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Douglas Head Obituary

Dedicated political office holder, lawyer, business man & civic leader Age 80, died at home Feb. 2, 2011. Survived by wife of 41 years, Martha (Myers); daughters, M. E. (Chris) Kirwan, and Ginny; sisters, Sally Bosanko, Ruth Horner, Margaret Loeffler and Mary Clark; many nieces and nephews. Last Republican attorney general for Minnesota 1967-1971. Republican candidate forgovernor in 1970. Served Minnesota House of Representatives 1960-1964. Chair, Governor's Crime Commission; president, National Association ofAttorneys General; chairman, Minnesota Advertising Review Board; Commissioner, National Commission on Consumer Finance from 1971-1973, appointed by President Nixon. Graduated West High School 1947, president of his senior class. Yale University 1952, U of M Law School 1956, study group included noted attorney Clay Moore, Federal District Judge Harry McLaughlin, and Vice President Walter Mondale. Board service for National Mental Health Association, Minnesota Mental Health Association, Minnesota Charities Review Council, Inc., the Minneapolis YWCA and Homeward Bound, Inc. President, Minneapolis Aquatennial Association 1980-81. A polio survivor, he served on the board of the Minnesota Society for Crippled Children and Adults, now Courage Center. After retiring from political life, formed the law firm of Head & Truhn (Head, Seifert & Vander Weide) with former Minn.Solicitor General Jerome D. Truhn.Also had business interests in housing, retail and transportation. With partners Ray Harris and Martha Head, developed Calhoun Square in 1983, the centerpiece of Uptown. Developed Nationwide Housing Corporation, a residential real estate development and management company. Board of shortline railroads Red River Valley & Western Railroad, Twin City & Western Railroad, and Minnesota Prairie Line. A celebration of Doug's life will be held Monday, Feb. 7, 2011, 4 PM at The Woman's Club, 410 Oak Grove Street, Mpls., MN 55403. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute, Courage Center, or The Woman's Club.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pioneer Press on Feb. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Head

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jerry rockvam

January 29, 2021

Doug, thanks for being a political mentor for me and for all of the advise you have me over the years, you are truly missed

Jea n Boerth

March 3, 2011

Dear Martha,

I am terribly sorry over the loss of your dear husband Douglas. May I extend to you my sincere sympathy. He was a giant of a man, one of whom you must be very proud.

May your memories of hime sustain you in the days to come. He was an extrordinary man. He will be greatly missed.

Dan Walsh

February 28, 2011

Mr. Head was an inpirational leader for those of us who had the good fortune to work for him under the auspices of Acorn Mini Storage.
Dan & Nicole

February 11, 2011

My brother George Thiss was a close friend who died quite unexpectedly in 1983. He had planned to work with Doug on the development of Calhoun Square. I came to share your grief and to celebrate the lives these two had together.
Tom Thiss

Peggy Werness

February 9, 2011

We have a big hole in our lives. Uncle Doug was so smart, so much fun, so loving, so strong...so many things. He lived with integrity and leaves a wonderful legacy. Let us know if we can do anything for you all.
Our our love to you, Martha, M.E., Chris and Ginny.

Wyatt Moe

February 9, 2011

Dear Martha and Family,
Doug was a quiet giant in his many fields of endeavor. He had the wisdom of Soloman. His friends and family all turned to Doug for guidance. His leadership and mentoring showed the path for many people. We are proud to be his friends for over 50 years.
Love, Wyatt and Nancy

February 9, 2011

Martha and family,
It was a privilege for me to work for Doug at the TC&W RR. May he rest in peace.
Dave Thompson
Glenwood, MN

February 9, 2011

A valiant fight to the end, but a sad loss for all his family and friends. Much love to you, Martha.

Bill and Ellie Ogden

Beatrice Joseph

February 8, 2011

Every memory I have of Mr. Head is of him smiling and and cleverly quipping. He surely was a great man and will be missed by those who knew him best and those who were blessed enough to be graced by his spirit.

