Star Tribune from Minneapolis, Minnesota • B4

elevated the status of psychiatric nursing to not be Merrie Kaas, longtime friend and colleague By KELLY SMITH kelly.smith@startribune.com Nancy Dillon was a fierce advo- cate for Minnesotans experiencing mental illness, bolstering the often overlooked psychiatric nursing field in health care sys- tem. As a teacher, volunteer, mental health nurse working with veter- ans and the first-ever chief nurse executive at the Department of Human Services, Dillon helped reform the field and make mental health a priority. elevated the status of psychiatric said Merrie Kaas, a longtime colleague and friend who teaches at the University of Minnesota School of Nursing. wanted psychiatric nursing to not be invisible. She was always concerned about access to care and equal oppor- tunities for Dillon, 74, of Brooklyn Center, died Dec.

13 after years of battling disease and other health issues. Feisty and boisterous, she never lost sight of her New York roots or accent, at times. Born and raised in Queens, Nancy Jo Behling was one of three daughters of George Christel Behling and Myrtle Carolina Henning Behling. After meeting Bob Dillon at a wedding, the couple married in 1974 and moved to Minnesota in 1983, where Dillon quickly became an avid Twins and Vikings fan. As the middle child, Dillon was used to being a nurtur- ing mediator, making her the perfect fit for nursing, said her daughter, Cassie Dillon of Minneapolis.

was a remarkable she said, adding that her mother had a and tried to reduce the stigma of mental health, making it OK to talk about feelings and emotions. always had a desire to help After 20 years as a nurse at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center, Nancy Dillon landed the newly created role of chief nurse executive at the Department of Human Services, overseeing nurses at state group homes and other state facilities. To put staff at ease, Dillon often showed up with cookies on her visits to facilities, Cassie Dillon said. cared very much about making sure nurses had a she added. Dillon helped design a new system for patients to get treatment closer to home, taught part-time at the nurs- ing school and volunteered on the board for the state chap- ter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).

She pushed for increased professionalism in nursing and developed training and policies on workforce boundaries, becoming a national expert in the area, Kaas said. was like the whole Kaas added, saying that Dillon often quipped: care about how much you know until they know how much you And that was Nancy. It was really about the Outside work, she loved singing in church choirs, classi- cal music and cross-stitch, and was an avid reader, insisting on gifting a book to family members each year to encour- age education. She also had a sense of said NAMI board member Pat Seppanen at one of the galas, attendees sported fictional superhero costumes but Dillon led the charge for her and five women to dress as Executive Director Sue Abderholden sporting blonde wigs. Beatric Officer, another board member, said Dillon was warm and inviting, as if you knew her for years.

was Officer said, adding that Dillon pushed to address disparities in mental health. I think of equity and inclusion I think of Nancy because how she Dillon is survived by her husband, daughter, son Mat- thew Dillon of Minnetrista, sister Jill Padua of Narrows- burg, N.Y., and two grandchildren. Services are postponed due to the pandemic. Kelly Smith 612-673-4141 Nurse, mental health advocate had a sense of Nancy Dillon Psychiatric nurse ZSW B4 Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 B4 TA I I TA DAY, JA A RY 5 2 0 2 1 Ramsay, Bruce W.

Age 91, of Apple Valley, formerly of Burnsville, passed away on January 2, 2021. Preceded in death by his pa- rents and two sisters. Bruce was a graduate of Southwest High School (January, 1948) and Macalester Col- lege (1952). He was a 35 year em- ployee of Tech- systems and a Realtor for Realty Center in Edina. In retirement he en- joyed many summers working as a ranger and starter at Minnesota Valley Country Club in Bloomington.

He also enjoyed the 23 years that they spent at their home at Pebble Creek in Goodyear, AZ. Survived by wife, Jean; sons Scott (Claudia) and Robb (Linette); grandchildren, Nick, Drew, Zack, Sarah and Emily. Funer- al service Wednesday at at Hosanna, 9600 163rd St. Lakeville, Visitation hour prior to service at the church. The funeral can also be live streamed at: /youtu.be/yW73qSzbms4 Private in- terment at Fort Snelling Cemetery.

Memorials preferred to the Ameri- can Cancer Society. Each happiness of yesterday is a memory for tomorrow. IN MEMORIAMS are a personal message meant to honor remember a loved one that has passed. PLACE A NOTICE 612-673-4130 or 1-800-927-9133 Email to: Spott, Pauline A. Monzel) Beloved Wife, Mother, and Grandmoth- er.

