Lars Gerhardt Kindem

I miss you so much grandpa.

Papa, I had the honor and the privilege of being your son. Everything I bring to fatherhood, I learned from you. I strive to provide for my family in the way you did for our us. Papa, you touched so many lives, but I was the most fortunate. I am your son.You are beyond compare.I am so sad to be without you.I miss you, I love you and now, the world needs a new hero. Tor Kindem, "The Main Man"

Nina & family, please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. After reading all the posts it's easy to see your father had a wonderful influence on so many people who knew him.

I had the honor over many years to be with Lars and his family both in Minneapolis and Spokane. He was wonderful to share conversation with, and he loved to laugh and have fun. Saw him take his granddaughter out to see the "gum tree" and pick the fruit. It was hilarious! He was a fabulous baker and I just couldn't eat enough of anything he made. It was an honor to know him and call him friend! His beautiful children and grandchildren are reflections of this kind and caring man and they will each carry his influence on to the future. RIP, Lars, I miss you.

I was one of the many young people that was trained and tutored by Lars Kindem while at North High School. I participated on the ski team for three years and remember the patience and persistence that Coach Kindem used to motivate us to perform well. He taught us the value of training and hard work with the goal of representing our school with honor. It was a unique opportunity to be a part of a group that had as its leader a knowledgeable coach that inspired us to do our best every day.

We skied for North High School but we also skied for Coach Kindem. He saw his role as not only a coach, he saw himself as a role model that was guiding the development of young people that were on a journey to becoming adults. Understanding that role takes insight and leadership that is a rare quality. Leaders operate in four dimensions. Those dimensions include having a vision and the ability to think ahead, being a realist that can face things as they are, having a set of values that guide behavior and decision-making, and courage to make things happen. Coach Kindem used those dimensions to mold his young athletes to be the best that they could be, whether on the course with skis on our feet or in the daily course of life.

We all benefited from Lars Kindem's spirit and enthusiasm that he brought to everything that he did. He touched our lives in big ways that we didn't fully understand at the time but impacted us throughout our lives and we recognize today. For that, we were all blessed and fortunate to have known Lars Kindem.

Jim Thielen
North High School
Class of 1969

Grandpa, I miss you so much. I'm sad that within the last couple of years I wasn't able to see you as much as I had hoped. You are the world's greatest grandpa and I have 4 cousins that I know will back me up on that. It has been such an honor to be your granddaughter and I am blessed that I have so many wonderful memories with you. For a good portion of my life I really thought gum grew on trees because every time I came over you let me pick gum from the "gum tree." I miss baking "arianna" bread and lefse with you and I miss when you use to sing to me. Most of all I just miss your presence. At least you get to be with mom now so no one has to be alone. I love you with all of my heart.
Love, Arianna Forever.

Mr kindem, Lars, Coach, but to me, he was Pappa. I am so proud to be Lars Kindem's daughter. When I see these comments, it fills my heart with pride and admiration. He was the most powerful man in my life and to see how he was such a positive influence to many is incredible. My sister Sonja and I loved to go to school with him periodically and sing Norwegian songs to the class. Thank you to all of you who shared your love for my Pappa. I miss him, but knowing the positive imprint he left behind with so many keeps him right here with me forever.

Mr.Kindem was my FAVORITE teacher ever! I studied Norwegian at Roosevelt, and remember going to Skogfjorden with his son Lars. He always told us he could tell stories about ANY student he ever had! I can still see him wearing his jeans and jean jacket! He was a wonderful man and I'm sure such a Blessing to his family! Cindy Young

I will always remember you grandpa! When I was a little girl I remember you singing a song maybe many people have heard it " Rea Runka" I loved and still love that song I also remember when I was sleeping over at his house in Burnsville and upstairs him and my dad stuffed a bunch of tennis balls in my footsie pjs. Many people probably remember his famous bread and lefse, I started baking bread with him ever since I can remember maybe 2 and his DELICIOUS apples and how much he made from his home grown produce. He has touched so many lives and he loves every single person he ever met! He was a amazing teacher, ski couch, and I also heard that he was a time keeper in the Olympics and timed one of the closest races my dad ever saw! I love him sooooooooooo much and miss him sooooooooooo much! Thank you all who went to his funeral and was there for my family thank you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!

