Chamber. (A cast is typically smoothest and most energetic for the finale, and it becomes a big high for the audience as well as the cast.) I promised Pearl I would report back to her. The production keeps improving and the sopranos are great, but I do miss the Contralto and second Mezzo of the premiering cast. You may recall we met both of them at our table at the Dim Sum celebration. The additional lower registers made for an interesting mix of voices and the Contralto was fantastic. I still have the program she offered to sign for me.
You can be very proud of the rich environment you provided for Jack and the care you orchestrated. I think you live your life in a way the eliminates regret and guilt. Brava for you!
Lots of love, Parki
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Dear Linda
We were so sad to hear of Jack's death in today's obit. He shared his illness with me so I was not totally surprised! I have prayed for him and his family this morning. We plan to attend his funeral at st St Olaf!
Do know we love you and your family as dear friends and share your loss of a good husband father and friend! ! Love
Joe and Jane Micallef
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Dear Linda,
I'm grateful for you sending these to me. While I had read the obituary in the Strib, I had not yet encountered the PiPress profile, which I found particularly illuminating about Jack. Our communities - civic and arts - have benefitted greatly from Jack's devotion to them. If only more held firm to the notion of civitas, that we share responsibilities and purpose in support of one another, we would be so much better off.
Linda, if there is anything that I can do to be of help, I hope you know that you can call on me at any time. You and your family and wide circle of friends are in my prayers.
With affection, Bruce Karstadt
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Mrs. Hoeschler,
You don't know me but I worked with Jack and Fred Sewell for a few years on a project on University Avenue and I just wanted to forward my condolences. Jack out negotiated us every time, but I was glad he had Fred's back and I enjoyed working with him. I am sorry he isn't with us.
Noah Bly
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Dear Linda,
I saw Jack's obit in Sunday paper. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and of the last several months of illness. I don't have to tell you he was quite a guy, and the two of you were quite a couple. You know I've always been a fan of yours after all the work we did together, and through you I learned about all Jack had done, was doing, and the concentric circles of impact his life will continue to have. My apologies for being out of touch, if for no other reason than to have been able to send you our thoughts and prayers over the past many months. Rest assured, you both are in our thoughts and prayers.
My deepest condolences, Neal Cuthbert
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Linda
We are so very saddened to hear of Jack's passing. We knew from recent email exchanges with you that he was failing but it is still so upsetting when it happens.
We hope that you and your family can recover from the difficulties of these past few months and begin to focus on his true legacy of problem solving and community leadership.
Kathy and I will always remember his welcoming spirit when we first discovered Gem Lake and decided to purchase property here. Jack's energy and enthusiasm for this community were contagious and a big part of our presence here today.
We understand that you and the family will celebrate his life and legacy in August, we look forward to that celebration.
Let us know as Gem Lake neighbors if there is anything we can do. Again our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family.
Craig and Kathy Rafferty
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Hi Linda,
My wife and I wanted to pass along our condolences to you and your family regarding Jack's passing. Although I met him for the first time just a few years ago, I vividly remember meeting with Jack in your home, listening to him give Mark Wingerd and me a road map on how to tackle our neighborhood sidewalk challenge. I was in awe, intently listening to his detailed perspective on the issue, while simultaneously viewing the plethora of books on his office shelves, which he told us he read each and every one! Add the personal tour of your beautiful Japanese garden Jack extended to Mark and me, and I left your home truly invigorated to take on the City of St. Paul, so inspired by Jack's passion for life and the people and causes around him.
Since that initial interaction with Jack, I enjoyed talking with him when crossing paths in the neighborhood, whether seeing the two of you walking Edgcumbe Road (with your cat in a basket on Jack's back) or seeing him outside when I strolled past your home and Jack was in the yard.
In the short time I knew him, he made a positive impression on me and I wanted to take a moment to let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely, Paul & Jennie Dzubnar
June 27
Dear Linda,
Watching and hearing your care of Jack over the past year has been moving and inspiring. Ever alert, you have attended to and managed complex medical details without making it seem as hard as I know it has been. Your attention has been on Jack, making him comfortable while challenging him to stick around, wordlessly offering support and nourishment, orchestrating treasured journeys local and national, always dancing, and always tending to the garden that is both your milieu and life.
