Page 6 | January 5, 2012
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friends tell me I would act out every part,” she said. Bitten hard by the acting bug, a teenage Ross successfully convinced her parents to let her leave their home in Albert Lea to move to Minneapolis and work as a nanny while attending classes at the MacPhail Center for the Arts. There, in addition to practicing her craft, Ross struggled to sound less like a Minnesotan. “I had a teacher who told me I’d never work,” she recalled. “I had a real nice Minnesota accent and she said ‘You can’t talk like that.’” W hen Ross was 15, the family moved again – this time to San Diego – but she was still trying to perfect her movie-ready voice. “By the time I got out there, I couldn’t talk at all,” she laughed. Though most aspiring actresses would have been excited to move closer to Hollywood, west was entirely the wrong direction for Ross. “I wanted to go to New York,” she said haughtily. “I wanted to be a New York actress.”
HAPPY DAYS Ross found her footing in California and became active doing plays in San Diego, but it wasn’t long before she made her way into the movies. She was under contract at Paramount by age 22. And while Ross kept busy with small roles in movies like “Sabrina,” “Teacher’s Pet” and “Operation Petticoat,” she didn’t hit it big until she hit was in her 40s. It was in 1972 when Ross, then a divorced, mother of two, did an episode of the television anthology “Love, American Style.” Created by Gary Marshall and featuring a group of teenagers growing up in the 1950s, it was called “Happy Days. The show aired around the same time as “American Graffiti.” “Suddenly, the [1950s] were hot,” Ross explained. Talk of making “Happy Days” into a series got louder. “They gave us each $1,000,” Ross recalled. “They said it was to ‘put a hold on you.’” Ross squirreled the money away. “I was thrifty,” she said. “You have to be when you have income and then don’t have income.” “Happy Days,” with Ross as Marion Cunningham, debuted Jan. 15, 1974. It ran for 11 seasons and most notably launched the careers of Ron Howard (who played Richie Cunningham) and Henry Winkler (who played “The Fonz”). Ross remembers that there wasn’t much to the Mrs. Cunningham character when the show began. “It was very minimal,” she said. “Everything was ‘Oh Howard!’ and
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Marion Ross’s ties to Carver County go back eight decades. She was born in Watertown and later moved to Waconia. ‘Oh Richie!’ but I didn’t care. Everyone wants to be in a series.” Ross was “tremendously determined” to make the most of Mrs. C. (as her character was affectionately referred to). Over time, she evolved to become one of the most beloved moms in television history. Ross was twice nominated for an Emmy playing the role. “I loved being Marion Cunningham,” she said. “I like the fact that [“Happy Days”] is such an icon and that we’re all icons,” Ross continued. “People are nice to me because of it. I like that a lot.”
MOVING ON When “Happy Days” ended its run in 1984, Ross made appearances on a variety of shows, often as a character not so far removed from Mrs. C. “You get locked into that,” she said. “People think that’s all you can do, but I’m not just a sweet woman from the Midwest.” Ross proved as much in 1991 when she landed the role of the Jewish g randmother on the shor t-lived, but critically-acclaimed, “Brooklyn Bridge.” “Henry [Winkler] always takes credit for getting me that role,” she laughed.
Perhaps leaning on the vocal training of her youth, Ross gladly accepted the challenge of perfecting a Polish accent to play the part of Sophie Berger. “I really love a lot of acting,” she said. “If you put a script in my hand, I will figure out how to do it.” The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences recognized her efforts, nominating her twice more for an Emmy for her work on “Brooklyn Bridge.”
LEGACY Now in her 80s, Ross has amassed an enviably long resume of movie and TV roles (including parts on “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Touched By an Angel,” and “Gilmore Girls”). She continues to take small parts as they come along and has found a whole new generation of fans, voicing Grandma Square Pants on Nickelodeon’s popular cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants.” For her 60-plus years of work, Ross has been recognized time and time again. In 2001, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Meanwhile, back in her home state of Minnesota, Ross not only has a day named after her (June 7), but also a performing arts center (in Albert Lea).