In memory of Lars from Hoz. In high school he was called “Lefse” and at St. Olaf we called him “Argo.” He was our leader, our mentor and friend, a lifelong companion. Gunder and I saw Lars at noon Friday and he passed away twelve hours later. Suffering from Altzheimers, his passing was a blessing, but he is sadly missed and will be fondly remembered. Lars was wedded to St. Olaf and especially to the choir for it had a central place in his life. Lars grew up at the foot of Manitou Heights at 101 Lincoln and had many stories to tell about Northfield and the College on the Hill. Lars' love for St. Olaf and all that he did throughout his life is eternal, his work everlasting. As a winning coach and devoted teacher, he touched thousands of lives, and as my dear friend, he touched my soul and gave me joy.
B. Wayne Quist
Northfield HS '54
St. Olaf '58

Growing up in Northfield with friends like the Kindem family, depending on Mrs. Kindem's lefse for Christmas dinners, and reminiscing with Lars on Sunday's at church all are on my mind when I read of Lars' passing. His love of his family and those he touched on his live's journey as well as his devotion to his church, music, and St Olaf were topics he shared during our talks. He left much of himself to many of us.
Barbara Taft

Lars G. I am proud now knowing your nickname was "lefse". that you called me "Cookie" and most likely lied that the Norwegian cookies I often brought to class were actually edible! You were in my top three favorite and influential teachers, giving me the guidance to become a teacher myself...37 yrs. later I still love it like you did. Calling up to 311 from the teachers lounge at Roosevelt and asking why I was answering the phone... Cookie "get to work!! as you most likely told one more story and took your last bite of lunch. The "tests" in which you played the Norwegian Language record with your fingernail asking us to transcribe what we were hearing, and reminding us of an assured A by writing "I am a nice Norwegian Girl/Boy" next to our names! are just a couple examples of the stories we recall fondly from our days spent with you. To all of my classmates reading and writing in your guestbook take a second to smile and shed a tear for a great man. My condolences to your family. And Lars tell my Mom that we really weren't being rude calling you Kindem!

My daughter Marita baked her first loaf of bread with Lars in his Burnsville kitchen - how both their eyes smiled at her amazing feat! His Burnsville kitchen garden and the pride and love he had in all he grew, gathered, pressed, canned, stewed, and baked will always be a part of how I remember Lars. Driving by the brown house in the curve of the road, one could never have guessed at all the wonder and the glory that grew in that yard - until he gave you a personal tour! Though many years have passed,I find my eyes still cast in the direction of the house, looking for the Norwegian flag that always flew there. May you rest in peace-

I had the honor of caring for Lars at his final home. I will always remember his God given talent of singing...oh how the goose bumps did arrive when ever he would sing. I also enjoyed asking him whenever I saw him..."How's my favorite Norwegian?" The smile on his face, when he heard that, would light up the room. I consider it an honor to have been on his careteam at Prairie Lodge. To the family and friends that knew him best---May you feel the tender and loving arms of our Lord as He cradles you tenderly during this time of pain and grief.
RIP oh fearless Fubar leader

I had the good fortune of "trying" to replace Lars, as head coach at North High, in Minneapolis, after Lars transferred to Roosevelt High School and immediately became head ski coach. Back then, we coached alpine, jumping, and cross country. Lars, in his methodical and meticulous way, managed the timing of the Minneapolis city races. Each race day, I was given two hours off, to set the ski trail, with a park snowmobile and a wooden track setter that Lars had designed. The track setter was two feet square, with two sharp steel blades, backed up by blocks of wood. There was a forged steel handle that connected to a rope tied to the snowmobile. From week to week, I would redesign the trail, about which, Lars would always complain, suggesting that I had made a design that favored my skiers. I would try to explain that it was a new design and my skiers hadn't seen it before, but that didn't stop the protest. Lars just loved to be in the middle of confrontation. Lars not only created strong competitors, he was, at heart a competitor. Lars' competitive drive would emerge in defense of his young athletes. But his sense of what was right went far beyond defending his own skiers. One miserably cold race night, one of my skiers was injured on the course. We didn't realize that he hadn't come in off the course until we were in the lodge at Theodore Wirth, calculating the times. I skied out onto the course and found my skier, almost hypo-thermic and severely bruised. When Lars saw my skier come in, with a bloody face and in tears, Lars treated him as though he were his own skier. He sat in him down, put his arm around him, and spoke words of encouragement, especially regarding the next race. I was privileged to be part of the selection committee that nominated Lars for the Minnesota Life Time Achievement Award. Few, in our small community of skiers, was more deserving. Those of us who were privileged to know Lars will always carry special memories of our experiences with him.

He was a great teacher and made learning fun.

