In Memoriam
April 2024
Katherine Doepke, a longtime member of Thursday Musical, has passed away. She was 102. Katherine was Thursday Musical President from 1998 to 2000. A link to the obituary is below. The memorial service will be held at 1pm this Sat., April 27th at Gathering Place Lutheran Ministries, 3245 New Brighton Road, Arden Hills, MN. (visitation at noon). Washburn-Mcreavy Davies Chapel 612-377-2203
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/katherine-guldberg-doepke-obituary?id=54946947
March 2024
Sad news. Marilyn Hoghaug passed away on February 28th. Marilyn was a longtime member of Thursday Musical and she was TM President from 2009 to 2011. The obituary was in the Minneapolis Tribune last Sunday, March 3, and the memorial service will be at 11am this Friday, March 8th at the Excelsior United Methodist Church, 881 3rd Ave., Excelsior, MN 55331.
Elliot Wilcox, President
January 2024
In Memoriam
David Forse, Pat Forse's husband, passed away Jan. 3rd at the age of 90. David attended many Thursday Musical performances over the years with his wife Pat, who was a longtime TM member and financial officer of the TM Board. Information about the memorial service, and where to send condolences can be found here: David Willard Forse Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information (washburn-mcreavy.com).
December 2023
In Memoriam
Vern Maetzold, a longtime performing member (piano) and supporter of Thursday Musical, passed away on Dec. 27th at the age of 88. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 27th at 10am at Walker Place, 3701 Bryant Ave. S. in Minneapolis.
In Memoriam
Pat Nortwen, a longtime member of Thursday Musical, has passed away. She was 93. Pat was Thursday Musical President from 1988 to 1992 and was a TM Performing Artist (piano). She had a special talent for bringing people into the organization and she started the TM newsletter. A memorial service will be held sometime in mid-January. Condolences can be sent to Pat's daughter, Laura Nortwen, 1257 Osceola Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105
February 2023
In Memoriam
Catherine Rundell, longtime member and supporter of Thursday Musical, passed away on February 4th at the age of 90. The obituary was posted in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Sunday, February 19th.
January 2023
In Memoriam
Madalyn Staupe Traun, vocalist and Thursday Musical Performing Artist, passed away on January 8, 2023 at the age of 99. The obituary was posted in the Minneapolis Star Tribune on Sunday, January 15.
December 2022
In Memoriam
Lois Pearson, soprano, voice teacher, and longtime Thursday Musical member, has passed away. Lois was 90 years old. The obituary can be found in the Sunday, Dec. 4th Minneapolis Star Tribune.
November 2022
Pat Smith, longtime Thursday Musical member, parliamentarian, and cellist, has passed away. She was 90 years old. You can find the obituary in last Sunday’s paper (Oct. 30)
September 2022
Thursday Musical Member Pat Forse
Dear members,
Sad news. Pat Forse passed away on August 27th. She was a longtime member of Thursday Musical and a valued member of the Board of Directors, serving as Financial Oversight Chair and keeping a careful watch over TM finances. Our condolences go out to her family. Her obituary was in the Minneapolis Tribune this last Sunday and her service will be 3pm Sunday, October 2 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
https://www.startribune.com/obituaries/detail/0000436498/
Elliot Wilcox, President
April 2022
In Memorial to Marjorie (Dean) Nordstrom (11/3/26 - 12/21/21)
At Aldersgate Methodist Church, Minneapolis, in the 1960’s Marjorie directed the large girls choir “Caroleers”, and with members Jack & Joyce Alwin, Fred & Marjorie performed in the Jacks and Jills quartet around the Twin Cities (this included introducing all five of the families’ children to perform on stage, as well). Marj directed the adult swing band called “The Aldersgate Eight”. In about 1965, Marjorie encouraged the formation of the Aldersgate Bell Choir under Betty Fletcher’s leadership for decades. Marjorie followed that by establishing a new bell choir in their next home of Brandon, Florida in 1967.
Marjorie and Fred were parents to Gloria (Steve) Garrett, Neal (Tammy Thomas) Nordstrom, and Lisa (George) McReddie.
Marjorie was the very capable Pianist for much sing-a-long after moving to Florida, a move which was the necessity for husband Fred and his work with Cargill.
Through some of the 1960’s Marjorie performed for Sigma Alpha Iota; Madalyn Staupe Traun and Marjorie performed opera duets and skits on the Thursday Musical stage many times with Director Yale Marshall. Marjorie and I were best friends.
In1986 Marjorie and Fred staged and produced a gorgeous Tea and program for Thursday Musical at International Market Square which was called “The Inaugural President’s Ladies”, and which Marjorie wrote entirely herself. Each First Lady had an escort, and most were famous in their field. Marjorie and Fred took turns talking about each President’s First Lady and noting that each of them were famous in their position by enriching our Nation. Each gown worn was original and rented by Marjorie and Fred; they made all participants feel so elegant. Shirley Lillehaugen String Quartette greeted all guests with welcome music at the front door. I was the Pianist for this fabulous event wherein each lady and her escort paraded around the entire large room in International Market Square to be seen and heard about.
Marjorie’s eyes sadly became a problem for her, but memorizing music was easy for her; she enjoyed and kept up with playing sing-a-long. Marjorie was one of the unfortunates who contracted Covid. How I miss her and will forever miss her.
Madalyn Staupe Traun
Best Friend of Marjorie Norstrom