John Hand

John Hand, 66, was born to Francis and Mary (Baker) Hand in Madison, Wisconsin. He was the youngest of five children. He attended Catholic schools and graduated from Edgewood High School in Madison. He went on to attend Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science-Biology degree. While attending St. Ambrose, John was the President of the college chapter of the NAACP. He also volunteered for Big Brothers and was an Extension Society program volunteer.

John had many jobs, but only one calling--to be in the service of others. He lived intentionally and following his morals and conscience. During the Viet Nam war, John became a Conscientious Objector and faithfully fulfilled his obligations to his beliefs by doing community service to his country. John marched for Civil rights, Gay rights and Human rights throughout his lifetime. He was an unabashed liberal Democrat and served as a delegate to Iowa in 1972. In 1984, John and a group of protesters who dubbed themselves the "Deep Freeze Five" were arrested and charged with trespassing on the grounds of FMC corporation in Fridley. Their focus was to bring attention to FMC's arms production and to voice their moral opposition to the war machine.

John never stopped looking for answers to the difficult questions. He surrounded himself with books from many different faiths and belief systems. He had a strong faith, not only in the God of his understanding, but also in humankind. He attended United Theological Seminary in his continued pursuit of a Just, Peace society. He lived his life doing what he knew was right. He was a quiet, unassuming man of few words, but plenty of action.

John was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joann Herr.

He will be sorely missed by his partner of 13 years, Liz Parker; his "step-Nick" Nicholas Hutchinson; sisters Mary Ann (John) Smilanich and Fran (Roger) Rumble; brother, Michael (Ann) Hand; brother-in-law, Bill Herr and a whole bunch of beloved nieces and nephews. He will be missed as well by his special sleeping buddy, Bella.

Services will be held in the spring at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Home, 2076 St. Anthony Avenue, St. Paul, MN, where John spent his last days in loving care and comfort.