I so enjoyed Lars class at Roosevelt . I remember him always telling us to think in Norwegian, and we would learn the language faster. He was right! He always made learning fun! May he rest in peace.
Janet Johansen

Bjorn, Tor and family –

My heartfelt sympathy and condolences to you. Loads of good memories of Lars, many of them rekindled while reading through the guest book. I drive by the house every chance I get and still expect to see him in the kitchen window with the Norwegian flag on the side of the road. Seems most residents of Northwest Burnsville knew of that flag. I hope you find joy and some comfort in the many testaments of your dad touching peoples lives, he certainly did mine. Peace be with you.

Mr Kindem was absolutley my favorite teacher and coach of all-time. His Street Law class at RHS was both entertaining and informative. He was a great teacher. I will always remember him. I also would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

When I was a sophmore at Roosevelt High School Lars told me he would take me out for a steak dinner if I scored 3 goals in one game. Well I scored the 3 goals and Lars took me to Jimmy Heggs in downtown Minneapolis. I will never forget that memory. Thanks Lars. Jim Carlson 1971 Roosevelt graduate.

I was a student at North High School in the mid 1960s and I was assigned to Mr. Kindem's Home Room. Those of us lucky enough to be in that group had the pleasure of starting their day with him. Always kind, always good humored and always encouraging. I also took 2 years of his Norwegian class and I can still sing the National Anthem after all these years. Mr. Kindem was the very best kind of teacher and one that none of his students ever forgot. I want to thank Mr. Kindem for the indelible memories. To his family, my deepest sympathy. Gayle Gagnon Landis, NHS class of 1966

we lost a great educator and man, he taught us so many things. I remember him as the intellect who played off McInroy's passion. He will be missed

Mr.Kindem was my all time favorite teacher, he had a great sense of humor and taught in a manner that never bored. He left a wonderful impression...he will be missed. Rest in peace Mr.Kindem ? Roosevelt High School~

Any one you ever met; you will be in their memory.

There will never be another like Mr. Kindem, I loved his stories he would tell. He was and will always be my favorite! You will never be forgotten Mr. Kindem.

Thanks to Lars I gave skiing a try.I was in his US History class when he noticed that I had a Norwegian name. Well, he bugged me to go out for the ski team for the first 3 months of school. You see, I had been a ski racer back in Norway but there were soany good skiers back there that I was really not interested in getting my butt handed to me every weekend.
Well, Lars did not take no for an answer, so I gave it a go. What a blast we had skiing at Roosevelt!
Now I have been in skiing ever since, I managed to find a way to make a living at it, thanks Lars, you helped me find myself and my passion in life. I am using all that I had learned from you, nmost importantly , support and inspire youth then watch what great things can happen! I know you will be missed, I will never forget ya!

I will never forget the Cartoon lunch boxes he had every day for his lunch as a coversation piece. Dropping pop cans from the third floor railing and blaming some " dirt-bag "! Great teacher and friend - Greg Wright RHS Class or 1984

Mr. Kindem was one of my favorite teachers at RHS. I will always remember him for his sense of humor and one liners...especially "Get Outta Here". RIP. To his family: thanks for sharing a dear man.

I too took "Norse" from Mr. Kindem at Roosevelt (1968-1969). He was a great teacher, and he made our Norwegian Club outings so much fun! Thanks, Mr. Kindem, for enhancing my knowledge of Norwegian culture and teaching me the language. Rest in peace, and peace be with your family.

My favorite teachers hands down!!!

Mr. Kindem was probably the teacher in high school that had the most positive effect on my high school education. Very nice person. I'm proud to say he was my teacher.

You will be missed. We loved your classes. You were one of the VERY BEST.

Nacole Roosevelt Class of 1990

Mr Kindem was my favorite teacher at RHS, thanks for being a great man.

RIP Lars Kinden, you were my favorite teacher and a favorite to many! I only knew a little of your story but I can see the story was long and that it was good! You will be missed!

Go on, get outta there! Gotta love him! Great times in those classes and in the halls! Jerry birdScrogginski

It is sad to hear of Lars' passing as he was quite the man, teacher, ski coach, friend. I was lucky to have been there to see him receive a lifetime achievement award up in mora a couple years back. He was still the same witty and fun man I remembered over the years. He gave alot to skiing and we will miss having him here. To Tor and the family, you have my sympathy, I know you will miss him greatly. I'll never forget clearing and skiing down the hill by your Burnsville house. Great memories.

