Deaths Since our last Reunion

James A. Jadwin, age 76, of Dayton, MN passed away 3/6. Survived by his wife Mary Jo; children: Kristie Jadwin, Franklin (Kaitlin) Jadwin and granddaughter Ina; two brothers Richard (Sandra) Jadwin, Thomas (Julie) Jadwin. He was an active and charitable member of the community and a loving father, caring husband, and jolly grandfather whom will be missed by many.

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Michael McNeal, 76, passed away, November 10, 2022, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born March 4, 1946, in Minneapolis, MN. 

Michael was owner and operator of Iowa Sign Services for many years. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed being outdoors, boating, and vacationing to Clear Lake. Above all else, he treasured time spent with his family. 

Michael is survived by his son, Michael L. McNeal; grandson, Grayson McNeal, long-time partner, Karen McNeal; step-daughter, Michelle (Joe) Fomaro; step-son, Michael (Britt) Cox; step-grandchildren, Hannah Fomaro, Giovanni Fomaro, Courtney (Jay) Cox-Kozel and Bria Cox; two great-grandchildren; other loving relatives and many special friends. 

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Florenzano, Judie (Davis) age 77, of Edina, MN, passed away from complications of pneumonia on December 4, 2023 at Fairview Southdale hospital. Heaven gained an angel and our beautiful Judie claimed her wings surrounded by her loving family. 

Judie was as beautiful inside as she was radiant on the outside. She was the beloved only child of Flick and Luella Davis (deceased.) She grew up in south Minneapolis and graduated from Washburn High School. She met Joe Florenzano during spring break in Florida in a romance that could have been from a beach party movie. They fell in love immediately, carried on a long distance romance between Minnesota and Rhode Island, and married in Barrington, Rhode Island in June, 1970.

Judie became an RN, graduating from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Winona, MN. She started her professional nursing career at the University of Minnesota Burn Unit and then worked at Metropolitan Medical Center (which later became Hennepin County Medical Center.) At MMC Judie practiced nursing in the field of Psychology, becoming the Head Nursing Supervisor of the Psychiatric Intensive Care unit. In 1975 - 1977 Judie taught Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) courses at St. Paul Technical Vocational Institute (STP-TVI) now called St. Paul College. During this time Judie was also studying for her masters degree at Augsburg University on a nursing scholarship. She was doing her masters thesis on MS and taking a clinical course where she was assigned to a veteran at the Veterans Hospital diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After learning all the early signs of the disease. Judie realized that she thought she may have M.S. because she was experiencing many of the same symptoms as her VA patient. Judie’s self-diagnosis was later confirmed by her doctors. Her health slowly declined to the point that she was unable to work any longer and was later confined to a wheelchair. The once rising shining star in the nursing profession was no longer able to climb at the tender young age of 31. Judie and her family continued to live with M.S. until her death. Judie always gave her best to combat her disease and maintain her vitality, and her valiant, fighting spirit persisted until her last, final breath.

Judie was the mother of two children that she adored. She is survived by her loving daughter, Ashle; her son, Zachary, who survives in our hearts, predeceased Judie in 1998 at the age of 16. She is also survived by her devoted husband, Joe Florenzano, her brother-in-law David Florenzano, his wife Anne and nephews Eric and Kevin Florenzano. 

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 Daniel J. McCormick of Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully on October 22, 2023, at the age of 77. Born on September 28,1946, in Minneapolis, MN, he will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Dan cared deeply about the people in his life, especially his family, close friends and the many colleagues, business associates and clients with whom he worked. 

Dan was an extremely proud and loving father to his three children, Nicole Clough (Peter), Jenna McCormick Zen (Bobby), and Daniel McCormick (Abbie) and an adoring grandfather “Papa” to his grandchildren Josh, Ellie, Logan and Brianna Clough and Adaline and Emilia McCormick. He loved spending time with his children and their families, and it was always a priority for Dan. A beloved father, Dan was caring, generous and devoted to the well-being of those whom he loved most.

