Obituary of James L. Gavenda

James L. Gavenda, age 81, of Minnetonka, MN, passed away at home surrounded by loving family on June 17, 2015. Preceded in death by parents, William and Mary; 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Survived by wife, Kathy; children, Kim (Chris), Kay, Bryan (Jodi), Jeri (Rich) Berg, Tracy (Jim) Akins and Brian Fonger (Lucy); 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; other relatives, good friends and beloved cats. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, specializing in special education at the U of M. Retired from St. Louis Park School district after 25 years of service in a variety of different capacities including coordinator of Special Education, Elementary Principal and District Administrator. Jim was especially proud of his role in mainstreaming the disabled into the classrooms "I was at least a part of bringing kids identified as handicapped out of isolation and into closer contact with society and educational opportunities." Jim was a lifetime supporter of Gopher Football. Memorial service 11 am on Thursday, June 25th at the Cremation Society of MN, 7110 France Ave S., Edina, MN 55435 (952)924-4100. Visitation 1 hour prior. Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Feline Rescue or Animal Humane Society.