Age 84, of West St. Paul died on Janu- ary 3, 2021. Polly was a member of St. Agnes Class of 1954, The School Sisters of Notre Dame, MCCL of MN, Co-founder of Shelter and a long-time election judge in West St. Paul.

Preceded in death by daughter, Jackie and sis- ter, Karen. Survived by loving hus- band of 51 years, Jackson; children, John, Jo (Larry), Mary (Bert), Cathy (Glenn), Mike (Sarah), and Patrick; many grandchildren, great-grand- children and other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Thursday, January 7th at the Church of St. Joseph, 1154 Seminole West St. Paul.

Private inter- ment Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Discalced Carmelites of Our Lady of Divine Providence, Lake Elmo or Wakota Life Care Center. Klecatsky Sons West Chapel www.klecatskys.com 651-457-6200 Burich, Maxine Anne (Zander) 90 of Deer- wood. Born: January 6th, 1930 in MN. Died: Jan- uary 1st, 2021 in Aitkin, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Alma Zander of Brownton, MN and son Brandon of Minneapolis, MN. She is survived by her husband Floyd Burich of Deerwood, MN; daughters Shelley Burich of Crosby, MN, Shawn Ryan (Jim) of Victoria, MN; son Brian Burich of Deerwood, MN and daughter-in-law Robin Burich of Chanhassen, MN; 6 grand- children Jordan Ryan, Callin Baartman, Kelly Johnson, Megan Murphy, Breanne Burich and Alexa Burich; 7 great grandchildren Leah, Beckett, Harvey, Aubrey, Eli, Jayden. Maxine was an only child and al- ways wanted a big family. She made everyday and everything "An She loved to cook, bake and deco- rate and showed her love through her memorable meals and enter- taining. Her greatest love was for animals and in turn taught us to love all ani- mals.

You could say she brought the farm to Hopkins! She loved to read and learn and re- mained sharp at 90. She was kind and generous and we will forever miss her. She is with those she loved so much that left before her. RIP Maxine. Funeral notice to follow at a later date.

Donations can be made to HART (Heartland Animal Rescue Team) (218) 829-4141, 15494 Dellwood Brainerd, MN 56401. Arrangements are with Sorensen Root-Thompson Funeral Home Cremation Services in Aitkin. www.srtfuneral.com Creagan, Paul T. Age 102, of Bloomington, passed away on January 3, 2021. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Catherine and son, David.

Survived by children, Dr. Michael, Dr. Richard (Marilyn), Katie McKnight, Tom(Mary), Ellen (Chuck) Lori; 13 grandchildren; sister, Rita Farnham; many loving relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, January 11th at 11 AM at Church of St. Edward, Bloomington.

Private interment at Ft. Snelling Na- tional Cemetery. Livestream the service at Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice, St. Paul, MN. www.GILLBROTHERS.com Bloomington 952-888-7771d Praus, Mary Ann age 54 of Austin, MN formerly of Richfield, MN.

Survived by mother, Ann Marie Praus, siblings, Kate (Jim)Sweet, Tom (Julie) Praus, Trish (Kevin Hohn) Praus, John (Deb) Praus; beloved nieces and nephews and many very supportive friends. Mary loved animals. She was a dedicated 25 year employee of Aus- tin Vet Clinic. Most of all, she loved her family and friends deeply. Fu- neral service 2:00 PM Wednesday, Jan.

6 at Morris Nilsen Chapel, 6527 Portland Ave. Due to COVID 19 friends may attend via ZOOM link on the funeral home website. Visita- tion one hour before the service. Interment St. Cemetery.

Morris Nilsen Chapel 612-869-3226 www.morrisnilsen.com Lazerine, Merle Age 85, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2021. Preceded in death by parents, Maurice and Elsie Lazerine; and son, Charles Lazerine. Survived by wife, Sheila Suckerman-Lazerine; children, Michael (Nancy) Lazerine, Loren Lazerine, Jayme (David) Dean, Sivie and Deva Suckerman; grand- children, Jonah, Max and Hannah and many loving friends. Zoom fu- neral service 11:00 am on WEDNES- DAY, January 6th. Zoom SHIVA 7:00 pm on Wednesday.

Email hodroffepstein.com for links. Hodroff- Epstein 612-871-1234 www.hodroffepstein.com Search archives Dawn K. McDowell January 5, 2006 It has been fifteen years since you left us. Yet your smile, your spirit, your love are with us still. We recall daily your gentle humor, your infectious laugh, your unwavering friendship.