I am so sad at Jack's passing and for you having to endure it. Yes, it was time given his condition, but still so worth the fight for a few more months, weeks, hours until the very end.
Jack...
One scene that keeps popping into my mind is Jack at your lake house, out on the porch while you were fussing in the kitchen, seriously/playfully announcing that he was charged with "buttling." And so he buttled up a storm, graciously and always with an eye to see that his performance met your expectation!
Another...as host of an amazing dinner in your home as he inconspicuously herded everyone in one part of the living room and then in strode the chorus from Bemidji State singing, I think, the Anvil Chorus! His grin was as wide as the sky at the music and the astonished looks on our faces!
...a Landmark Center soiree with dinner and dancing (you and I were both on the board at the time). The 2 of you cut up the floor and then graciously offered to dance with others. Jack quietly instructed me how to stand and where to put my hands and when he said the word, I flew through the air! Like a little kid, I begged for "more"! Pure magic.
...Jack waiting with me at the corner of 4th and Jackson in Lowertown for our crane to come hoist the New York Life Eagle off its pitiful column outside the parking ramp-to be saved at last from such a dreary setting and later transported to Summit Lookout Park. Pictures of Jack at the wild celebrations of the Eagle landing, that big smile with the official Eagle gold medal around his neck as a hero of the day. It would never have happened without his
approach to the real estate investment trust that owned both the ramp and Eagle, managing all details of the contract that gifted it to us. He liked that saving was part of his legacy to this city he so loved.
…his omnipresence at all things Riverfront as we sought a V-Mast cable-stayed bridge to rise
over the valley. We didn't agree on that, but the many many conversations were respectful, intense and illuminating...
…adventures of the bandstand, with Jack minding to every detail and the dinner at the boat club the night before its dedication where we all sang together.
...all those crazy April Follies parties when you both came so prepared with spring poetry and festive spirits.
...skating on a brilliant winter day at your lake house with Mary Ann Feldman and Jack serving as steward of the skate lacing operation
...guitar quartet home concerts, where Jack was always the one to pitch in helping set up tables, directing people to the food, and circulating through the gathering to be sure everyone was fully engaged.
A treasure from the last year: at your post-tapioca on the deck urging, a walk through the garden with Jack. A beautiful fall day, so so quiet, his straw hat, his insights along the tour and most wonderfully of all, just sitting silently in the little house surveying the mystical scene. A gift of the gods.
I felt privileged to see him a few days before his passing. So still. Jack O'Brien keeping watch in his own way, bouncing basketball in the driveway, then quietly dodging in to softly touch Jack's head and run out again. William with his red hair coming up to see who was there, giving me a tight hug because his heart was breaking. You so exhausted and still so strong.
Everything about the two of you together defined love. We are blessed to have borne witness to that through such good times and sad.
With great love and sympathy,
Christine and Kent
P.S. Jack did comment on the quality of the tapioca, noting expressly when a batch was "one of my better ones." Alas, that last batch was not...so focused on making it exceptionally, angelically fluffy, I overdid it and it wound up kind of weak. Oh well, the lightness of it was all that mattered, I guess.
June 29
Hey Linda, I have just belatedly learned of Jack's passing. I am so sorry for you and the family. He was such a remarkable person, and we personally owe you and him so much. I look forward to the celebration of his life on August 22nd. I know this must be a challenging time for you all. It would be great to see you when you are feeling up to it. With Covid under some kind of control, I'd been thinking of giving you a call.
Love to you, Kristin, Fritz and all the family.
Fritz Bergmann
July 1
Hi Linda -
I am very sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a fine man, and I always enjoyed chatting with him at our reunions.
As you know, my dear Chrissy died four and half years ago, and I'd like to share with you my experiences after her passing in hopes it gives you some comfort.
Time makes it easier to get used to it, but it is a terrible thing to lose the person you've been joined to for so many decades - I couldn't believe it happened. To me, it was like half of myself was no longer there. It took me a while to get used to being only me - no one with whom to share the habits and memories that I was so used to doing so easily, to talk to and just be around with, to feel the comfort of loving and being loved back - just there any time I wanted to reach out to her.
