Flemming Kisbye

Flemming Kisbye, age 82, of Copenhagen, Denmark, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2025, in New Hope, Minnesota.
Of course, Flemming was not surprised-his body had been "going sideways from the neck down" for a while. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother.
Flemming is lovingly remembered by his life partner, Jeanne Cline; his brother, Peter (Kristie) Kisbye; his sons, Erik (Michelle) Kisbye and Max (Suzanne) Kisbye; his stepdaughters, Allyson (Ryan) Guttormson and Cathryn (Todd) Quast; and his many cherished grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Born on February 28, 1943, during the chaos of WWII in Copenhagen, Denmark, Flemming immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island in 1949 with his two brothers. They settled in Seattle, WA, where they became part of the thriving Danish-American community. Flemming was immensely proud of his Danish heritage while embracing the adventures that came with his new life in the U.S.
As a young man, Flemming served his country with honor in the Army National Guard, a role that instilled in him a lifelong sense of discipline, perseverance, and patriotism. After his service, Flemming and his first wife, Mary, built a family with their two sons, Erik and Max, in Seattle, WA, and Shell Beach, CA.
Flemming started his illustrious career as an usher at The Coliseum before hatching a plan with his lifelong buddy, Bob Renfro, to join the Army and see the world together. Their plot was thwarted, however, when Flemming ended up in the Army National Guard. In his professional life, he worked for Payless/Rite Aid Corporation, climbing the ranks from an entry-level position to significant leadership roles before retiring. His strong work ethic, business sense, and mentoring abilities earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues.
But more than his professional success, Flemming was a man of boundless curiosity. His passions included travel, mountain climbing, history, and science fiction. A lifelong learner and engaging storyteller, he found joy in sharing his adventures with both old friends and new acquaintances. His love for travel was contagious-he hoped his grandchildren would explore the world with the same sense of wonder and curiosity he always had.
Flemming's greatest pride, however, was his family. He cherished his role as FaFa and Papa to his grandchildren, Josh, Seth, Kristina, Julia, Emma, Lila, Griffin, Henry, AJ, and Kelly. He was also remembered fondly by his nieces and nephews, Joe, Sam (Samantha), Kirsten (Kenny), and Laurie (Dale).
In retirement, Flemming and Jeanne made their home in New Hope, MN, where they spent many wonderful years together, sharing laughter, love, and new experiences. Whether it was a local gathering or a faraway adventure, Flemming embraced life with an open heart and an insatiable sense of wonder. His sharp wit and infectious humor will be remembered by all who knew him-a true tribute to his love of history and his commitment to curiosity.
Max and Erik are left to squabble over his "vast fortune, real estate holdings, and treasures." The family is forever in debt to Flemming's life partner, Jeanne Cline, for all her help in looking after him in these last years. We couldn't have done it without you. Sorry, FaMor, Mom, Bill, Larry, Gordon, etc. -we did the best we could to take care of him and keep him out of your hair for as long as possible. But he's back in your court now, and the world will never be the same without him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to offset the cost of publishing this exceedingly long obituary-which he would have thought was still too short. Seriously, what would have made him the happiest is for you to have a cup of coffee or a drink with a friend and ask, "If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?" And for you all to know, he is just "fine."
A celebration of Flemming's life will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 2 PM at Brookview Golden Valley Golf Club, 316 Brookview Pkwy S, Golden Valley, MN 55426. Light appetizers, wine, and beer will be served-because Flemming felt no gathering was complete without cheese and crackers.