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Marion Ross lives in California on the “Happy Days Farm.”
“Everything was ‘Oh Howard!’ and ‘Oh Richie!’ but I didn’t care. Everyone wants to be in a series.” Marion Ross On the early years of playing Marion Cunningham
Ross has made her mark on television history and has passed on her love of acting to her two children (from her 18-year marriage to Freeman Meskimen, Jr.). Both Jim Meskimen and Ellen Plummer have made careers for themselves in Hollywood – careers Ross gladly plugs, as much the proud momma in real life as she was on “Happy Days.” Ross is currently taking a break from acting herself as she mourns the loss of her longtime companion and fellow actor Paul Michael who passed away in July. “My Paul…” she said, her voice
c atchi ng slight ly. “ T he wi nd is knocked out of me.” T he brea k won’t last forever, though. Next May, Ross will return to a live audience setting as she heads to Toronto to star in the stage version of “Lost in Yonkers.” She’s excited to flex her acting chops again, this time trying on a New York accent. Ross, who resides just outside of Los Angeles at what she calls the “Happy Days Farm,” has no plans to hang up her acting hat any time soon. “I’m not happy if I’m not being very creative, making something happen,” she said.
LIVESREMEMBERED Matthew Joseph Brengman
Gregory Allen Davis
Douglas R. Jensen
Matthew Brengman, 34, of Augusta, GA, formerly of Chaska, died unexpectedly, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 at his home in Georgia. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, Dec. 31, 10:30 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Chaska, with Father Bob White celebrating. The visitation was from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30 at the Bertas Funeral Home. Casketbearers were Troy Brengman, Kevin Siegle, Ben Liestman, Tim Heiland, Dan Benham and Jeff Lenzen. Honorary Casketbearers were Tony Brengman, Matt Hjermstad and Matt Heger. Burial was at St. Victoria Catholic Cemetery, Victoria. Matt was born April 15, 1977 in Minneapolis, to Daryl and Donna (Regan) Brengman, one of three children. He was baptized at Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Louis Park, and confirmed at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, Chaska. He attended Guardian Angels Parochial School, and was a 1995 graduate of Chaska High School. He also earned an Associates Degree in Graphic Arts at Hennepin Technical College in Eden Prairie. He was currently attending Ashland University with a 4.0 G.P.A., and only need 24 more credits to earn his degree. Matt worked at Brengman Printing in Chaska with his father for 20 years, and had worked at Phoenix Printing in Augusta, GA, the past two years. He was a Chaska Volunteer Fireman for over 11 years, enjoyed golf, softball, but especially loved being with his son, Noah. Matt had been dealing with his battle of sobriety and was currently successful for the last two years. Matt was preceded in death by his grandfather, Edward Regan; uncle, Gary Brengman; cousin, Tyler Brengman. Survivors include his parents, Daryl and Donna of Chaska; son, Noah Matthew of Maple Grove; brother, Ben of Savannah, GA; sister and brother-in-law, Emily and Matt Heger of Chaska; niece, Anna; nephews, Nick, Luke and Nate; grandparents, Leonard and Catherine Brengman of St. Louis Park, Terrie Regan of New Hope; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. Funeral arrangements were with the Bertas Funeral Home of Chaska, 952-448-2137.