At times, the feelings of grief and loss I experienced could be almost overwhelming - a sight or a sound could suddenly send me into deep grieving - but these became less demanding and less immediate in time. And then when they did come, I got into the habit of thinking all the good things there were about Chris, and how lucky, how very lucky I was to have been with her and to have so many wonderful memories. There were even times I was moved to write down feelings and experiences, as if to send them to Chris.
It all takes time and adjustment, but life goes on, and that how it's meant to be. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Warmly, Ted Frese
PS: What a loving and lovely obituary!
July 2
Linda,
I'm so sorry to hear of not just your loss but "our" loss. I had not heard of Jack's cancer and decline. Although I did not know him while at Georgetown 67', I certainly heard of the Dad Vail history. All of the crew members were so proud of that legacy. Nancy and my condolences go out to you. I thought the obituary you included was wonderful. Jack was truly an amazing person in so many ways. We will miss him.
We recently moved from Austin, TX to Sarasota, FL to be close to our youngest daughter and family. Nancy's Parkinson's disease continues to march forward. She is now confined to a wheelchair and special walker. We did get away two weeks ago to take an Alaskan cruise to Anchorage but now realize that was a bit too aggressive in light of her very limited abilities. Our next venture away will be to our family reunion in upstate New York.
Jim Hallar
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Dear Linda,
I was saddened to learn of Jack's passing. Your loss is shared by many.
I recall Jack took me sight seeing during my 2014 visit to Minneapolis. He was an excellent tour guide and I was most impressed by his enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. You also hosted me for dinner that night and again with a wider group from the WPI conference. Together you left me with some special memories.
Jack will be greatly missed on the board. RIP.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this sad and difficult time... Kind regards,
Nina Fudala
July 3
Dear never rowed brave hero Linda:
Very sorry to hear about Jack. You both have been an inspiration. Am really glad I was able to join the canoe trip with him, and see your world. Thank you for sharing your emails. I know I am not good at responding, but did really enjoy the recent report and fotos of the IRA crews.
I am currently fixed seat rowing in a 14' wherry, have been doing 16 mile days. (Went tandem today with a friend of my wife's, 3 hours in cold pissing rain on the way back.) This summer will attempt to build a stitch and epoxy 18' with sliding seat and outriggers. Have a 10' sailing dinghy for the 8 and 6 yr granddaughters; they will have some time on our floathouse at the oyster farm. Also have geared up for breath hold diving with my daughter. So still very much on the water, even though we have passed on the 42' sailboat that has taken us offshore these last few years.
If you ever thought about an escape to Canada's west coast you would always be welcome here. Very different from the things you need to contend with down there. Would feel good to give you some relief, truly fresh air!
Do keep well, all the best, Michael Mullin
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Dear Linda and Kristen,
Thank you so much for your note. I'm guessing the oncologist and his family do not bring tasty Indian meals to the home of every patient - it speaks so much of your kindness and the connection you and Jack have with those around you - as does that great letter to the editor. Thank you for sharing it - and also the account of spreading Jack's ashes. Such a lovely and meaningful way to honor him and to come together as a family.
Jon and I both lost a parent in the past few years but we talk about them all the time and feel their impact in our lives. It's not the same and it's not better, but it's still sweet and we're grateful. We hope you feel Jack's closeness as you move through the days and weeks to come.
We would love to stop in some time to see the urn...and to see you, of course!
I think I shared that Solvej and Soren also played Bach Double - at their grandma's request - at her funeral. That alone made all those years of Suzuki worthwhile!
Thinking of you,, Mary Gallagher & family
July 5
Dearest Linda
My heart sank when I read the email about Jack. I happened to be reading it on my phone in Aden's bedroom with Aden by my side. I think it is no coincidence as I immediately recalled when Jack was here in London and Aden was a toddler. We were all in Aden's room and Jack lifted up Aden so that Aden could place his feet on the ceiling and pretend to walk upside down. It is a vision and a memory I will keep with me forever because it was striking and reflected much of Jack's unique essence.
