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  • Home
  • Alumni News
    • Birthdays
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  • Photos
    • Yearbooks
    • 30th Class Reunion
    • 35th Class Reunion
    • 40th class reunion
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    • Class Contributions
    • Cartoons
  • Events & Activities
  • Contact Us
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Alexander Ramsey, Roseville, MN class of 1979

Alexander Ramsey, Roseville, MN class of 1979Alexander Ramsey, Roseville, MN class of 1979Alexander Ramsey, Roseville, MN class of 1979

   In Loving Memory of Our Classmates


  With heartfelt sincerity, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers to the families and friends of the classmates we have lost over time. Each member of the Ramsey Class of 1979 — whether we knew them closely or simply shared a hallway, classroom, or memory — played an important role in shaping who we were and who we have become. Every personality, friendship, smile, kindness, and shared experience helped form the bond that connects us still today. Their lives mattered. Their presence mattered. And their influence continues to live on within all of us in ways both big and small.


   We are truly grateful to the alumni who have reached out to share information regarding classmates who have passed away. Your care and willingness to keep us informed helps ensure that every member of our class family is remembered and honored properly. If anyone has information about a classmate who has passed and has not yet been included on our memorial page, we respectfully ask that you contact us so we may recognize them. Thank you for helping us preserve the history and legacy of our classmates.


   We also want to restate the tragic passing of our dear friend and classmate, Lori Mae Schneiderhan, who passed away in February. Lori was a valued member of our Class of ’79 family, and she will be deeply missed. In addition, more information regarding funeral services for our classmate Barbara Kay Thompson Kirkpatrick has now been included on the website. Both Lori and Barbara meant so much to our Ramsey family. There friendships, spirit, and shared memories are woven into the fabric of our class, and their absence is truly felt.


   Thank you, Class of ’79, for your compassion, your support of one another, and all that you do to keep our class connected. Together, we honor those we have lost and continue strengthening the bonds that make our class family so special.

Remembering Lori Mae Schneiderhan

It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our dear friend and classmate, Lori May Schneiderhan, daughter of Dale and Rosemary (Malmgren) Schneiderhan. Lori was born on June 7, 1961, in Alexandria, Minnesota. She passed away peacefully with family at her side in St. Paul, Minnesota, on February 12, 2026, at the age of 64.


   Lori enjoyed many of her childhood summers visiting her grandparents at their farms in central Minnesota. Her favorite memories included having the best fried chicken at Grandma Rosie's and Grandma Ann's and sitting on the steps of Grandma Ann's basement while Grandma did laundry using an old-fashioned wringer washing machine, with taking in the smell of the basement's earth rocks and minerals, which was "pure heaven" to Lori. She also felt that it was "pure heaven" to be spending time outdoors, especially at parks, beaches and swimming pools.


   Lori attended elementary and secondary schools in Roseville, graduating in 1979 from Alexander Ramsey High School. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics Education. She ended her career as an educational consultant for designing assessments of student progress in the subject areas of math and science.


   In addition to her interest in mathematics and science, Lori had talent and interest in music, which she shared with her brother and sister. They remember Lori as the one who first opened their hearts to music. As a talented guitarist, she didn't just sing and play songs . . . she lived them. She shaped their passion for music and introduced them to artists that they still cherish today. The soundtrack of their lives will always carry Lori's influence; and whenever they hear them, they think of her.


   Lori loved her family dearly and was especially grateful for her mother Rosemary's undying love and devotion during her final months.


   Lori was preceded in death by her father, Dale Schneiderhan. She is survived by her mother, Rosemary; brother, Todd (Christina) Schneiderhan; sister, Jana Johnson; eight nieces and nephews, Tyler (Ann) Purcell, Blake (Austin) Schneiderhan, Ariana (Bella) Ross Schneiderhan, Alexis (Greg) Sorbo, Hunter Johnson, Teagan Johnson, Jack Schneiderhan and Henry Schneiderhan; special friend, Tony Williams; five grandnieces and grandnephews; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.


   Direct Memorials to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, St. Paul, Minnesota.

Legacy.com reports daily on death announcements in local communities nationwide. Visit our funeral home directory for more local information, or see our FAQ page for help with finding obituaries and sending sympathy.

Remembering Barbara Kay Thompson Kirkpatrick

   It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our dear friend and classmate, Barbara Kay Thompson Kirkpatrick, who passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in North Oaks, Minnesota, at the age of 63.


   Barb was born on January 20, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN, and adopted just days later. As a young child she lived in Cali, Colombia, before spending her high school years in Roseville, MN, where she graduated with us from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1979. During her time at Ramsey, Barb was an outstanding athlete, competing in track and field and playing volleyball. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota Morris and later at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.


   In the fall of 1984, while working at Atwood Larson Co. in the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Barb invited a business associate to a social gathering on Lake Minnetonka. Within months, that invitation led to a lifelong love story. On January 26, 1985, Barb and Craig Kirkpatrick were married at Roseville Lutheran Church, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than four decades.