Gregory Davis, 62, of Stewart, MN, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at the Hutchinson Community Hospital, Hutchinson, MN. Memorial Gathering will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, 5 p.m. at Cy’s Bar & Grill, 500 Pine St. in Chaska. Greg was born Sept. 12, 1949 in Minneapolis to Glen and Marion (Quist) Davis, one of seven children. Greg attended Richfield High School, Richfield, MN, and then went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War from 1967-1969. Greg was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal, and was disabled due to his exposure to Agent Orange. On May 20, 2000 Greg married Virginia “Ginny” Oldenburg Roberts at East Union Lutheran Church, Carver. He worked as a cabinetmaker for many years before he was unable to work. He loved music, the “Blues”, played guitar, and had a great innovative mind. Greg was preceded in death by his father; Glen; stepfather, Robert Randolph; sister, Margaret “Peggy” Avery; brother-in-law, Doug Oldenburg; sister-in-law, Rachel Adams. Survivors include his wife, Ginny; son, Alex of Shakopee; daughter, Katie Schultz of Texas; mother, Marion Randolph of Chaska; siblings, Nancy (Gary) Christen of Perham, Vickie (Bob) Patrick of North Branch, Pam (Terry) Thielke of Shakopee, Scott (DeDe) Davis of Belle Plaine, Michele Wade of North Branch; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Nigel (Robyn) Oldenburg of Brownton, Katrina Oldenburg of Kansas City, MO, Virgil Oldenburg of Kansas City, MO, Cindy (Don) Hall of Chaska, Sheila (Ray) Horman of Norwood Young America; many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements were with the Bertas Funeral Home of Chaska, 952-448-2137.
Douglas Jensen, 75, of Chaska, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 after a lengthy and courageous battle against Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Douglas was born March 13, 1936 to Mae and Floyd Jensen in Devils Lake, ND. He attended Devils Lake Junior College for one year. Douglas transferred to U.N.D. in Grand Forks, ND and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. On July 2, 1957, Douglas was united in marriage with Pauline Serumgard of Devils Lake. They began their life long journey together in Grand Forks. From there, they moved to Scottsbluff, NE, Windom, MN and for the past 39 years have resided in Chaska. Douglas excelled in his lengthy career in engineering. After 28 years at Sico Inc., he retired in April of 2006. He thoroughly enjoyed his position as Vice President of Engineering and took great pride in his stellar performance and role of defending product liability litigation. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Edina. Douglas was an avid outdoorsman relishing in the comforts of his passions: sailing, bird hunting and fishing. He was a master at “tinkering” and always had the right tools for any job. For nearly six decades, Douglas and Pauline enjoyed the tranquil beauty of Minnesota’s seasons from their cabin on Stuart Lake in the company of family and friends. A slice of heaven on earth where beautiful memories were made. His love for the outdoors extended to the love of the land and North Dakota farming. Douglas was known as a kind and gentle man who had great respect for the farmers and in turn, was respected greatly. Douglas was preceded in death by his parents; sister-inlaw, Bodil Jensen; nephew, Kirk Dahl. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Pauline; children, Steve (Beth) Jensen and Susan (John) Gebhart; grandchildren, Matt, Jessie and Sarah Jensen and Grace Gebhart; siblings, Ronald (Ruth) Jensen, Gary Jensen and Sandra (Odin) Dahl; brother-in-law, Harold (Norma) Serumgard; nieces, nephews and many friends. Please join the family for a Memorial Service to celebrate Doug’s life on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 11 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hill Presbyterian Church, 145 Engler Blvd., Chaska, MN 55318. A celebration and interment at Vining Lutheran Cemetery will take place in the summer of 2012. Memorials preferred to National Parkinson Foundation MN or Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND Chapter. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the many friends and caretakers who have touched their lives on their journey with Doug’s illness. To the Sunrise of Minnetonka staff, may God continue to bless you for your compassion and love you bestow upon others.
For current information on visitation and funeral arrangements, visit our website:
www.ChaskaHerald.com/obituaries This information is updated daily.
Jamie L. Nelson Jamie Nelson, 40, of Jordan, died Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 at The Lodge on Natchez in Elko. Born in New Prague March 28, 1971, Jamie was the son of Sheldon and Kathleen (Lehner) Nelson. He was raised and attended school in Jordan. He had been employed for a time with building maintenance. In his spare time he enjoyed sports, professional wrestling and playing XBox 350. He loved spending time with his nephews. Jamie is survived by his parents, Sheldon and Kathleen of Jordan; brothers, Christopher and Bradley, both of Jordan; sister, Suzanne of Belle Plaine; uncle, Darrel of Jordan; nephews, Joey and Christopher Lindley of Belle Plaine; niece, Stacy Lindley, also of Belle Plaine. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements with the Wagner Funeral Home of Jordan. 952-492-3366.