We yearn for your warmth, your kindness, your wisdom and counsel. We will never forget your strength, your grace, your courage. You are deeply missed and cherish- ed by your husband, John, your mother Donna, your sister Dara and brother Davis, your brothers-in-law Mark, Mike and Vic, your sisters-in- law Diana and Christine, your devoted friends Mike and Erin, as well as by your many relatives and friends across North America. You will always be Nana to Jack and Conor and Auntie Dawn to Kaarin, Neil, Brooke, Laura, Heather and Taylor. Eternal Memories of Love and Laughter Engelman, Duane K.

80, of Rosemount, MN, passed away on January 2, 2021. Duane was in radio and sales before retiring in 2005. He is survived by Darlene, his wife of 61 years, sons Doug (Caro- lyn) and Dean (Cheryl) and his daughter Denise (Brent); grandchil- dren Jason (Christa), Courtney Drew), Anne, Alex (Kyle), Leah (Randall), Melissa (Ben) and Grace; great-grandchildren Olivia and Brayden; sisters Rosalie, Rose- marie (Jim) and Janice (Steve) and many nieces and nephews. Preced- ed in death by his parents Alvin and Bernice and brothers Chester, Erland and Filmore. Visitation is Saturday, January 9th at 10 am; funeral service at 11 am, both at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN.

www.whitefuneralhomes.com FUNERAL HOMES May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields. Until we meet again. Bernstein, Paula Verson passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Preceded in death by parents, Abe and Mary Sanders; husband, Don Bernstein; and sister, Dorothy (Bill) Dworsky. Survived by; daughters, Melanie (Jeff) Goldetsky and Andrea (Mark) Verson Hemingway; son, Scott (Amanda Nachman) Verson; brother, Larry (Rosalee) Sanders; step sons, Michael Bernstein, Andrew (Kim) Bernstein and Ross (Sara) Bernstein; step grandchildren, Jack, Kara, Anna, Campbell and Alexandra Bernstein, Sam and Hannah Froiland, and Ben and Travis Hemingway. Paula was born in Glasgow, MT then her family moved to Bismarck, ND where she remained until graduating from High School. She went on to college in Oklahoma, then the of M. Paula was also a member of AE Phi sorority where she still has friends from to this day.

She was a counselor at Herzl Camp where she met her future husband, Robert Verson. They got married, moved back to Bismarck, and had three children, Melanie, Scott, and Andrea. Buddy passed away in 1978. While growing up in Bismarck, Paula met a special guy named Don Bernstein. Don and Paula kept in touch throughout the years and eventually married in 1989.

They moved to Fairmont, Mn where Paula volunteered at the Opera house until they eventually moved to Eagan, Mn. They both had lifelong friends that kept them busy along with grandkids. Paula loved playing Mah Jong and volunteering at Sholom Home making knishes. One of her passions was teaching. Whether it was teaching preschool at the Gan, her children or grandchildren, she was always teaching.

Paula and Don loved sitting in their living room together reading and listening to music. Music was always in her life and one of her favorite ways to enjoy it was at the Ordway. Paula was a compassionate, incredible wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend who will be greatly missed. Zoom memorial service 7:30 pm on THURSDAY, January 7th. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Sholom Home East or the Cancer Society in honor of Paula.

Email for link to service. Hodroff- Epstein 612-871-1234 www.hodroffepstein.com PLACE A NOTICE 612-673-4130 or 1-800-927-9133 Email to: Information to include: Billing Name, Address, Phone. Preferred publication dates. Name and phone number of funeral home, crematorium, or bequest program to verify death prior to publication. Obituary wording and photos.

Palmer, Betty Lou Betty Lou Roberts, of Canyon Coun- try California, age 90, passed away suddenly on November 29, 2020, in Los Angeles, Cali- fornia. (Non-Covid related). She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Kathryn Fern, and her husband Jack Palmer. She is sur- vived by her three children, their spouses, Mary Mardan (Ali), Timo- thy Roberts (Dawn) and James Rob- erts (Barbara), grandchildren and great grandchildren. Betty moved to the Los Angeles area in 1982.

She was successful in business. She owned and ran several companies with her husband Jack along with countless real estate ventures in the Los Angeles area. Betty earned a reputation for her honesty and work ethic. She will be missed by all who knew her. Private services will be held a later date.

Helpful Telephone Numbers Social Security Admin. 1-800-772-1213 Service available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on business days. Call to provide notification of death or to inquire about sur- vivor benefits.

