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Peter Nekola Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.
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Scott Elliott
February 22, 2022
He was my teacher at Fulton elementary in MPLS. He could have stopped at the responsibility of being a teacher for one year, but he remained a part of many of our lives for years beyond. He was a hero in my eyes. A mentor, teacher, a true gentleman. Long missed, but a blessing from God above.
Joann Osgood
June 23, 2013
Peter Nikola was my 6th grade teacher at Fulton school. One of the best teaches ever. Loved how he read to us every day...Tripods!
Jean Doolittle
December 3, 2012
I have recently retired from the Minneapolis Public Schools and attended a retired teachers luncheon where I learned of Peter's passing. Very early in my career I worked with Peter at Fulton and though many years have gone by, I remember him with fondness and respect. He was a fine and caring man and he touched many lives so positively--I know he touched mine.
Steve Lopez
September 27, 2012
I was in the desert when Pete passed, we had received the annual family letter at Christmas and were pleased to hear all was well as could be, it is with a profound sadness that I hear of his passing. Peter was truly a man among men; he was compassionate, patriotic and caring among many other fine characteristics. I learned to love the wildlands from him and be aware of our insignificance as we relate to the Earth. I enjoyed visiting him at Calhoun Elementary and later on at his home when I would come back to Minneapolis, I was privileged to be his student and blessed to be his friend. God bless Sandy and the kids
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Alice Benjamin Boudreau
July 26, 2012
I remember Peter reading "The Creamation of Sam Magee" at his West Bearskin cabin and just learned of his death in the Careview "Caring " magazine. I never knew about the children. I am a graduate of Fulton and Southwest long before them. My condolences to all from Florida
Scott Elliott
March 20, 2012
I credit Mr. Nekola as a driving force in the education of many generations. He taught us more then reading and writing, this man taught me about honor and so much more. He is missed.
John & Debbie Reed
March 5, 2012
So sorry to hear this. He was a wonderful man. In our thoughts and prayers.
Lindsey Bunting
March 3, 2012
Mr. Nekola was my 6th Grade teacher in 1991. I fondly remember going to Fort Snelling on a field trip. He loved the root beer barrels candies and read the book the Red Badge of Courage aloud to us with such dramatics. Of course, you couldn't be in his class with out learning the Star Spangled Banner too of course. He was a stand-out teacher and one of the reasons I became one!
Andi Billig
February 29, 2012
Mr. Nekola was one of the best teachers that I ever have had, and not a day goes by where I don't recall some snippet of information, recall that there's more than one verse of the Star Spangle Banner, remember many Civil War songs and stories, and all of the other stories and lessons that inspired so many students. He introduced classes to John Christopher's "The Tripods" and when this became a BBC series (broadcast on PBS), if one of us missed an episode, we knew the other may have recorded it and would trade tapes. He inspired me early on to think of conservation and alternative transportation (and remember seeing him cross-country skiing on Lake Harriet a few times). He was a great teacher who helped encourage me to my degree in biology and animal behavior. He will be missed by so, so many people.
Mike & Kathe Sherer
February 28, 2012
Blessed be the memory of Peter Nekola, a good friend and an all-around wonderful person. He will be missed. We can still visualize him stirring up soup for the mid-week Lenten lunches at Mount Olive Lutheran on Chicago Avenue. May eternal light shine upon him.
Lynne Law Wendorf
February 28, 2012
Mr. Nekola was my 6th grade teacher in 1980. Of all my teachers he did have one of the biggest impacts on me. I majored in biology and environmental studies. Mr. Nekola taught us to care for the earth and it had a big impact on me. He also taught us that war is terrible and not at all glamorous. I also remember he read a trilogy of science fiction books and memorizing all four verses of the Star Spangled Banner. He instilled in us a sense of patriotism and love for learning that I've never forgotten.
Molly Fox
February 28, 2012
Heartfelt sympathy to the Nekola family. Like many other people who've posted, Mr. Nekola was my 6th grade teacher at Fulton. I remember him reading to us. Rifles for Watie. And learning by heart every verse of the national anthem. He was very influential and will be missed.
Brian Kenney
February 28, 2012
To Peter's Family: I'm very sorry for your loss. Mr. Nekola was a phenomenal teacher. Memories of 6th grade at Fulton are among my most cherished because of him. He not only taught the fundamentals, but shared his life experiences. Through him I learned about the Voyageurs, the civil war (with actors from Fort Snelling), and enjoyed the many books he patiently read to us. He's the only teacher I visited after graduation, and he was always happy to visit. He will truly be missed.
Ben Troll Premack
February 28, 2012
Mr Nekola was my 6th grade Teacher at Fulton I was the class of 1992. He taught me many things including all 4 verses of the Star Spangle Banner! Introduced me to Gary Paulson books and my side of the mountain among many other books. I will miss him very much. He always took time to listen to people! He was a great man and a great teacher!
