John Franklin Van Pilsum

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Van Pilsum, John Franklin age 92, of Columbia Heights, MN, died on November 21st, surrounded by his family. John was born in Prairie City, Iowa, in 1922. A farmer's son with a scientist's mind, he received his B.S. in Chemistry and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Iowa. He served in the Navy and was stationed in the South Pacific during WWII. John taught biochemistry to medical and dental students at the University of Minnesota for more than 30 years, where he also conducted research on kidney and pancreas enzymes. In the past seven years he painted prolifically, hosting a one-man art show at the University Campus Club. He loved his family, hard work, and good food. He is preceded in death by wife, Shirley; and survived by sister, Joyce; children, John, Trish (Paul), Barbara (Tom), Mary (Mike), Elizabeth, and William (Theresa); grandchildren, Linnea, Sarah, David, Sam, Miranda, Annie, Elizabeth, Cate, Maria, Jane, and Ben. Memorial service Friday, November 28th, at 1:00 p.m., at First Lutheran Church, 1555 40th Ave, NE, Columbia Heights (763-788-9653). In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to N.C. Little Memorial Hospice, Edina, or to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Washburn-McReavy.com Northeast Chapel 612-781-6828

Published on November 27, 2014