The impression I had of Jack was that he was fun-loving, hands on, involved, happy, wanting to give of his heart, wanting to spark joy and connection and (of course) wanting to help people see things from another perspective. Jack will go down in history in our family as the type of man I want my sons to be and the type of man women are lucky to have as partner. I always had the sense he was ready to roll up his sleeves and support the people on his team wholeheartedly.
The way Jack lived his life is a model for how all of us should aspire to live - full of kindness, compassion, strength, clarity of purpose, warmth, love, fun and with impeccable integrity. The two of you have always been my inspiration and will be forever more.
All my love, admiration and compassion - Amy Christiansen
August 5
Dear Linda,
When Jack's suffering ended, you felt sad and relieved. Now, you are having to cope with the stillness that follows. My heart goes out to you and to your family.
As I think back to when I first met Jack, I can picture him clearly-so clearly that, even today, I can hear his voice, with its Midwestern cadence. I can see his strong, young self, pulling an oar and I can see the irrepressible Jack with his GU mates, "lurking, pommeling, and pouncing," all over downtown DC. I remember when he introduced his lovely Linda to the coach's wife; he was positively beamish. Even as a young man, his interests were limitless. His unabashed interest in ballet must have baffled his peers, who could more readily relate to his interest in boxing.
Many people must describe Jack as larger than life. Among other things, he was loyal, intense, curious, creative, tough (in the best sense of that word), tenacious, competitive, and courageous; add to that a keen intellect, boundless energy and a big heart and you have the force of nature that was Jack. When he was young, I think he liked living close to the edge; like most young people, he thought he was immortal, and he loved driving at breakneck speed, right smack behind buses-slip-streaming, I think they called it. As he matured, he probably channeled that daring into a willingness to take risks of a different kind, many of which involved standing up for what was right, whatever the cost.
I knew about his passion for the arts, and, of course, his undying love for the Georgetown Crew, but not until I read Melo's tribute, did I know about his civic activism and his pro bona work. How he did it all boggles the mind.
But nothing overshadowed Jack's love for you and your family. That was evident, and beyond question. I've known very few couples who were so well suit d to one another. What a blessing it was that he had the confidence to marry a strong woman. You were his equal and his north star. He must have sensed that, together, you would live life to the full. And you did. The memories you created over the course of almost 60 years will sustain you, as long as you live.
I'm sure the celebration of Jack's life will be as full of energy and vitality as he was. I wish I could be there, and hope you know how grateful I am that you and Jack have touched my life.
My love to you and your wonderful family,
Molly Barrett
August 13
Dear Linda,
Greetings from Italy. It's not that easy to call you from here, and certainly not possible for me to be in the Twin Cities on August 22 for Jack's memorial. I would so wish to be there with you.
I continue to reflect on my great friend, your fabulous husband. If I were eulogizing Jack I would, say this:
I have had the good fortune to know many remarkable people,many highly accomplished people, people whose careers are the stuff of history books.But truly, I have never known someone as engaged with the world, as alert, as present as Jack Hoeschler.I have been trying to get at what it is about him that made him such a "giant among men," as some eulogists have put it.AndI think it is that:this quality of engagement which he seems to have brought to every encounter small or large, meaningful or meaningless. And by doing so, he rendered all of these encounters meaningful to those he encountered.
He very much knew how to enjoy himself. I was fortunate to share a fairly wide variety of activities with the guy. We made some memorable ski trips to Canada and Colorado. We played tennis, at which I was a bit better than him, and racquetball, where he would slam into me at every opportunity. We went to some cultural events together. Most heartwarmingly, he came to most of mine whenever he was nearby. Seeing him there, presiding over the audience, in a way, made me feel particularly taken care of.
Sometimes- like going to Israel to hear my Holocaust oratorio performed at Yad Vashem- he and Linda came to hear what I was up to even if it was halfway around the world. They were all set to come hear my Italian opera performed in Italy when the combination of the Covid pandemic and his increasing illness made this an impossibility.
When I would reach him by phone his salutation- with that charming cadence of amusement, delight, and surprise- was, "Larry Siegel, Boy Composer!" I would respond in kind: "Counselor!!!" And then we would talk about everything and anything. I feel most honored to say that I think he loved me, and for sure, I loved him.
