Lyall Schwarzkopf

Lyall Arthur Schwarzkopf, of Minneapolis, MN, passed away peacefully on January 30th, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on June 10, 1931, in Waupaca, WI, he was the eldest of three children born to Arthur and Dora (Venem) Schwarzkopf. In 1942, the Schwarzkopf family relocated to Minneapolis, where Lyall lived and dedicated his life to public service.
Lyall graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1949 and earned his BA degree from the University of Minnesota in 1953. In February 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving honorably until his discharge in February 1956 as a Specialist 3rd Class. In 1958, he married Inez Minerva Olson, and together they shared 64 years of marriage until Inez's passing in June 2023. They raised four children and were blessed with six grandchildren.
A passionate public servant, Lyall's career spanned government administration, Republican politics, and health care. His commitment to service began in high school, where he served as President of the All-City Student Council and was appointed to both Mayor Hubert H. Humphrey's and Governor Luther Youngdahl's Youth Welfare Commissions. Lyall began his professional career as Assistant Executive Director of the Minnesota Medical Association, and in 1963, he was elected to represent South Minneapolis in the Minnesota State House of Representatives, where he served for nearly a decade. While in the legislature, he also chaired the Hennepin County Republican Committee, leading it to victory in 48 out of 52 elections in 1966.
In 1972, Lyall was appointed City Clerk of Minneapolis, a position he held with distinction until 1987. As City Clerk, he moved beyond partisan politics and used his deep knowledge of state government to advocate for the city at the legislature. In 1981, Lyall was appointed City Coordinator, a role similar to a City Manager but with more limited authority. For five years, he held both the City Clerk and City Coordinator roles while also lobbying the state legislature on behalf of the city. He continued to serve as City Coordinator until 1990, after which he briefly joined Governor Arne Carlson's administration as Chief of Staff. Following a short tenure with the Metropolitan Council as Director of Long-Range Planning, Lyall retired in 1993.
Lyall's professional legacy extends beyond his work for Minneapolis. As President of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), he founded the International Education Foundation, which today holds an endowment of over $1 million to support new City Clerks. His leadership in local government and his passion for public service left a lasting impact on both Minneapolis and the broader municipal government community.
In retirement, Lyall continued to give back by serving on several nonprofit boards, including the Fairview Hospital board, where he was proud to witness the successful merger of St. Mary's and the University of Minnesota Hospitals into the Fairview system. He also served on the Minneapolis Charter Commission from 2010 to 2023, where his contributions helped shape the city's future, including the revision of the City Charter and the establishment of a new form of government.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service, Lyall was named City Clerk Emeritus by the Minneapolis City Council and Mayor in May 2023.
In addition to his dedicated civil service, Lyall was a faithful servant of God. As a lifelong Christian, he was an active member of several churches throughout his life, including Epworth United Methodist Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church, and Bethlehem Lutheran Church. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and shaping his deep commitment to serving others. Lyall cherished his involvement in the church, taking great joy in leadership roles and volunteering his time.
Lyall's interests were as diverse as his career. A social butterfly, passionate traveler, music lover, and lifelong learner, he embraced life with enthusiasm. He gave generously of his time and resources, mentoring and guiding many. Through acts of charity, mentorship, and a listening ear, he was always there for those in need. He embodied kindness, generosity, and integrity, leaving a lasting inspiration for all who knew him.
Lyall was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His love and commitment to Inez were unwavering, particularly during the final years of her life. Together, they traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. Though Lyall's career kept him busy, his children cherish the memories of door knocking, camping trips, YMCA activities, and the time he spent with them. As a grandfather, he was deeply involved in his grandchildren's lives, attending events, always offering guidance, wisdom, and a steady hand to hold. He took immense pride in their accomplishments.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Inez Schwarzkopf; his parents, Arthur Schwarzkopf and Dora Hansen; his brother and sister-in-law, Vernon and Char Schwarzkopf; and his sister, Barbara Carney. He is survived by his children: Erik (Leigh Ann) Schwarzkopf, Kurt (Susie Byers) Schwarzkopf, Dana Schwarzkopf, and Ilse (Jason) Rolf; his grandchildren: Ian, Karl (Meghan), Nissa, Casey, Sigrid, and Parker; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses on the 5th floor at Methodist Hospital, and they are forever grateful to Lyall and Inez's exceptional caregiver, Kaibeh.
Funeral Service Friday, February 21, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 4100 Lyndale Ave South, Minneapolis. Visitation Thursday, February 20th from 4-7pm at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel, 5000 West 50th & Highway 100 and one hour prior to funeral service at the church. Interment Lakewood Cemetery, Minneapolis.
Memorials are preferred to the Lyall Schwarzkopf Education Fund at the International Education Foundation for IIMC. https://givebutter.com/Lyall