U.S. Dept. Of Veterans Affairs (VA) 1-800-827-1000 Call for survivor benefits, buri- al benefits or to provide notifi- cation of death. United Way 2-1-1 Metro: 2-1-1 or (651) 291-0211 Free, confidential, multi- lingual information is offered 24 hours every day. United Way 2-1-1 is a unique com- munity information and refer- ral service.

Call if you need to know where to turn for help. Ekvall, Jacqueline age 80, of East Bethel, diedpeaceful- ly on Friday, January 1, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Elvina (Engebretson) Schultz; husband, Glenn; sister-in-law, Connie Schultz. She will be deeply missed by her children, Wendy (Greg) Castellano, Craig (Carrina) Ekvall; grandchil- dren, Chris (Emily) Mike, Ashley, Amanda; great grandchildren, Kaeden, Maggie; brother, Darryl Schultz; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Melva) Ekvall; other family and friends. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 8, 2021 at Glen Cary Lutheran Church, 15531 Central Avenue NE, Ham Lake.

To ensure the safety and health of all in attendance, we will be follow- ing the guidelines of Executive Order 20-62. Please call for addi- tional information. For those un- able to attend, service will be live streamed at Glen Cary Lutheran Church Facebook Page. Interment at Victor Hill Cemetery. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Walk- er Methodist Levande and Ecumen Hospice for their care and support during the past several years.

Mattson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 651-464-3556 www.mattsonfuneralhome.com IN MEMORIAM 2 Cemetary Plots Glenhaven Memorial Gardens. Crystal, MN. Best Offer. 763-445-9722 Cemetary Plot at Hillside Memorial, Mpls. $2,500 or best offer.

Call Don: 612-741-0503. Cohen, Richard age 76, passed away on January 3rd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Milt and Gloria Cohen and his wife, Linda. Richie is survived by his daughter, Misty; grandchildren, Joey, Allen, Madison, and Laura; brothers, Jamie (JoEllyn) and Robert (Andrea); and many loving nieces and nephews. Richie earned his PhD in clinical psychology from Kent State University.

He spent his entire career counseling young people. Private family services will be held. Memorials preferred to favorite charity. Hodroff-Epstein hodroffepstein.com 612-871-1234 PAID NOTICES Ballinger, Apple Valley Bernstein, Eagan Burich, Deerwood Cohen, Anderson, SC Creagan, Bloomington Ekvall, East Bethel Engelman, Rosemount Lazerine, Plymouth Palmer, Canyon Country, CA Praus, Austin Ramsay, Apple Valley Spott, West St. Paul Wolf, Carver go through life, grow through life.

BUTTERWORTH Wolf, Elroy E. Age 76, of Carver. Survived by chil- dren, Gordon (Joanne), Brad (Michelle), Brenda (Adam) Glander, Jody (Paul) Pieper; 7 grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 10:30 AM with visitation one hour prior to Mass, all at Guardian An- gels Catholic Church, 218 W. 2nd Chaska.

Burial at church cemetery. Memorials preferred to American Diabetes Association. Bertas Funeral Home, Chaska (952) 448-2137 www.bertasfh.com CEMETERY LOTS Ballinger, Anne Katherine Rast) Age 73 of Apple Valley, passed away Dec. 28th, 2020 after a year of diffi- cult hospitali- zation due to a car acci- dent in 2019. She is preced- ed in death by her parents, Reinhardt "Ray" Rast and Ruth Rast Hugins).

Anne is survived by her husband, Craig; daughter, Natalie; and brother, William (Bill) Rast. Anne was born Dec. 19th, 1947, and was baptized, confirmed, and married at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL. She at- tended Western Illinois University and majored in Elementary Educa- tion. After her college sweetheart returned from his service in Viet- nam, Anne married Craig Michael Ballinger on February 20th, 1971.

Their 49 years of marriage took them to four states through career with Continental Airlines, and career as a homemaker, which her family referred to as Domestic Engineer. Anne loved as- tronomy, rock- hunting (especially the sparkly ones!) and studying wildlife. She lived a life of strong faith, and was an influential exam- ple of gentleness, goodness and faithfulness to all those around her. Her sweet smile consistently lit up rooms and hearts, even through major surgery in midlife, a success- ful fight with breast cancer ten years later, and her final year of pa- ralysis and challenging hospitaliza- tion during the pandemic. We are proud of her valiant fight, and we give thanks to God our Father, through Jesus Christ our Lord, for the life and faith of our beloved wife, mother, and sister Anne.

Private Family Funeral will be held at St. Lutheran Church of Rich Valley, 14385 Blaine Rosemount, MN. Interment at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL. Henry W. Anderson (952) 432-2331 www.henrywanderson.com REMEMBERING.