After getting a diagnosis that I cannot beat (lung cancer), I want to share a little of myself.

I was born to Fredrick (Red) and Ruth Guyse on November 20, 1944 in Rochester, MN.  My ancestors were some of the early settlers in Rochester, supplying ice from Bear Creek for refrigeration, a soap factory, herbal medicine, and mid-wife services.  I went to Northrup Grade School, Central Junior High and John Marshall High School.  I was lucky enough to meet my love in high school and we married way too young.  The flip side of too young; we had 50 years together.  We grew, we partnered, we dreamed and we traveled.

Marriage brought me the realization with coaxing from my father-in-law, a job might be in order and I had the good fortune of being admitted to the electrical apprenticeship program.  I plied my trade at Adair Electric for most of my 40 working years, meeting and working with people I held dear.  We had two children, Alexander and Nathan, who could not have made me more proud.  They brought joy to my life.  I had so much fun with them camping, boating, Boy Scouts, watching them play baseball, basketball and soccer.  I had the great privilege of coaching boys and girls, not as much in sports, but how to play.

I danced, I gardened and I traveled.  I had a great time and consider myself so fortunate to have had such opportunities and friendships.  I had 71 years of fun on this earth and am grateful for every one of them.  Life has come full circle, as it will for all.  Don't waste time mourning; make your fun and your memories.  I sure did and I'm leaving them behind with my family and friends.

I am also leaving behind my wife Sandra (Fitting), my sons, Alexander (Nancy), Nathan (Crystal), four grandchildren, Ethan, Alivia, Kellan and Mattea, a son Brock Falkenberg (Joni), grandsons Cord, Nate, Bron, my brother David (Noreen), my sisters Mary House, and Margaret, a close nephew, Joshua (Karen), and my sister-in-law Jean Guyse.  My parents preceded me in death, along with my son Bruce who died as an infant, my sister Linda, my sister Patricia Tilford, and my brother Joseph.

My memorial service will be held at 2:15 pm Friday, September 30, 2016 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Visitation will be Thursday September 29, 2016 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Macken Funeral Home and one hour before the service on Friday.

Memorials are preferred to Seasons Hospice in Rochester.