February 28, 2012
Dear Sandy, Eric forwarded to us (in Arizona) the information about Peter's death. We remember your family with thoughts of the great outdoors and the fun we shared together in past years. We know that the recent years have been hard for the whole family. We keep you in our prayers and send our condolences. May God give you his comfort. Love, Nan and Dave Grube
Margaret Owens
February 28, 2012
Mr Nekola was my 6th grade teacher. He taught my brother as well. I will say, he made the biggest impact on me. More than any other teacher ever. I remember him reading to us. I remember the first snow fall of the winter and all the new children from Laos. We dropped everything and went out to just play in the snow. I remember him teaching us to love and care for our Earth before "being green" was popular. And the encouragement to have relationships beyond out boarders with pen pals around the world. I lived on Lake Harriet and I remember seeing him walk or ride his bike around it. You are deeply missed Mr N. Love. Margaret
Cassie (Matte) Pelinka
February 27, 2012
Mr. Nekola was my 6th Grade teacher in 1980 and he was my favorite teacher at Fulton. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Rest in Peace.
Melissa Anderson
February 27, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Whenever anyone has ever asked me who my most influential teacher was, the answer is my 6th grade teacher Mr. Peter Nekola . He made a difference in my life and many others. A legacy like that is rare, you should be very proud! My prayers are with your family.
Jennifer Winer
February 27, 2012
Anna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Nekola fondly as my 6th grade teacherwas an amazing teacher and has an amazing family! My deepest sympathy.
Hilary Kost
February 27, 2012
Mr Nekola was my 6th grade teacher, at Fulton in 1981. He was a wonderful teacher, and I continued to see him walk Harriet. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Kenneth Chambers
February 27, 2012
Dear Nekola Family,
I was just doing a casual search for my beloved 6th grade teacher, who taught our class at Calhoun Elementary during the 70-71
school year. What a sad coincidence that I find I am reading his obituary.
He taught all of us to be so courageous in defense of our envirnment, back when the environmental movement was in infancy.
I have and will always remember his warm personality, and cherish the time spent in his class.
There are so many things I can point to and say I got that from him, he was very much a father figure, in the most positive sense.
I will say a prayer for him today, and hope we shall meet again in the great hereafter. Thank you Peter, for shining your light in my life.
Nathan Santos
February 27, 2012
The world was given a true gift to share in all the children's lives Mr Nekola effected. His smile could solve any child's worries and his passion for teaching the right way and the right things things ring true to all of us even today. We were all blessed to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag with a wonderful man for even a year of our young lives. My sincere condolences to Peter's family and loved ones. Mr. Nekola was truly the greatest of men and we are all bigger men and women because of his support for us. You'll be dearly missed. Thank you...
Kirsten Wright
February 27, 2012
Dear Anna,
We went to Southwest together, you taught me to love the Oboe. My brother had your Dad for 6th grade and I saw him evey morning for patrol. He always had hot cocoa for us evey morning. I am so sorry for your loss he was a great man!
Much love, Kirsten Wright (Henrikson)
Chris Osier
February 27, 2012
The staff and residents of Mount Olivet Home will remember Peter fondly as a gentle soul with a great smile. Our thoughts are with you, Sandy and family.
LEESA GIILMORE
February 26, 2012
Mr. Nekola was a very Special teacher ,that captivated his pupils and made them enjoy learning! He is the epitome of what every teacher should be. You will be missed Peter Nekola but forever placed in our hearts.On behalf of myself and my daughters Vanessa and Erica who were lucky to have Mr.Peter Nekola for their teacher, they loved him and learned so much from him.He touched many many lives. My prayers go out to you Sandy,Anna and Peter. God took his angel home and we were all Blessed and Lucky to know him, he was a true inspiration to his students.We Salute you Peter Nekola and a life as a son,a husband,father,teacher to many,and friend to all...You Will be Missed ...but Not forgotten.
Erica Gilmore
February 26, 2012
Dear Nekola family,
I send you my deepest sympathys on this very sad day!
Mr. Nekola was my sixth grade teacher at Fulton he was and is still my favorite teacher! I still after twenty years can recite thanks to him the pledge of alligence!
He will be greatly missed but never forgotten!
My deepest sympathy to you three.
Erica Gilmore
Julie Guhl
February 26, 2012
Dear Sandy, Anna and Peter,
Was sorry to read the news of Peter's passing. I was blessed for two years of Peter's teaching, 5th and 6th grades at Calhoun. Also for many years of being pen pals. Much love and Blessings to all of you.
Joe Varga
February 26, 2012
Dear Sandy, Peter, and Anna,
Among the many things Peter did for this world was provide me with a fine friend in Peter Jr. I am forever grateful. My love and sympathy to you all at this time.
David Haegele
February 26, 2012
My uncle Peter lived life by example, and anyone who is fortunate enough to have been touched by him, is blessed. God bless everyone who became part of his genuine and gentle lifestyle.
A. Cappetta
February 26, 2012
Blessings.
Bob Hunderup
February 26, 2012
Sandy,
My heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow. Peter was one of my room mates in Germany for a long time. Pete, Bob Highland and myself all went Paris on leave of which I still have fond memories.
I am sorry to hear of his passing and he will be missed.
My God Bless You, Bob Hunderup
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