Lars was my ski coach for his last 2 years at North. He was the preeminent coach in the city and one of the top coaches in the State with a State title and 2 individual cross country ski State Champions. I remember training in the basement of NHS, pine tar parties at his house (in arch-rival Henry HS territory), ski technique work on the 9th hole at Wirth, skiing in to set the race course track at Wirth and trying to psyche the other coaches in ski waxing.
I briefly reconnected with Lars at the 1976 Birkie where he was the Technical Delegate and then again several years ago when we talked and had lunch - he brought the old ski results from my HS days. The last time I saw Lars was when he was inducted into the Minneapolis Ski Club Hall of Fame a few years ago at a Gala.
As a coach and teacher he touched many lives including mine by coaching me in XC skiing a lifetime sport I still love.
Heia Norge! Heia Lars! You are missed.

I took Norse from Mr. Kindem in the 70's and loved it. He was very funny and brought out the best in his students. His "ski" club was the most popular after school group (and we rarely went skiing.) You should be very proud of your son, father, husband and friend.

One of the best teachers at RHS. May your family have peace knowing that you touched the lives of so many of your students. RIP Mr. Kindem...

RHS Class of 1990

To one of my favorite Roosevelt teachers may he rest in peace. I always looked forward to going to his classes, he was a gifted and loved man!

You always had the "POW-AH" Mr. Kindem - I'm very thankful to have known such a wonderful teacher, human being and lovely person. Thank you for your guidance in my college selection and for writing my letter of recommendation to St. Olaf...I will always cherish my only college football touchdown (being a defensive LB) while having you standing in the end zone -under the goal post -snapping pics and celebrating with me and my Ole teammates in a great victory over Concordia. Your pre-game words were priceless and I will never forget. Words in general cannot express my deepest appreciation for you. Bless your family and Godspeed Mr. Kindem, you will never be forgotten!

Truly a great man and one of the best teachers, coaches or mentors I have ever had!

History, Street Law and Cross Country skiing at RHS--he truly shined at anything he taught.

Mr. Kindem - you are thought of often after all these years and your spirit will always remain with me. No doubt your wit will be much appreciated in the afterlife!

I remember being a freshman at RHS and not being able to wait to take Street Law as a senior. Mr. Kindem was a funny teacher, loved his class, and all his stories too!
To his family, I am sorry for your loss. I hope reading how he touched so many lives brings a smile to you in this very difficult time.

In 1957 when I first entered North High School in Minneapolis as a sophomore, I had the great privilege of having Mr. Kindem as my American history teacher. He soon became my favorite teacher and remained so for all time, for the skilled and enthusiastic way he taught history, and for the way he demonstrated genuine interest in the well being of all his students. In my junior and senior years at North High, I also took his Norwegian classes so that I could continue to enjoy being one of his students.

Through the many years since high school, I have frequently thought of Mr. Kindem and each time my heart has been warmed by my fond memories of him. I am very grateful for the blessing it was to have been taught by such a kind and exceptional teacher.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to entire family of Lars Kindem for your loss. May the way his special life influenced you and so many others, bring comfort to you. And may the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and always.

Most sincerely,
Cathie (Wuollet) Morey
North High School
Class of 1960

Mr. Kindem, you were my favorite teacher at RHS. You made History fun, and I loved the street law class you tought. Always smiling, always cleaver and witty. You touched so many lives. I know you are with the Father now. Rest in Peace Sir, you will be missed.

I will never forget you, Mr. Kindem. You were my favorite teacher at RHS, and gave me one of the greatest pieces of advise in my life, "always swim against the stream". I've lived that way ever since. Rest in peace Lars. You will always be remembered and appreciated.

A wonderful person and a great teacher.

I still get a lot of laughs when I tell people that I studied Norwegian in high school. "Nowhere but in Minnesota!!". Mr. Kindem was one of my favorite teachers at North High. Serious about the language and a lot of fun too. Blessings to his family and many friends.

I have very fond memories of Lars being my ski coach at RHS, he was a very kind and interesting person. It was a pleasure to have known him.

Go on get outta here and are you a commy?some funny stuff. R.I.P. A Great American!

I will never forget Mr. Kindem. We quote him often. "GO AWAY! FAR AWAY!" RIP to a wonderful teacher.

Of all the teachers I have had growing up there is only one I still remember because of his smile, laugh, and just being a great man. Thank you Lars Godspeed.

Thanks for touching so many lives, specially at RHS. You were the favorite teacher of many students including myself. Every time I research a new lake on the MN DNR website, you'd come to mind with your state record Salmon. Rest in peace Mr. Kindem.

I was just thinking about Mr. Kindem the other day.....A Very Memorable Human Being! Rest in Peace Luscious Lars!

U were a great teacher...u are one of my favorite teachers in high school...u will be missed...see u in heaven!!!

My life was enriched knowing Lars. My prayers are with the family.