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Alexander Eugene Ratelle M.D.

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Alexander Ratelle Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 13 to Jun. 14, 2012.

Ratelle, Alexander Eugene, M.D. age 87 of Grand Marais, MN, died on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at home surrounded by family. He served in World War II as a Navigator where he was awarded a Certificate of Valor for his courageous service. Alex graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, class of 1951, and founded the Anesthesiology Department at Methodist Hospital where he practiced for 38 years. His love was running, and he completed 160 marathons. Some of his records, including his world record Grandma's Marathon time for age 56 of 2:30:42, remain unbroken after 30 years. There will be a Memorial Run held on Friday June 15th at 7:00AM at Bredesen Park, Edina. Other passions included sailing, sports car racing, painting and Scottish poetry. Alex is preceded in death by parents Herman and Virginia, sisters Virginia Edwards and Marion Rubel, and daughter Carol Ratelle Leach. Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years Patricia, children Jeanne (Rich) Larson, Alex, James (Christine), Kelly (Bill) Calengor, Suzanne, son-in- law Dan Leach, brother Herman (Therese), 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Friday June 15th with visitation beginning at 9:00AM at The Church of St. Patrick, Valley View at Gleason Rd, Edina. Interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Fraser School 2400 West 64th St. Richfield, MN 55423, Catholic Charities 1200 2nd Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55403-2104, or the Grand Marais Library 104 2nd Ave West Grand Marais, MN 55604. www.Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

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Recent Activity

June 19, 2012

Kathie Brown posted to the memorial.

June 16, 2012

Sandra and Rodger Schaefbauer posted to the memorial.

June 14, 2012

Dan Wett posted to the memorial.

15 Entries

Kathie Brown

June 19, 2012

Jeanne, I happened to see this through Facebook (which I rarely look at). My sympathy on the loss of your Dad. It sounds like he was an amazing man. I've had many connections with Methodist Hospital over the years, so I am impressed with his involvement there. I remember how kind you were when I lost my Mom, and my Dad has since passed away.

Sandra and Rodger Schaefbauer

June 16, 2012

Thinking of you, Alex. Stay strong!

~xoxo The Schaefbauers

Dan Wett

June 14, 2012

Patty and family: Alex was a great man and will be surely missed by many. We will all honor the many contributions he made to this world. Our thoughts and prayers are with you from all of the Wetts.

barry ault

June 14, 2012

Some may not understand how running at 6 am in minus 20 F weather could be fun, but , Alex and I did it many times. It builds character Alex would say. Now Alex is running in Heaven building character with others.

Barry Ault ( Huntsville Ontario, Canada )

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David Storgaard

June 14, 2012

Thought and prayers to the family.i remember Dr. Ratelle only as a young child, our families spent time together. My father Neil (his friends called him Jerry ) helped him with his red car in the lower garage. sorry, thats all i remember about the car, it was red and cool ! i remember playing with the kids when we went to dinner at thier house that always had art throughout the house ! i do remember a generous spirit in the house even as a young child. thanks for the few but wonderful memories to the Ratelle family and GOD bless you all

Linda Deegan

June 14, 2012

Patty and family~We are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts, prayers and love are with you during this difficult time. Kevin, Linda and Erin Deegan

David DePauw

June 13, 2012

Dear Patty and family,

God must have been speaking to me this past weekend when Alex crossed my mind. I was wondering how you two were doing and how I missed seeing you on a regular basis as I did during our running days. It was always a pleasure to see you two. Little did I know that he would pass away on Sunday.

My only regret is I don't believe I knew of Alex's service in WWII. If I had, I would have loved to hear his stories of the Army Air Corp as my dad was a Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17 for 32 missions before being shot down and taken Prisoner of War. He was buried at Fort Snelling National Cemetery nearly 25 years ago.

Please accept my deepest condolences and prayers for you all. May Alex rest in peace and may you all find comfort in your faith, your memories and each other.

Thanks for the memories Alex!

Brooke Biedinger

June 13, 2012

I never forgot Dr Ratelle's generosity. His team (Drs Jorgenson,Scanlon and Wett)inspired my life. This was 46 years ago but vivid in my mind.
Brooke Biedinger

June 13, 2012

Jeannie, and entire family, I love you.

Lynn

June 13, 2012

Jim and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely, Kitty Kapsner

Michael Keavy

June 13, 2012

Heartfelt Sympathy to all the Ratelle's. What a Wonderful family. I have wonderful memories of Dr. Ratelle, had the pleasure of seeing him finish 1 or 2 of his Marathons in Duluth. Also had the pleasure of staying up at this Grand Marais Cottage with his wonderful family and many other friends. Dr. Ratelle taught me many things through his life. I always admire how he liked so many things and wasn't afraid to pursue them with great energy. What a successful life and the great family to prove it! Thank you Ratelle's for allowing me into your homes, and having great friendships, and teaching me about life while growing up. I am better for your lives so richly lived. God Bless you all, in your grieving. You are in our thoughts and prayers...

G Magee

June 13, 2012

Patty and family,

So sorry to have been out of town and having missed the service at St. John's. Will always have great memories and stories to tell of the church, coffee and burger gatherings in Grand Marais. Prayers to all.

Bob and Gayle

Tim Warner

June 13, 2012

To Jim & the rest of the family I am very sad to hear off your loss. Growing up in Indian Hill's your father was a local Legend and more importantly a good man who had a positive impact on many.

June 13, 2012

Dear Family
Alex and my dad were practiced together at Methodist Hospital for many years.
My father was very fond of you dad
I became a runner and and he passed me many time as I could never keep up with him.
My families thoughts are with you all.
Fondly
Pamela Dickman Laitala

Marie (Quilling) Carlson

June 13, 2012

Dear Ratelle family- Very sorry to hear of your loss; I want you to know what a positive impact he and your family had on my early teens. My gratitude for providing so many wonderful opportunities and memories. Consider yourselves hugged; I know how deeply he will be missed.

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Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels

Minneapolis, MN