Linda, you have lost such a great partner. And you have had such great partner, the perfect partner for you, I would say, and for a very long time. So I hope you take comfort in all you have had. And I hope you go forward, engaged yourself in the world as you have been, surrounded by the love of so many friends and by your memories of the most remarkable marriage you have had with that great, wonderful man.
Larry Siegel
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To be read at funeral:
One day when Jack was bringing me in from the airport, he stopped to show me the local cathedral.
Inside we happened upon a young mom and her son who were new in town which prompted Jack to conduct a spontaneous tour for mom, the kid, and me.
Back in the car Linda called to determine our whereabouts. Jack informed that he had just performed a corporal work of mercy and that she should cut us a little slack.
Corporal work of mercy. I hadn’t heard these four words together since the 4th Grade.
Rick Reynolds
August 18
Dear Linda,
We are so sorry to hear of Jack’s death. He was such a lovely man and I am honored to have been a guest on your deck for lunch on more than one occasion. During one of those lunches I recall sharing my excitement about visiting a state park for the first time. “Jack, have you ever been to William O’Brien State Park?” His smile was priceless. “William O’Brien was my grandfather.”
But my favorite Jack memory is of being in the BWCA midway through a long trip. I was paddling with my longtime canoe buddy Ralph on Knife Lake when we spotted three or four canoes ahead. Some of the canoeists appeared to be more adept than others. I knew Jack was going to be somewhere in this million-acre wilderness but we hadn’t compared itineraries. I called out, “Does anyone know Jack Hoeschler?” From far away their conversation seemed much closer thanks to the still lake. “We’d better check this out.”
Jack thanked me later saying that his out of state friends were impressed that even on the Canadian border, in a wilderness, one could hear his name echo.
It was always a treat to see Jack with some variant of headcover at the bi-annual pottery firing with the Bresnehans; a smile on his face as one person after another told a joke as the fire was stoked.
Thom and Cindy Gerst
August 27
Dearest Linda,
My heart is breaking for you and your family. I had hoped for more time for Jack. Please know that I am holding you in my thoughts.
I have so many memories of Jack. Most recently as the moss wrangler and your guide for the Barden Club tour. He was always there with you, with a smile in his eyes, an astute comment, a welcoming presence, and an intelligent story or comment. He made me feel so welcome and at home.
You and he created beautiful, gorgeous spaces, in a physical sense and in emotional ways. I’m in awe of your family; and especially your adoring connection with your grandsons. He was such an exceptional grandfather, wasn’t he? Linda, you orchestrated a rich, warm, vibrant life with Jack. I’m so very, very sorry that you’ve lost your partner, but I do think his presence will always be with you.
I admire you enormously and know that you will continue your caring, vibrant life. Take good care of yourself, in the embrace of your family.
Jack accomplished so much in his life. He gave so much to our city, state, and country. You have my deepest sympathy.
Love
Cindy Gehrig
September 6
Dear Linda
Spontaneous recall, "thoughts about" an old friend, begin long before they pass away. Thoughts about Jack, come to me with most every sighting of a monument, wayside plaque, you-name-it. My ever present inner voice speaks up "Jack would read that one."
Lately I have been reflecting on the "hows" I use to remember folks past. Coming across an obit does it ... as did last night reading about a former Marine on St Croix friend. She'll not have another obit. When will I ever think of her again?
Other recalls of Jack for me include anytime seeing a cheap red wine for sale that I now know will taste terrible. (Longer story here.) And a skiing recall-having a person who while skiing with you-suggest that they go adventure-seeking through the deep woods on a non-existent trail ALONE. Jack just had to go where Big Sky now has carved a tree-run off-piste. I just skied the trail.
At the bottom I waited and waited and waited. He did not show up. I was scared. Going through my mind was "what am I going to tell Linda." At long last he came out. The run had to be really hard. No room to maneuver. He was good. He did it. I did not have to tell you anything. I did love skiing with him. But together.
Both reading and hearing about Jack's contributions to the health of the City of Saint Paul and the Mississippi River warms my heart. (I am Saint Paul 5th generation-both sides. Tessa and Maren 7th-both sides.) It took a La Crosse Native, a life-long river lover, to make a difference.