Nancy and Al Dorris

February 8, 2011

The beautiful celebration of Doug and his contributions reminded me of another great progressive Republican. Theodore Roosevelt famously said he ..."who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Wasn't that Doug!!

Renata Faeth

February 8, 2011

Martha and family,
What a wonderful tribute to Doug, and a heartwarming celebration of his life. My condolences to all of you.

February 8, 2011

Thank you, Martha, for giving us all the opportunity to share how much Doug meant to us. He definitely was a guiding light and the tributes brought back many memories. Carolyn & Terry Barrette

Jody Lee

February 8, 2011

It was such a lovely service and so interesting to me to hear about all Doug had done and accomplished. So impressive. I know I feel privileged to have met, and worked for him. You were blessed to have had him in your lives.

February 8, 2011

Please accept our deepest condolence for your loss. Doug was a wonderful, loyal and dedicated person, and I know you will deeply miss him.

It’s important for you to know that Doug’s contributions at Courage Center as a board member were invaluable, and his wisdom and foresight have proven invaluable as we deal with today’s challenges. We are very grateful that Doug so positively affected the lives of people with disabilities

Again, please accept my deepest condolences.

Jan Malcolm

Judy McConnell

February 8, 2011

Martha and family,
Doug was an exceptional person and it was heartwarming to view the window on his life. Thank you so much for creating the opportunity to share in such a beaautiful way.
And to Sally for her wonderful warm contribution.

Merle Minda

February 8, 2011

Dear Martha, Roland and I were so touched by your beautiful and fascinating memorial service for Doug. We learned much about him we did not know, and we were particularly interested in his detailed determination and approach to everything he did -- beginning with politics. The service also provided a clear window into what the Republican party used to be, its goals and dedication to people's needs; as contrasted to what the party seems to be today. It was a warming and very touching afternoon. Many thanks for sharing these memories of Doug and for your gracious hospitality. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.

Don/Joann Leavenworth

February 8, 2011

What a meaningful celebration of Doug's life from the comments of M.E. and Ginny in the program and the comments of his many collegues to the very special light supper with the opportunities to interact with family and guests. WELL DONE, Doug would be proud.

Beverly & Gregg Jaehning

February 8, 2011

It was a beautiful memorial.

Nancy Booker

February 8, 2011

Gene and I were overwhelmed by all the tributes to Doug. It was a beautiful celebration of his life. We feel blessed to have known him as a friend. We will talk soon.

Julie Thiss Kliner

February 7, 2011

Doug was such a dear friend and inspiration to my brother, George Thiss. My heart goes out to the Head family and special condolences to Marge Loeffler, Doug's sister, and my friend in Charlotte, NC the many years I spent there.

February 7, 2011

Martha: What a guy and what a loss. We had fun in the AG's ofice, trying to make things work, and I think to some extent we succeeded. At least we hired a good office manager for Doug! Norm Carpenter

Sarah Harris

February 7, 2011

While listening to the wonderful tributes at this evening's service I took time to reflect on my own memories of Doug. I was struck by two recurring comments during the service: integrity and humor. Those are the things I remember about him. In fact, I can still hear his infectious laugh. I hope the many wonderful memories you have of Doug will bring you peace (and laughter).

February 7, 2011

Such a thoughtful service for a well-loved man. The gorgeous flowers, wonderful readings, sincere words from devoted friends and family, uplifting music--it was a wonderful tribute. God appoints to us the people (and pets) in our lives and we cannot ever lose, be separated from or deprived of God's gifts to us.

All Best,

Betsy Thomas

John Miller

February 7, 2011

A life well-lived is a precious gift of hope and strenght and grace. From someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. I believe this pertains to Doug. John Miller Heights Manor

Dan Hoffman

February 7, 2011

The entries in this guest book,along with the words of those at today's memorial,describe a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by all who knew
him.My most sincere condolences.

