Alex Ratelle

Ratelle, Alexander Eugene, M.D., age 87 of Grand Marais, MN, died on Sunday, June 10, 2012, at home surrounded by family.

He served in World War II as a Navigator where he was awarded a Certificate of Valor for his courageous service. Alex graduated from the University of Minnesota Medical School, class of 1951, and founded the Anesthesiology Department at Methodist Hospital where he practiced for 38 years. His love was running, and he completed 160 marathons. Some of his records, including his world record Grandma's Marathon time for age 56 of 2:30:42, remain unbroken after 30 years. Other passions included sailing, sports car racing, painting and Scottish poetry.

Alex is preceded in death by parents Herman and Virginia, sisters Virginia Edwards and Marion Rubel, and daughter Carol Ratelle Leach.

Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 57 years Patricia, children Jeanne (Rich) Larson, Alex, James (Christine) Ratelle, Kelly (Bill) Calengor, Suzanne, son-in- law Dan Leach, brother Herman (Therese), 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Visitation will be from 10 AM until the 11 AM Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 12 at St. John's Catholic Church in Grand Marais and pending in Edina at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred to Fraser School 2400 West 64th St. Richfield, MN 55423, Catholic Charities 1200 2nd Ave S Minneapolis, MN 55403-2104, or the Grand Marais Library 104 2nd Ave West Grand Marais, MN 55604.