McCluske, Timothy Richard 69, of St. Paul. Born 10/07/1953, Tim passed away on 04/19/2023. Survived by Mary, his wife of 43 years; daughter, Marit; son, Alex (Elizabeth); sister Vicki Jensen and family; friends and colleagues. Preceded in death by parents Victor and Dolores McCluske. A 1972 graduate of Hopkins Eisenhower, Tim studied at, and went on to work at the University of Minnesota. He retired in 2021 after 45 years in the University's library system, managing underground storage caverns for millions of items from libraries across the state. His motto was "Ask questions, seek help, make mistakes, repeat as necessary." Tim's creativity shone in every aspect of his life. A skilled carpenter, his work was beautifully constructed and integrated into its surroundings. His gardens nurtured the spirit; for the body, he was an amazing chef. A lifelong learner, inventive photographer, music lover, constant reader, teller of Dad-jokes, his proudest, most joyful work was his family. He held on until he knew our foundation was strong. Tim built us a wonderful life. Memorials preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at a date to be announced.

~ I met Tim in November, 1976, in the Gourmet department at Dayton's in downtown Minneapolis. He was, as my mother would soon describe him, "a nice young man." He was shopping for a gift. "For a woman?" I asked. He nodded. I showed him a pair of demitasse cups I'd just unpacked and had no room to display. He nodded. I boxed them with extra tissue paper, as he seemed awkward and dazed and I was worried he would drop them. He stood staring at me, smiling, and walked away. It turned out that one of my co-workers was a mutual friend; Tim asked him to introduce us.* Two and a half years later, Tim and I were married.

*It also turned out that the gift recipient was his girlfriend at the time. But he was so dazzled by me that he broke up with her. The demitasse cups made a nice parting gift. (Mary)

Published on May 1, 2023