Lucille Johnsen Stelling

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Stelling, Lucille Johnsen a college professor, theater critic and travel writer for many years, died May 26 in North Kingstown, R.I. She was the author of ‘Frommer's Minneapolis & St. Paul' travel guide. Born in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of William and Jean (Weissman) Lokos. She was an avid Dodgers fan, a graduate of Erasmus Hall High School and Brooklyn College. Moving to Minnesota, she raised three children in Edina and then earned a Ph.D. in Theater at the U of M. Lucille taught first at Metropolitan State Junior College, and then launched a 25-year stint at Normandale Community College, teaching literature and writing. She wrote theater reviews, book reviews and travel pieces for various newspapers including the Star Tribune and the Pioneer Press. She was a member of the American Theater Critics Association and one of the first writers to interview playwright August Wilson and review his work. At the Sun Newspapers, she worked with editor Del Stelling, who became her loving husband and traveling companion of many years. After retiring, Lucille developed Elderhostel programs for the U of M, leading groups to theater performances and backstage tours across the country and beyond. She is survived by Del Stelling; her daughter Carol Johnsen and her husband Bruce Bryant, of Vancouver, Wash., her daughter Amy Johnsen-Harris, of Cranston, R.I., and her son Dan Johnsen, of South Kingstown, R.I.; her brother Lionel Lokos, of Ocala, Fla.; and three grandchildren. A memorial tribute will be held June 21 at 2 p.m. in the theater at Normandale Community College, to be followed by a gathering at Woodhurst East, 12600 Parkwood Drive, Burnsville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the University of Minn. Foundation for the Jenwilla Scholarship Fund, #4815.

Published on June 15, 2008