Neil Charles Sideen
Live Born 3-17-43 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Charles and Eleda Sideen. Baptized and confirmed at Gustavus Lutheran Church in St. Paul.
He passed away in McAllen, Texas on March 6, 2015 after over a year battle of complications after his heart surgery (LVAD).
Learn: Attended school in East St. Paul and graduated from Johnson High School in 1961. Got his bachelor degree from Augsburg College, Minneapolis; and his Masters Degree at the University of Iowa at Iowa City. He taught his first two years in Finlayson, MN and then taught 19 years in Howard Lake-Waverly where he taught English and set up the first Vocational Television program in the state (KRUM/KRUD). He also taught at the Hutchinson Technical College in TV production and AAS degree English.
His first job was as a paper boy and then worked at the YMCA in East St. Paul. After his Master’s degree he worked 26 years part and later full time at KTCA Public TV in St. Paul and later for KARE 11, Minneapolis and retired from Howard Lake Cable TV.
Love: He met Carol Jagusch in Howard Lake and they have been married for 41 years. They have hosted many exchange students and worked with foster children. They have volunteered in many local organizations in St. John’s Lutheran and Howard Lake; and most recently with Therapy Dogs, Inc. and READ dogs. Their most recent border collie was trained as a Therapy Dog by Neil and has volunteered at many local nursing homes, hospitals, schools and libraries. Neil loved Amatuer Radio and in everything helping people. He was very proud of his Swedish Heritage.
Leaving a Legacy: Neil has taught many students (mostly in high school and college) and was able to see the seeds he planted grow and flourish. He was teaching in some fashion until the last day.
He is survived by his wife, Carol; faithful companion, Penny; sister in law, Helen (Roger) Manthei; sister in law, Carol Ann Sideen; niece Denise (Clayton) McNeff; niece Diane Sideen and nephew Daniel Sideen; exchange student sons: Jan Roth (Germany), Per Bjalkander (Sweden/Congo), Rudiger Hansel (Germany), Martin Belkert (Sweden) and Thomas Gothlin (Sweden); many cousins (mostly in Canada) and many, many friends, co-workers and former students.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Eleda Sideen; in laws, Robert F. and Martha Jagusch; brother, Wesley Sideen; nephew, David Sideen; and many aunts and uncles.
His celebration of life will be at 11 AM, Monday, March 16, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran, Howard Lake; followed by a luncheon and burial at Union Cemetery in St. Paul. Visitation will be 3-7 PM on Sunday, 3/15 at St. John’s church and 1hr prior to service at church on Monday.
Memorials are preferred. Neil has worked with many unbelieveable organizations and money will be given to: Caring Bridge, the LVAD program, the Therapy Dogs group/READ group, St. John’s Lutheran of Howard Lake and to a scholarship for students.
Well done my good and faithful servant!