Obituary of Anthony James Minnick

Tony’s strong and generous heart stopped beating November 19, 2016, after suffering a massive heart attack November 10 doing the dishes. He was preceded in death by his parents, David Minnick and Sally Carr; his brother Thomas Minnick, his sister Jennifer McKinley, his brother-in-law Ryan Welhaven, his aunts Beverly Kalfas, Simone Raasch and Diane Bakke. He is survived by his wife, Randi Welhaven; his sons Travis (Josette Croud) Minnick and Manton (Lucinda Pipkin) Minnick; his step-mother Connie Minnick; his step-brothers Darren (Jenny) and Keith Asleson; his sisters-in-law Gail Eischens, Lisa Welhaven and Gisela Welhaven; his brothers-in-law Bill McKinley and Reid Welhaven; his parents-in-law Ron and Judy Welhaven; nephews Cole Minnick, Jacob McKinley and Riley Welhaven; his nieces Ronni (Weston) Taylor, Taylor Minnick, Rachel Welhaven, Reegan Welhaven, Bryn Asleson, Cara Asleson, Hadley Asleson and Laney Asleson; his uncles Arne Raasch, Jim Kalfas and James Bakke; his cousins Todd (Jana) and Tim (Deb) Raasch, Tami (Eric) Swang, Debbra Mungo, Kimberly Bertolucci-Ayres (Len), Dave (Michelle) and Tim Bakke. Tony was born September 19, 1963 in Red Wing, MN, graduating from Red Wing High School in 1982. He attended UW-Stout. He was a jack of all trades and master of most. His resume included gondolier in Minneapolis, Miami and Stillwater; boat builder; hash-slinger, dishwasher and entertainment director at Al’s Breakfast; general contractor in building our house’s addition; housepainter of many; web designer at the MN Department of Health Office of Environmental Services and Fredrickson Communications; commissioner of the Minnehaha Fantasy Football League, and finally, his dream career of master craftsman as PegLeg Furniture. The most important task Tony tackled, though, was staying home to raise his sons for 12 years. They soaked up his raunchy humor, radical worldview and his firm determination that they should follow their dreams, whatever they may be. They are true Renaissance men because of it, and Tony was so very proud of them. He cooked simply but elaborately each day and baked bread every week. Each spring, he could be found telling tall tales while tending the boiling sap. He eschewed shoes and therefore had Flintstone size 14 feet, with mitts to match. Tony was beautiful, brilliant and positively the funniest person in the county, if not the state. All babies and animals adored him. Dang, all HUMANS adored him, especially us. We were so lucky to have even been in his orbit. He was agile and gifted with coordination; an adeptness that allowed him to be near-expert in any sport. He built skateboard ramps, clubhouses and ice rinks in the backyard. He had a crusty exterior but was tender and gooey underneath. Our world has tilted and we are absolutely bereft at our loss. His memorial service is planned for 6 pm, Saturday, December 17 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4343 Nicollet Ave. S., Minneapolis. Visitation is at 5 pm, and there will be a reception after the service. Private inurnment is planned next sugar season at his beloved Wildwood. Please come ready to share your Tony Minnick stories.