Dan was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Henry McCormick and Mary Bernice McCormick (Plaisance) and brothers Michael and John McCormick. He is survived by his three children, their mother, Bonny McCormick, and his grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his brothers, Tim McCormick (Linda) and Pat (Diane) and sisters, Mary Kaye (Tom), Margaret (Peg), Patti (Scott), and Kathy, nieces, nephews, extended family, and many wonderful friends.

Dan McCormick had a distinguished career serving as a senior executive and business advisor for more than 35 years. He amassed extensive experience leading and managing the operations of complex multifaceted behavioral health organizations and behavioral health networks. He was Managing Partner of The Chancellor Group, LLC, a management consulting firm that specialized in a myriad of strategic, operational, and financial issues confronting the health care industry.

Prior to The Chancellor Group, Dan served as CEO of many national and international organizations including The Hazelden Foundation, ETR Associates, Valley Hope, MedicAlert Foundation, Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital, ReliaStar Health Management, First Health, and Albert Lea Medical Center. A passionate and tireless advocate for the mentally ill, and those afflicted with and affected by addiction, Dan was a sought after and renowned expert in the behavioral health industry. He was recognized for his strategic and visionary leadership as well as his community service. His philanthropic support included leadership roles for the YMCA, Red Cross, and the United Way.

Dan served in the Vietnam War as a Hospital Corpsman (HM3) in the United States Marine Corps. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal as well as the Vietnam Service Medal. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) degree from the University of Minnesota.

Above all else, Dan was a cherished father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, friend, confidant, and mentor. Admired and loved by his family, friends and a vast professional network, Dan leaves behind a profound legacy created from his visionary intellect, common sense approach, strategic wisdom, enduring friendship, and love.

A Celebration of Dan’s life will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11 AM at the Cremation Society of Minnesota (7110 France Avenue, Edina, MN 554435). For more information visit the Cremation Society of MN website.  In lieu of flowers, friends and family may contribute to the Daniel J. McCormick Wounded Warriors Project Fund in Dan’s memory. 

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Sanmartín, Connie Age 77, of Edina Passed away July 8, 2023. Survived by loving husband José, children, many grandchildren, brother Dan, and dear friend Carol. A Celebration of Connie's Life will be held at Wooddale Church, Eden Prairie, MN, August 5, 2023 at 11:00AM, refreshments will follow. 

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Leistiko, Lawrence "Larry" aged 76, of Peoria, AZ, formerly from Bloomington & Edina, MN, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2023, after a brief battle with lung cancer. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Larry was preceded in death by his father, Frank Leistiko, and his mother, Anne Leistiko. He is survived by his loving family: his wife of 40 years, Lois; his children Scott (Stephanie) Leistiko and Adam Leistiko; his sister Linda (Dan) Mullenbach; his sister-in-law Jane (Jon) Gang; as well as nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Larry pursued his education at the University of Minnesota, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity. He embarked on a successful career, initially working for John Deere before transitioning to positions at Honeywell and ADC.  Larry's passion for innovation and entrepreneurship led him to establish his own company, Computerkeels, where he could combine his engineering skills with his love for sailboat racing.

Larry's adventurous spirit extended beyond his professional life.  He was an avid skier and sailor, finding joy in the exhilaration of the open waters and fresh powder.  Together with his wife Lois and their sons he embarked on countless travels, creating cherished memories along the way.  He was very proud of the fact that he has traveled to 6 of the 7 continents.  Larry also enjoyed golfing, pickleball and hockey as a player, coach and fan.  However, his greatest joy came from spending quality time with his family and the numerous friends he held dear.

A celebration of Larry's life will be held at a later date in Arizona, where his loved ones will come together to honor his memory. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

Larry's presence in our lives brought laughter, love and inspiration. He will be remembered for his warm heart, his zest for life, and his unwavering devotion to those he held close.  As we mourn his passing, we find solace in the beautiful memories we shared with him.  Larry's spirit will forever reside within our hearts.

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