Rhonda Lundquist

Lundquist, Rhonda Falcon Heights, age 54, died at home on Oct. 23 from ovarian cancer. Rhonda and her partner of 16 years, Ann DeGroot, were the first same-sex couple to apply for a Ramsey County marriage license. On Aug. 1, the day hundreds of MN gay couples celebrated their legal marriages, they received news that Rhonda's cancer had spread to her brain. On Aug. 4, Rhonda and Ann were married in a private ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Originally from St. Cloud, Rhonda took action to address social needs, from affordable housing to domestic violence. She worked at TASKS Unlimited, the MN Housing Finance Agency, the MN AIDS Project and as an independent grant writer. She graduated from Hamline University, received an MA in Public Policy from the U of MN Humphrey Institute and an MFA in Poetry from Antioch University. Rhonda loved poetry, politics and good conversation. Her life was full of people and good humor. She knew the value of a good story and indeed, she really was the funniest. Rhonda showed us how to live a full life with cancer, living for 8 years with a disease that was expected to end her life after 18 months. Rhonda is survived by her spouse, Ann; son, Andy; and many close friends and family. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mabel Foss, who died Oct. 11; father, Raymond Foss; and brother, Roger. A celebration of Rhonda's life will be held on Sun., Nov. 3 at 1:30 P.M. at Prospect Park United Methodist Church, 22 Malcolm Ave. SE, Mpls. A reception in the church will follow. Memorials preferred to Prospect Park United Methodist Church or the MN Ovarian Cancer Alliance.

Published on October 31, 2013