Larry Fitzgerald Sr., the beloved Minnesota sports journalist and MSR columnist who spent nearly five decades as a trusted voice for Black athletes and coaches, has died at age 71. Tributes from across the sports world honored a pioneer, trailblazer and door opener.
obituary
Posted inLocal & State
Celebration of Life Services Announced for Larry Fitzgerald Sr. “The Original”
The family of Larry Fitzgerald Sr. has announced visitation on Friday, June 12 and a funeral service on Saturday, June 13 in Minneapolis to honor the beloved MSR sportswriter known to many as “The Original.”
Posted inLocal & State
Rest in Power: Larry Fitzgerald Sr., MSR Sportswriter and Champion of Black Athletes, Dead at 71
Larry Fitzgerald Sr., beloved Minnesota sportswriter and longtime Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder columnist who spent more than 45 years advocating for Black athletes and coaches, has died at age 71.
Posted inSports
Trailblazing NFL coordinator denied a head coaching shot, dies at 83
Sherman Lewis, a Heisman Trophy finalist, three-time Big Ten track champion and 12-year NFL offensive coordinator who was repeatedly passed over for a head coaching job, passed away May 15 at age 83.
Posted inMusic
Rest in Power: Hip-Hop Legend Rob Base Dead at 59
Rob Base, one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock and the voice behind the genre-crossing 1988 anthem It Takes Two, passed away on May 22, 2026, at age 59 after a private battle with cancer.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Sammie James McCaa Sr.
Sammie James McCaa Sr. obituary. The Minneapolis resident, faithful deacon and longtime Nabisco Brands quality control professional passed away April 15, 2026, at age 85.
Posted inLocal & State
Rest in Power: Minnesota Loses a True Warrior in Yusef Mgeni
Yusef Mgeni obituary honors the Black Minnesota historian, community organizer and St. Paul NAACP leader whose generational legacy will echo for decades to come.
Posted inObituaries
A Celebration of the Life of Walter James Billups
Walter James Billups obituary. The beloved Minneapolis paraprofessional who dedicated 35 years to South High School and Franklin Middle School died March 11 2026 at age 86.
Posted inObituaries
A Celebration of the Life of Stanley Eugene Williams, Ph.D
Stanley Eugene Williams, Ph.D, age 94, passed away peacefully into eternal rest on March 18, 2026.
Posted inOpinion
‘Let’s bring out the lovely KiKi Shepard’
KiKi Shepard Showtime at the Apollo co-host and sickle cell advocate has died at 74, leaving a legacy of grace, representation and community service that shaped a generation.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Ellis Franklin Bullock Jr.
Ellis Franklin Bullock Jr. passed away November 14, 2025, in Minnesota.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Roger Louis Clarke
Roger Louis Clarke passed away peacefully at the VA Hospital, surrounded by loved ones, after a long illness. Born January 4, 1943, in Moline, Illinois, Roger lived a life of service, faith, and devotion to family.
Posted inLocal & State
Remembering Wallace “Jack” Jackman: A life of leadership, laughter, and legacy
Wallace “Jack” O’Neal Jackman, known affectionately as Jackie or simply Jack, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to community. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Jack’s life was a master class in combining heart, hustle, and humor. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jack moved […]
Posted inMusic
D’Angelo, Soul Visionary and Reluctant Icon, Dies at 51
D’Angelo, the trailblazing artist whose sound reshaped modern R&B, has died at 51 after a private battle with cancer. From “Brown Sugar” to “Voodoo” and “Black Messiah,” his live, groove-rich music and fearless artistry influenced a generation and expanded what Black music could be.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Ronald Curtis Brown (Ronnie)
Ronald Curtis Brown, affectionately known as “Ronnie,” passed away on March 20, 2025 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of love and strength through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Marion “Cookie” Victoria Whitlock
Marion “Cookie” Victoria Whitlock was born in Minneapolis, MN, and raised in Minneapolis, where she was raised by her parents McClinton Webb Sr. and Willie Mae Webb, and is survived by her son Marcu Whitlock, grandchildren Isaiah Whitlock and Nezanet Whitlock, and sisters Joyce Eubanks and Jean Webb Bradford.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Taft H. Martin
Taft Howard Martin was born December 11, 1950, and passed away on March 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and friends.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Patricia Jane Ingram
Patricia Jane Ingram, a 101-year-old resident of Minneapolis, passed away on November 18, 2024, and her memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Gospel Temple.
Posted inObituaries
Remembering Wilford Steven Green
Wilford Steven Green, a 68-year-old real estate broker and motivational speaker, passed away on February 20, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in Roseville, Minnesota, after a 10-year battle with cancer.