Sheree Bumgarner

February 7, 2011

Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

February 7, 2011

Dear Martha,We are so sorry we cannot be with you today to celebrate Doug's life. It seems impossible one person could accomplish all that he did and at the same time be confronting his physical problems. We are so grateful we both were at lunch with him in December. That is a very special memory. Our love,sympathy, and prayer, Ward and Carolyn

Cheryl Webb

February 6, 2011

Martha,

I have worked at Head, Seifert & Vander Weide for 25 years and always enjoyed talking with you and Doug. I remember he always had a smile for everyone and I will miss him. I take comfort in the fact that Doug, Chuck and Kent are probably planning a railroad in heaven. God bless them all.

Bev Fitzgerald

February 6, 2011

Am in Naples so just heard. I am so sorry.
What a special man! I know only too well what you are going through. My heart goes out to you and your girls.

February 6, 2011

Hello Martha & girls, As feeling a part of your family being the very first babysitter of M.E. and Ginny, you all have my deepest condolences. I also was quite young when you were newly married and lived on 27th and Irving and Doug was running for Governor I remember campaigning for him at Calhoun School when I was in grade school. I was also a shop owner at Calhoun Sguare when it first opened and enjoyed Doug and Martha's wonderful help in my yarn store, Creative Needles. I loved him and admired him for many years. Take care and you have my love and prayers. Mary Baron

Bill Peterson

February 6, 2011

I was honored to serve Doug on the Attorney General's staff and in his campaign for governor. He was a great public servant, mentor and a fine attorney. He will be missed.

February 6, 2011

Dear Martha: Please accept my condolences and sympathy over Doug's loss. He lived a wonderful life, and Minnesota was fortunate to have him.
I have pleasant memories of you and Doug coming to look at our home on Lake of the Isles to consider buying it; M.E. was absolutely right when she commented that our closets were really jammed ful!!!
Alice always enjoyed your company and the Christmas cookie parties.
Doug was very helpful when I filed for the legislature in 1962.
I am sure you will miss him, as many others will. Sincerely, Donn G. Mosser, M.D.

Lucia Paul

February 6, 2011

Dear Martha, M.E. and Ginny:

I am thinking of you today and remembering Doug as an outstanding neighbor and person.

I still smile when I think of the night Walter was born and the Head family stepped in to take Meredith for the night (and the next day)!

Fondly,

Lucia Paul

Karen Lin

February 6, 2011

Condolences for you Ginny and your family. Thinking of you.

February 5, 2011

I remember being in the TAR-teenage republicans when AG Head flew in to our 1967 6th district convention held at our high school in Willmar, MN. I was nominated to drive Mr. Head from the Willmar Airport to the convention because my dad had what seemed to be the nicest car. I remember it was not easy for AG Head to get out of the private plane, but he had tremendous upper body strength and even more determination. On the way to the convention the muffler on my dad's car blew out and we sounded like a large lawnmower. Mr head generously remarked that he was the only person in Minnesota that could tear up a ticket if we got stopped. Later he visited our TAR group that was running a concession stand and really connected. His speech with the delegates did likewise. He was a good AG, a good Minnesotan and a great man. My best to his family and friends. Mark Proeschel, Madison Wisconsin

Martha Davidge

February 5, 2011

To M.E., Martha and Sally, I am so sorry. I will always remember his great tribute to the Minnetonka lake property given at Peggy's wedding picnic brunch. In sympathy,

Renee Mack (Lawrence)

February 5, 2011

Martha, M.E., and Ginny,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

Blessings,

February 5, 2011

Our condolences to you Martha and to Doug's family. Phillip and Donna Erickson

February 5, 2011

Martha, Joyce and I are down in Fla. and were shocked to hear of Doug's passing. Our most sincere and deepest sympathy go out to you and your family. Doug was a real part of my political and business life for so many years and I have so many lasting memories of the times I spent with him during some of our very trying times in the city arena. He helped us for so many years and always tried to keep us on the right track. We also have had many social outings with you and Doug that were always very memorible and a lot of fun. Doug will be missed by so many. Sorry that Joyce and I will not be able to attend the celebration of his life on Monday because we are down in Fla. but we will be thinking of you and your family

