Parting Thoughts: Remembering lives lost to COVID-19

Through conversations with their family members, colleagues and close friends, MPR News is remembering the lives of the people we’ve lost, too soon, to COVID-19.

Your stories If you’d like to share the story of someone you’ve lost to COVID-19, please email us at tell@mpr.org.

Full coverage COVID-19 in Minnesota | Morning Edition All Parting Thoughts conversations

September 30, 2022 5:00 AM

Photos: Library, mural dedicated to former St. Paul School Board Chair Marny Xiong

Family, friends, colleagues and former teachers were among those in attendance Thursday night for the unveiling of a mural and the dedication of the Marny Xiong Memorial Library at St. Paul's Washington Technology Magnet School.

by MPR News Staff

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December 21, 2021 3:40 PM

Vigil, march highlight Minnesota’s homeless struggles as winter begins

Homeless advocates in Minnesota say there aren’t enough resources across the state to provide shelter for everyone who needs it. A recent Minneapolis march remembered those who died too young in 2021.

by Sarah Gelbard

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October 20, 2021 3:45 PM

How one man’s medical crisis collided with Minnesota’s hospital bed crunch

Bob Cameron had suffered through, and survived, a gastrointestinal bleed last year. But when he was admitted to the hospital earlier this month for the same issue, his family says a statewide hospital bed shortage stood in the way of Cameron's recovery.

by Catharine Richert

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October 18, 2021 7:27 AM

Colin Powell, exemplary general stained by Iraq claims, dies

“We have lost a remarkable and loving husband, father and grandfather and a great American,” his family said. Colin Powell, 84, was the first African American to serve as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and secretary of state.

by The Associated Press

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August 20, 2021 4:00 AM

Stacey Danner wavered on the vaccine, friends hope his story sways others to get shots

Stacey Danner was an ardent cheerleader and advocate for his north Minneapolis neighborhood, for Black entrepreneurs and for his wide circle of friends from all walks of life. But this spring, he wavered on getting a vaccine and fell gravely ill with COVID-19. His story illustrates that vaccine hesitancy in Minnesota’s Black community is complex.

by Catharine Richert

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July 12, 2021 2:00 PM

As the world moves on, the unvaccinated and vulnerable are still dying from COVID-19

Even though the pandemic has abated — for now — a handful of people are still dying from COVID-19 every day, and for the most vulnerable the war against the virus is anything but over. Among them are people who’ve had organ transplants who received their shots but have suppressed immune systems.

by Catharine Richert

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June 15, 2021 4:35 PM

This Twitter account is honoring COVID victims, with 5,000 obituaries and counting

The Twitter account @FacesofCOVID has been a way to honor some of the nearly 600,000 Americans who have died. Alex Goldstein, who runs it, has posted over 5,000 virtual obituaries.

by Tori Dominguez

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May 19, 2021 1:25 PM

‘A historic figure in Minnesota’: Kao Ly Ilean Her, a Hmong pioneer in education, law, and culture

Her’s huge legacy includes cultural festivals, leadership programs for Asian young women, and a groundbreaking post as a University of Minnesota Regent. Friends and family recall a woman who made her own path as a community leader.

by Tiffany Bui

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May 1, 2021 6:30 AM

'It made my heart broke': Marshall first-graders, parents grieve loss of classmate to COVID-19

School community members this week grieved the loss of a first grader at Park Side Elementary School in Marshall. Many families navigated the loss — and helped their children try to make sense of it.

by Hannah Yang

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April 9, 2021 5:24 AM

'Our hearts are heavy': COVID-19 deaths of tribal elders leave a void

Native Americans have the highest COVID-19 mortality rate of any population in the U.S. And for tribes working to revitalize language and culture, the loss of elders to COVID-19 leaves an especially painful void.

by Dan Gunderson

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