Obituary of Russell Hofstad

Russell Benjamin Hofstad of Cambridge, MN died on Monday, May 12, 2008 at the Cambridge Health Care Center at the age of 85. He was born October 8, 1922 to Benjamin and Lillian Hofstad in Mound, Minnesota. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Cyrus, Minnesota and then to Clinton, Minnesota where his father was Superintendent of Schools. After attending Clinton Elementary and graduating in 1940 from Clinton High School, he attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota and then the University of Minnesota-School of Dentistry. He received the degree of DDS in 1945. During his University years, he worked at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis. He then established a dental practice in Cambridge, Minnesota which continued for 40 years. He became a member of state, national and international dental societies. On September 6, 1947, Russell married Dorothy Marie Steen in Clinton, Minnesota. Over the next 14 years, four daughters were added to their family. In April 1952, he entered the US Army and served two years in Korea. Upon his return, the family spent a short time at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Franklin, Indiana. At the conclusion of his military service, the family returned to Cambridge. Russell enjoyed many interests and activities. He was a charter member of the Cambridge Lions Club. He possessed a particular passion for music and was gifted with a beautiful voice and talent in playing the piano. He sang for 25 years with the Cambridge Lutheran Church Choir and most recently with the Prime Time Singers of Cambridge Lutheran. A special honor for him was to sing with the Minnesota Chorale for 16 years. He was also a soloist in Cambridge for numerous weddings, funerals and other events. Up until three months ago, he continued to play the piano beautifully. He also enjoyed trips to Norway, England, France and Italy with family and friends. He developed a particular love of France and in his 70's, he enrolled in French Language classes, then computer class, and then a study of WWII at Cambridge Community College. He was blessed with exceptional friends, many who passed away before him. Russell loved his family, church and community. He had a special bond with his grandchildren and enjoyed attending their various school and church activities. He is survived by his wife Dorothy of Cambridge, daughters Ann Merkouris of Isanti, MN, Mary (Gerald) Vein of Grand Forks, ND, Susan Hofstad of Cambridge, MN, Patricia Hofstad-Bach (Tom) of Bloomington, MN. eight grandchildren, James and Michael (Tamara) Merkouris, Eric and Andrew Hermes, David and Amy Vein, Charles and David Bach, brothers Merle Hofstad of New York, Ronald (Norma) Hofstad of Clemens, MN and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.