February 5, 2011

Martha,
I have so many fond memories of the early Calhoun Square days, when you & Doug provided me with fantastic opportunities that shaped my marketing experience. May your memories of Doug's life well lived give you & the girls comfort now & in the future.
Dali Wiederhoft
Reno, Nevada

February 5, 2011

My condolences from the seventh district where I met and learned from Doug Head during the Harold LeVander campaign. I appreciated his wisdom and insights, a true conservative, and a man of honor. Pam Gregory, Detroit Lakes

Allan D. Pedersen

February 4, 2011

I have been informed of Doug's passing.I was honored to have known Doug when he helped us with campaigns in Duluth in the late 60's He gave so much to the citizen's of Minnesota. his family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Mike and Marge Bosanko

February 4, 2011

Uncle Doug was a strong role model for me when I was growing up. He encouraged my interest in politics and government service as a career. With Uncle Doug, elected office was about community needs and the greater good, not self-promotion or higher office. My prayers are with Aunt Martha,M.E., Ginny and Mom.

Isabel Levinson

February 4, 2011

Doug was truly one of the good guys. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to his family and to all of us.

Bob and Sally Helmerichs

February 4, 2011

Dear Martha - Bob and I were so very sorry to learn of Doug's death. He was such a fine person and gave so much to so many. We will keep in touch. Bob and Sally Helmerichs

Norm L.

February 4, 2011

Doug Head was a truly honorable man, and I am saddened to learn of his death. As a Young Republican in the '60s, I was active in his campaign for the Legislature. I can remember meeting at his parents' house in Kenwood and getting assignments for literature drops. We were all so proud when he was elected. I extend my sincere sympathy to Doug's family and to everyone who knew and loved him. May his memory be eternal!

Win Eastman

February 4, 2011

Dear Martha,

My deepest sympathies to you and your family. I was surprised to learn that Doug had died. Such a loss! He was a truly great and wonderful person. I feel so fortunate that I had the chance a couple of years ago to spend a few quality hours with Doug at your lake home. As a friend, attorney and occasional mentor, Doug helped me in more ways than I can count over the 50+ years we knew each other. He will be missed so much and certainly, never forgotten!

February 4, 2011

Martha and family,
My thoughts and prayer are with you.
Sandy Hay

February 4, 2011

To Ginny and Family,
I send to you my deepest sympathies and my wish that you and your family will be strong. Know that you are in the prayers of many.
Megan Trout

Terry Seaton

February 4, 2011

I am sorry to hear of his passing away, and I'm sure the folks at Nationwide will miss him.

February 4, 2011

My thoughts are with you all. Much love. Brooke

John Legeros

February 4, 2011

To Martha and family and friends, my deepest sympathies.
John Legeros, West High, Class of 1946

February 4, 2011

Martha, he obviously had a great influence on my career and I hope during this tough time that you and the girls find peace in knowing what a good person he was.

Bill Drusch

February 4, 2011

Martha and family.We will miss the visits with Doug.He always had time for his employees.I enjoyed the time working with him. Condolences from Maple Ridge Manor residents and myself.
Carl Sommer

Courage Center

February 4, 2011

On behalf of Jan Malcolm, CEO Courage Center and Courage Center Clients, Boards and Staff, please accept our condolences on the loss of Mr. Head. Courage Center has lost a great friend. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

February 4, 2011

Dear Martha, Our sympathy to you and the girls. I was a classmate of Doug's an I will miss him. A very good friend.
Arturo and Helen Maunsell Koenig
Lima, PERU

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