   At just 29 years old, Barb was diagnosed with her first cancer—a diagnosis that would alter the course of her life. After recovering, she stepped away from the business world and dedicated herself to serving others. In 1991, she began volunteering with the American Cancer Society, helping patients locate critical resources and later spearheading the formation of the Community Connection Program to provide outreach and assistance to those battling cancer.


   Barb’s passion for community service extended to becoming a Community Affairs Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, where she volunteered extensively and built lasting friendships. Her love of gardening blossomed in her North Oaks home, where she designed stunning flower and vegetable gardens, created a water garden to attract birds, and ultimately became a certified Master Gardener through the University of Minnesota. She volunteered countless hours leading the Ramsey County Diagnostic Clinic, sharing her knowledge generously. Her garden was featured in the Pioneer Press and included in charity garden tours.


   Her love of history led her to over 20 years of involvement with the Hill Farm Historical Society, where she most recently managed and oversaw their website. Later, inspired to create a lasting gift for Craig, Barb immersed herself in genealogy, completing advanced coursework—including DNA genetic genealogy—and volunteering as a researcher with the Minnesota Genealogical Society, assisting clients from around the world.

   It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our dear friend and classmate, Barbara Kay Thompson Kirkpatrick, who passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, in North Oaks, Minnesota, at the age of 63.


   Barb was born on January 20, 1962, in Minneapolis, MN, and adopted just days later. As a young child she lived in Cali, Colombia, before spending her high school years in Roseville, MN, where she graduated with us from Alexander Ramsey High School in 1979. During her time at Ramsey, Barb was an outstanding athlete, competing in track and field and playing volleyball. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota Morris and later at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.


   In the fall of 1984, while working at Atwood Larson Co. in the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, Barb invited a business associate to a social gathering on Lake Minnetonka. Within months, that invitation led to a lifelong love story. On January 26, 1985, Barb and Craig Kirkpatrick were married at Roseville Lutheran Church, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span more than four decades.


   At just 29 years old, Barb was diagnosed with her first cancer—a diagnosis that would alter the course of her life. After recovering, she stepped away from the business world and dedicated herself to serving others. In 1991, she began volunteering with the American Cancer Society, helping patients locate critical resources and later spearheading the formation of the Community Connection Program to provide outreach and assistance to those battling cancer.


   Barb’s passion for community service extended to becoming a Community Affairs Officer with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Department, where she volunteered extensively and built lasting friendships. Her love of gardening blossomed in her North Oaks home, where she designed stunning flower and vegetable gardens, created a water garden to attract birds, and ultimately became a certified Master Gardener through the University of Minnesota. She volunteered countless hours leading the Ramsey County Diagnostic Clinic, sharing her knowledge generously. Her garden was featured in the Pioneer Press and included in charity garden tours.


   Her love of history led her to over 20 years of involvement with the Hill Farm Historical Society, where she most recently managed and oversaw their website. Later, inspired to create a lasting gift for Craig, Barb immersed herself in genealogy, completing advanced coursework—including DNA genetic genealogy—and volunteering as a researcher with the Minnesota Genealogical Society, assisting clients from around the world.

   Barb also had a deep love for rescued toy poodles and often joked that she would have welcomed ten rescue puppies into her home—if only she had more arms.


   Throughout her adult life, Barb faced numerous cancer diagnoses. Advances in genetic testing eventually revealed that she had Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that predisposed her to multiple cancers. Over her lifetime, she courageously battled eight primary cancers. Through it all, she remained a loving wife, an exceptional cook and baker, and someone who truly “scattered joy” wherever she went. Barb and Craig were true soulmates, sharing global travel adventures and a life centered on love and companionship. She lived fully, bravely, and generously.


   Barb is survived by her husband, Craig Kirkpatrick of North Oaks, MN; her brother Curt Thompson (Jodi) of Minneapolis, MN; her sisters Mink Reiter (Michael) of Worden, MT; Loy Koch (Tim Radle) of Missoula, MT; and Shelly Rowden (Scott) of Auburn, WA; brother-in-law Alan Kirkpatrick of Tower, MN; sister-in-law Gayle Kirkpatrick (Norman) of Raleigh, NC; along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Brad (Sherry) of Ellijay, GA; and her sister Honey Koch of Billings, MT.


   Barb’s life will be celebrated with a ceremony at 10:00 AM on Friday, April 17, at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel in Minneapolis, MN. Doors will open at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow the ceremony, and a Send off reception will be held from 12:00–3:00 PM at the Lakewood Cemetery Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Picket Fence Poodle Rescue or Living LFS – Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.
SendOff – Funerals Reimagined
(612) 236-0141 | www.sendoff.co


Broadcast Date: Friday, April 17, 2026  Time: 10:00am 


WATCH  FUNERAL SERVICE

https://vimeo.com/event/5711918?fl=so&fe=fs

   

The world was brighter because Barb was in it. Her strength, kindness, service, and love will never be forgotten. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to Craig and her entire family. May we honor her memory by carrying forward the joy and compassion she so freely gave to others.

Memorial

                         2003

    Memorial Slideshow created by Don Sazma

    Don Sazma created this slideshow for our 45th reunion.

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