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Minneapolis’ first Catholic mayor remembered for service

Albert Hofstede, who was Minneapolis’ first Catholic mayor, died Sept. 3 at age 75.

Hofstede was born in Minneapolis and graduated from the then-College of St. Thomas in St. Paul in 1964 with a degree in biology and chemistry. He served on the university’s board of trustees from 1988 to 2000 and received its Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1992.

After serving on the Minneapolis City Council from 1968 to 1970, he was appointed in 1971 by then-Gov. Wendell Anderson as the second chairman of the Metropolitan Council from 1971 to 1973. At age 34, Hofstede became the city’s 41st — and youngest — mayor in 1973, serving two terms.

Hofstede was a trustee at his parish, Our Lady of Lourdes in Minneapolis. He was active with Catholic Charities and St. Joseph’s Home for Children. He also was a founder of Catholic Eldercare in northeast Minneapolis and served on its board of directors.

Father Daniel Griffith, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes, wrote that Hofstede “exhibited a special care and concern for the poor and marginalized and used his power, his persuasive influence and his connections to provide more opportunities for those who suffer on life’s margins.”

Father Griffith also noted Hofstede’s “uncommon spiritual depth.”

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“As pastor, one of the things that I am most grateful for is those quiet and intimate conversations with parishioners where we talk about God and our relationship with Christ,” he wrote. “Al’s faith life was rich and deep. His life of service flowed from his life of faith.”

He is survived by his wife, Emma, and two children.

A visitation will be at noon Sept. 9, followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.

 


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