Sandholm, Hollace A. "Sandy" Age 87 of Minnetonka, MN. His journey through life ended on February 17th while in hospice care at his daughter's home in Maple Lake, MN. He spent his final days sharing many of his stories of that journey with family that he so deeply cherished. Hollace was born in International Falls, MN and grew up in Blue Earth, MN. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII from 1943 - 1946 and took pride in the time served aboard the USS Enterprise CV-6. Hollace attended St. Cloud State Teachers College following the war and married Alice J. Madsen of Nashwauk, MN after graduating in 1949. He taught high school biology for 35 years, mostly at St. Louis Park High School. He influenced many students during those years who went on to become doctors, veterinarians, scientists, and teachers. It is said that he never left a gifted student unchallenged. Many of his fellow teachers considered him a mentor. Following retirement from teaching Sandy stayed active with his interests in fishing and hunting. A few of his close hunting and fishing buddies were sometimes referred to as the Old Hunters Association, Inc. and he was "Mr. President" (the Inc. stood for Incorrigible). He enjoyed many trips to Canada, Alaska, Mexico and a number of states out west with his family, friends and hunting buddies. Hollace also enjoyed many years of volunteer work throughout his life. He was a youth baseball coach, Boy Scout leader and counselor. Following retirement he did volunteer work at Methodist Hospital for 17 years and served on the Minnesota Board of Dentistry under an appointment by Governor Perpich and served an additional term under appointment by Governor Carlson. His volunteer work went international with 2 trips to China as part of a group called Global Volunteers teaching English to Chinese students. When he wasn't hunting or traveling, he spent many hours making clocks that he gave to nonprofit organizations and charities for their fund raising activities. There were few idle moments in his life. Hollace was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Alice, his daughter Holly Ann Stoller, and his brother Harlan Sandholm. He is survived by son-in-law Michael Stoller of New York NY; his sons Scott Sandholm, Platteville WI; Jon (Lora) Sandholm, Minnetrista MN; Paul (Linda) Sandholm, Duluth MN; Eric Sandholm, Chandler AZ; and daughter Christine (Jeffery) Keeler of Maple Lake MN; Grandchildren Alicia (Bernie), Stephanie, Anders, Hans, Joey, and great grandson Quin. Hollace was a humble man and if he were writing this it might simply say "Sandy died - boat for sale" but in the words of Tom Brokaw, we have lost another fine example of the greatest generation. At his request there will be no service. A private burial will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. He asked that memorials be given to the charity of your choosing.

Published in Star Tribune from February 20 to February 24, 2013