Willard Herman McGuire

Past President National Education Association Age 79, of Shoreview, passed away at his residence on February 1, 2008. Survived by wife Helen; son Bruce (Teri) McGuire; daughters Laurie (Dave) Shoop and Lynn (Craig) Stupke; grandchildren Bruce Patrick McGuire, Nathan (Lynn) McGuire, Nicole McGuire, April Shoop (Channing Brandt), Angela Shoop, Sara and Emma Stupke; great-grandchildren Brody McGuire, Mara, Caden and Will McGuire, Makayla McGuire, Britney Shoop Pearson and Mason Shoop Brandt. Born in Long Prairie, MN June 10, 1928 to the late Leonard Russell McGuire and Mathilda Ann Kowalke. Willard married Helen Louise Haden on June 7, 1950. He received an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1952. As valedictorian of Long Prairie High School, Willard received both his Bachelor of Arts and Masters in Education degrees from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, where he also received an honorary doctorate in 1983. A lifelong educator, Willard was a junior high Spanish and math teacher. He taught in Clarkfield, MN the first two years and spent the remaining 33 years with the North St. Paul-Maplewood Schools. Active as a teacher leader at all levels of the National Education Association, Willard ultimately served as vice president of NEA from 1974-1979 and as president from 1979-1983 in Washington D.C. During his tenure, the U.S. Department of Education achieved White House Cabinet status under the Carter-Mondale Administration. Willard was known internationally as a bridge builder and peacemaker. He served on the Executive Committee of Education International (Formerly WCOTP), attended eight WCOTP assemblies, and addressed the United Nations General Assembly. Willard led numerous international delegations to the Soviet Union, the British Isles, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the North, South and Central Americas. Active in the Democratic Farmer Labor Party for 35 years, Willard served as a precinct chair, state convention delegate, and National Democratic Convention delegate where he served on the Finance Committee. As an elder of the North Presbyterian Church in North St. Paul, Willard served as church school superintendent, building committee vice-chair, and pastoral search committee member. He and Helen founded the Mariners Couples Group. Willard was a 40-year member of the Masonic Lodge (Garnet #166 White Bear Lake), where he was a Thirty-Third Degree Mason. He and Helen were also active with the Order of the Eastern Star (St. Anthony Park Chapter #212). Willard served as Worthy Patron, Associate Bethel Guardian, and as Minnesota Grand Chaplain. We thank you, Willard, for every bridge of understanding and friendship you have built across the world; may they continue to span through the heavens as you go on with your journey. May your legacy live within us as we build bridges throughout our lives. Funeral Service 12:00 (NOON) Saturday, February 9, 2008 at NORTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 2675 East Hwy 36, North St. Paul. Visitation 4-8 PM Friday, February 8 at HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM 515 Hwy 96 at Mackubin, Shoreview (651-482-7606) with OES and Masonic services beginning at 7:00 PM; visitation also at the church one hour before the service. Interment Evergreen Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials payable to the Willard McGuire Scholarship Fund at Anchor Bank, 2700 East Seventh Avenue, North St. Paul, MN 55109.

Tributes

Willard Herman McGuire

June 10, 1928 - February 1, 2008

Tributes

Willard Herman McGuire

June 10, 1928 - February 1, 2008

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