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Karl Grittner Obituary

Age 88, of Maplewood, MN Died on March 3rd from pancreatic cancer in San Antonio, TX. Karl, the son of Joseph F. and Eva Olin Grittner, was born on Nov. 22, 1922 and grew up on the West Side of St. Paul, MN. He graduated from Mechanic Arts High School in 1940 and from Hamline University in 1945. He earned Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Minnesota. Karl served in the Minnesota State Legislature from 1953-1971, was SenateMinority Leader for four years and was one of the first members of the Education Commission of the States. He was a teacher and principal in the St. Paul Public Schools for 35 years. Karl was predeceased by his wife, Carolyn; his brother, George and his sisters, Alveda Colburn, FrancesFerguson and Arlene Gilligan. He is survived by his children, Linda Sutherland of San Antonio, TX, Frederick (Theresa Lippert), St. Paul and Laura Nordehn, Boston, MA. He is alsosurvived by his grandchildren, Marta Sutherland Madvig (Frank), Jesse(Jessica), Samuel and Daniel Grittner, Alexander and Caitlin Nordehn; his great grandson, Jackson Madvig; his brothers, Walter, Lauderdale, MN, Joseph, Glendale, AZ and sister,Marie Proctor, Glendale, AZ and by former sons-in-law, Keith Sutherland, Delano, MN and Dr. Glenn Nordehn, Chicago, Ill. At Karl's request, private services for the family will be held. Cards for the family may be sent to 2233 Valley View Place, St. Paul, MN 55119.

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

Published by Pioneer Press from Mar. 4 to Mar. 13, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Karl Grittner

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Pete Pleban

April 6, 2011

My sympathy goes out to the Grittner Family. As a '71 grad from JHS I recall Mr. Grittner accompaning our HS Hockey team on a road trip up to Duluth. With a stop over at Tobies I recall he picked up the tab for 20 + hungry players. 40 + yrs ago one still remembers a fine gentleman as he.

Leah Abdella

March 15, 2011

Dear Grittner family,

My father, Edward Abdella, just passed away last October. He was a math teacher at St. Paul Johnson High School for over 30 years and Karl was his principle for part of that time. We were blessed to see Karl at Ed's wake. He had fond memories of Ed and sung his praises to us. It meant alot to our family to have Karl take the time to personally give his condolences to us. Ed always spoke very highly of Karl. At this difficult time, we extend our condolences and deepest sympathy to your family at Karl's passing.

Leah Abdella & family

Donna Ranelli Gregory

March 13, 2011

Dear Theresa, Fred & family, I have been praying for Fred daily since I heard. I am sorry for your loss. He was my principal.

March 12, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to the Grittner family. I remember Mr. Grittner as my principal at Johnson. He had an amazing way of remembering brothers, cousins parents and others in our lives. He made a big inpact on me and I will remember him fondly. Carol Wahman and the Wahman family

Charlie Satak

March 11, 2011

RIP...

Tim McQuillan

March 9, 2011

To the Grittner Family:
My Father was an MA Grad in 1942 and a teacher in SPPS for over 35 years and knew Karl very well. I was a Freshman at Wilson High School in 1963 when Mr. Krittner annouced the death of President JFK May he rest in peace

March 8, 2011

I remember Mr Grittner on November 22 1963 when he announced over the P.A. system at Wilson High School that JFK Had died. Now that's a memory one never forgets. He was a tough but a good guy. I never forgot him. Tim O'Connor

Tom King

March 7, 2011

I had the pleasure of knowing Karl Grittner not only as a fellow west-sider, but also a fine schoolman during his long career in the St. Paul Schools.

He had a legendary memory and was a fine speaker and leader, as well. His integrity and honesty always stood out.

I also had the pleasure of being on receiving one of his home-made jars of honey list each year, as he was an avid beekeeper.

It was an honor to have known Karl.

Brian Hanmer

March 7, 2011

On behalf of The Hanmer,and Schloe Family,Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Grittner Family.Cancer is the Devils work.For I lost my Brother to it in January.

March 6, 2011

Fred,
I'm sorry for your loss.
Jim Newes

Steve Sutherland

March 6, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to Linda, Marta and families on the death of your father, grandfather or great grandfather Karl. I am sure you are all so very proud of what a productive life he had lead just like he was I'm sure so proud of you and his family. Steve, Terry, Shaun & Fhil Sutherland

March 6, 2011

I remember Mr. Grittner as one of my teachers at Johnson High School around 1963. While quite a while ago I still remember his classes were always interesting and he was a memorable teacher and person.Hope he had a wonderful life.

Sheri James

March 6, 2011

Fred, Theresa and all of Dr. Grittner's Family,

I am truly sorry to hear of your father's passing. Dr. Grittner was my high school principal at Johnson, way back when, and I am glad I got to know him better, through you, Fred and Theresa. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Love and prayers.

March 4, 2011

he helped me out through my high school years i will never forget him

Sandy Koch

March 4, 2011

To Karl's Family,

I'm very sorry to see that Karl has passed away. I only a couple of days ago heard that he was so very ill.
He was a good man who I liked very much.
Many will miss him.

Peace to you all,

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