Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sack, Robert N. age 64, of Park Rapids and Otsego, MN, died Jan. 27, 2007 in Park Rapids. Born Dec. 4, 1942 to Lyman & Esther Sack. He graduated from Mankato State and St. Cloud State. Mr. Sack taught elementary students in St. Anthony Village for 34 years. He introduced his classes to faraway countries and different cultures, important women in "Her Story" and stressed that all children are special. Reading stories and creating origami paper cranes as a sign of peace were always an important part of his teaching. Bob was selected as Minnesota Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 1995. He had a lifelong love of classical music, sharing it with his students. He had a passion for tennis, coaching girls' and boys' tennis at St. Anthony Village High School. Wonderful memories of his teams remained with him. An avid runner, Bob ran in several marathons. He found peace and solitude at his beloved home in Park Rapids on Gilmore Lake. He daily fed the wildlife and enjoyed observing the interaction. Bob is survived by his devoted former wife of 37 years, Kay McLean and their three cherished children, Ellen (Rich) Ringel, Steven, and Karen. He was proud grandpa to Zachary and Isaac; loving brother to Earl (Pat) and Ron (Peg); and many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends and colleagues. He is also survived by eternal life partner, Laurie Donaldson and their dogs. A service to celebrate Bob's life will be Saturday, Feb. 3, 1:30 PM, with a gathering for friends & family one hour before all at Nativity Lutheran Church, 3312 Silver Lake Road, St. Anthony. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to establish a permanent memorial for Bob. Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel 612-781-1999
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
Mr. Sack was my 3rd grade teacher at Wilshire Park and I have often thought of him over the years. He was one of my favorite teachers of all time! So kind and fun!
Carisa Sibbet
February 15, 2007 | St. Anthony, MN
Mr Sack --- what an amazing man! He was a gifted instructor, one who helped each of our children - as different from one another as they were - learn. He didn't use 'cookie cutter' methods; instead he figured out what each one needed in order to success in his classroom, and they did.
We were saddened when he retired years ago, we mourn his passing today. May all those who loved him find comfort in the memory of the strong, vibrant Mr Sack we knew in the 80s.
Terry and Pat Taylor
February 12, 2007 | St Anthony Village
Mr. Sack was my third grade teacher at Silver Oak. I have remembered him often, and with love and respect for the 29 years since.
Now that I am a teacher, I realize that his greatest gift as an educator was found in his ability to meet all of his students at precisely the point at which they were on any given day, in any given subject.
Michelle Williams
February 09, 2007 | Birmingham, AL
I remember Mr. Sack to be a very kind hearted man. While he wasn't my teacher, I did have some involvement with him at Silver Oak elementary.
With sympathy,
Nicky Nelsen
February 04, 2007 | Minneapolis, MN
So sorry to hear about Mr. Sack. I remember him to be a very kind hearted man.
With sympathy,
Nicky Nelsen
February 04, 2007 | Minneapolis, MN
I share years of fond memories of Mr. Sack. Bob taught me how to hold a tennis racket a long time ago. Who knew that he would later be the girls' tennis coach and still have to remind me how to hold my racket. Later he became a mentor, colleague, and my youngest son's teacher. His encouragement and wisdom has helped me become a better person. He would gently push you to believe in yourself and try even harder. I will remember his passions, interests, and dedication to education while using...
Gail Beall
February 02, 2007 | Columbia Heights, MN
I am sorry to hear of this loss to education. I had Robert for my 4th grade teacher in Park View Elementary. It was one of my best years in shool and I remember it well. He use to read to us. I remember the book, The Blue Man. I must have read it a hundred times after he read it to us. I really appreciate teachers like him and I am saddened.
Michael Henry
February 02, 2007 | Minnetrista, MN
Mr. Sack was our second grade teacher. His sense of humor was always in the classroom and he was very kind. We will miss him very much.
Angela and Gabrielle Basara
February 02, 2007 | Columbia Heights, MN
Last week, a few of my friends and I were talking about how much we liked Mr. Sack when we were in second grade at Wilshire Park. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Jane Affeldt
February 02, 2007 | New Brighton, MN