When you could not go on the SJU Umbria trip, Jack and I had those two weeks together. Seeing Rome with Jack will never be forgotten. What deep knowledge. What breadth of interest. The Cimitero Acattolico (Non-Catholic Cemetery) of Rome was the highlight. Here 1 learned much about Jack. (We also drank a bit of the Italian grape. Jack introduced me to Negro d'Avola, the red grape variety from Sicily. Loved it ever since.)
Jack, a really good guy.
For both you and Jack, your role in my life is unmatched. I have listed in my Google Calendar on August 6 "Gem Lake Life Change." Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Jim Johnson
October 14
Dear Linda,
You are so nice to write such kind words about my mother. You and Jack were among her (and my father's) favorite friends in part because the two of you brought such lively energy and passion to so many important things in the life of the community.
I actually did not know about Jack's passing which is another reason I'm glad that you reached out. Diane and I have been on Nantucket most of the summer and did not see his obituary which I have now read - it is a wonderful tribute. We are so sorry to learn of his passing and apologetic that it has taken so long to reach out to you.
I feel lucky to have known and interacted with Jack over the years although my first connection was indirect. became aware of Jack's presence in my family's life while living in San Francisco. As you well know, Jack was instrumental in guiding my parents and so many other allies as they sought to save the St. Paul Hotel. I received glowing reports about Jack's energetic advocacy during weekly phone calls. And of course later there was the riverfront!
My first chance to interact directly with Jack was when we were both on the Guthrie Board together. He became a hero of mine - always willing to acknowledge an elephant in the room (there were many) and offer creative responses to thorny problems. Our shared disappointment about the Guthrie's move from Vineland Place likely cemented our relationship.
During the brief time that I occupied an office next to his, the days were filled with warm interaction and lively conversation. I will always be grateful to have had a chance to know him 'outside of school' so to speak. And of course I will forever admire the Linda/Jack partnership that has had a profound, positive and lasting impact on our community.
Diane and I send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to you and your family.
David Lilly
November 4
Dear Linda:
I think all of the tributes to Jack on your website and elsewhere captured the Jack that I knew perfectly. However, and while this is a late note (for which, again, my apologies), I nonetheless wanted to add my condolences and deepest sympathy from all of us to all of you. It was very hard to meet Jack (at any age) and not come away awestruck. His tremendous intellect, encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything and unrivaled linguistic, historical and cultural mastery were extraordinary. It was an honor to have known him and been able to learn from him about everything, from rowing and sailing techniques to Latin words/conjugations and college admission and essay tips. Every interaction with him was a gem. Then, there were also his two best and most understated qualities: his humility and his decency. Who would ever have thought that such an accomplished and well educated scholar and elite athlete whose friends and admirers included leading law practitioners, professors, businessmen, world-class artists and musicians, and even U.S. Senators would also be kind, empathetic and above all, down to earth toward a green and unseasoned high school student like me? I later grew to understand that sharing his abundant intellectual gifts with those smart enough to appreciate them was a major, yet always untrumpteted and quiet, part of Jack's life. Jack tacitly taught me many lessons simply by example, and while it has been many years since I last spoke to him, my heart is broken to have lost him. I take comfort in the fact that he led a rich and full life (and what an amazing duo you two were and are!), touching the hearts of so many and leaving few stones unturned. I am sure he continues to hold court and "teach classes" in the afterlife up-above, and that people follow him around there just as they did when he was in this world.
Believe it or not, I have often spoken to my own son (a college student) about Fritz over the years and about how Fritz--literally, my only friend at SPA ever--had a lot to teach all of us to this day about loyalty, decency, kindness and reliability. My son laughs at the stories of Fritz's and my comical episodes while in high school and college and listens carefully to my vignettes covering the good times spent in your home on Edgecumbe and your cabin on Gem Lake, as well as that magical weekend in DC in October 1990 when you commissioned a piece (or two!) from the Cleveland Quartet and had us all over at the River Inn. I was happy to see the photos of Fritz and his wife on your website and to learn that he is fulfilling his passion as an airline pilot. His face hasn't changed much over the years: still the same kind and gentle soul (as you said in your blog, "[t]his kindest of men...").
Best,
Mark Liberman