Roland André Delattre

Delattre, Roland André 78, of Minneapolis, died peacefully at home on April 17, 2007. Survived by wife, Judith I. Engel; sons, André Delattre (Rebecca Stanfield), Eric Delattre (Monica) and their mother Susan Borman Delattre; stepdaughters, Leanne DeYoung and Mary Beth Law (Philip Sturdivant); grandchildren, Brennan, Luke, and Clara Delattre and step-grandchildren, Eric Hoban and Macy Sturdivant; brother, Pierre Delattre (Nancy Ortenstone) and brother-in-law, Austin G. Engel (Mary Engel); nephews and nieces of the Delattre, Borman, Engel and Law families, and many very special friends. Roland was preceded in death by step-son, Paul Douglas Law. As a professor of American Studies and Religious Studies throughout his professional life, Roland believed that to be beautiful is to work at beautifying every aspect of our lives from the political to the personal: that when we beautify we participate in the life of God. He devoted himself to understanding how we can bring beauty back to the center of every experience from politics to social ritual. The book he was in the process of completing was a critique of "the ritual life of a consumer culture." His focus on beauty was inspired by his mentor at Yale, Richard Neibuhr, and by the theologian he wrote and lectured about so extensively, Jonathan Edwards. Roland was deeply inspired by his community of faith at The First Congregational Church of Minnesota—UCC. He enjoyed an especially close companionship with his sons André and Eric and their families, and with his brother Pierre. He regarded these relationships and his marriage to Judy as a celebration of what he called "the charmed life." A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 23rd at 1 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Minnesota—UCC, 500 8th Ave. S.E., Mpls.; 612-331-3816. A reception with light refreshments will follow the service. All are welcome. In recognition of Roland's passionate commitment for social justice and of his lifelong love of French culture and language, a memorial fund is being established to facilitate travel in France for students of Minneapolis' Patrick Henry High School French Club. In lieu of flowers the family requests that checks may be written payable to Patrick Henry High School with memo citation: "Roland Delattre Memorial France Trip Fund" and mailed to Patrick Henry High School, 4320 Newton Avenue North., Mpls, MN 55412; Attn: Christina Maynor.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.