They unified, delighted and inspired us. Some were groundbreaking. One made mornings sweeter and crunchier. Another inspired lyrics. Through art and advocacy, sidewalk cafes and civil rights, they brought people together. Not all were the most important or powerful Minnesotans we lost this year, but in a conspicuously divided nation, many stood out as unifiers. Our lives are better because they lived here. Our Northern Lights for 2018.
Arvonne Fraser | 92
Ever involved, she carved a path for herself and other women.
Barbara Flanagan | 94
As a Minneapolis Star Tribune columnist, she fought for a better city.
Elwood Caldwell | 95
Making breakfast better — and crunchier! — was just one of Elwood Caldwell's passions.
Charles McDew | 79
He battled segregation amid the turbulence of the 1960s, and for years taught others of the price paid.
Art Blakey | 83
A gentle man with a badge, he made friends everywhere he went, some unlikely.
Deoloris Dunn | 74
The first black female police officer in Minneapolis always put community first.
Echo Helstrom Casey | 75
Bob Dylan's first girlfriend and the supposed muse for "Girl from the North Country."
Sally Pillsbury | 93
From politics to philanthropy, she reflected a deep family commitment to serve.
Ron Meshbesher | 85
The Minneapolis attorney knew the courts, knew the law, but most of all, insiders said, he knew the judges.
Ronald Libertus | 79
A White Earth Nation member and believer in art's power, he championed American Indian artists.