Minnesotans say goodbye to 'quintessential' governor Gov. Wendell Anderson

The first shout-out Monday at former Gov. Wendell Anderson’s memorial service went to two of his favorites: “East-Siders and the University of Minnesota old-timers.”

Anderson, who graduated from St. Paul’s Johnson High School and played hockey at the U, died of pneumonia July 17 at 83. Friends, family and colleagues gathered at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in southwest Minneapolis for a public send-off that paid tribute to his commitment to public education, state parks, hockey, Minnesota and all things Swedish.

Of an estimated 300 mourners, many were recognizable figures in state politics from the past 50 years, including former Vice President Walter Mondale, who sat up front. With the exception of Gov. Jesse Ventura, every living former governor attended, along with scores of others who would like to have held the office.

During the 75-minute ceremony, the governor was remembered by Gov. Mark Dayton, former Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe, former university Board of Regents member David Lebedoff, and his son, Brett Anderson, a food writer for the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

Read more: http://www.startribune.com/minnesota-gov-anderson-remembered-for-advancing-public-education-all-things-swedish/390259321/#1