March 31, 1940 — May 7, 2024

Gerald “Gerry” Henry Filiatrault, 84, of Duluth Township, passed away peacefully with family beside him on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at St. Luke’s Hospice following a long hospitalization. Gerry was born March 31, 1940, in Duluth to Henry and Mercedes Johnson Filiatrault. He attended St. James grade school and Cathedral High School graduating in 1958 from Denfeld High School. He often recounted tales of an adventurous childhood growing up in West Duluth.

After high school, he studied vocal music at Julliard in New York for a year and later sang professionally in the Twin Cities. Music remained a life-long passion and he sang with the Duluth Symphony Chorus and other groups throughout the years. He was a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth and worked in real estate for much of his life. He also worked as a QRC. In his later years, he was employed by Trillium Services where he patiently assisted clients with daily activities.

He was a former long-time member of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Duluth where he served on the board for a number of years. He was an active member of Lake Superior Freethinkers where he enjoyed the discussions and good friendships. He was a proud Democrat, followed the news closely, and loved to talk politics. Gerry celebrated his 49 years of sobriety and was a believer in and practitioner of the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Gerry had a zest for life and was always ready to engage in lively conversation. He treasured time spent on his island in Burntside Lake and took his morning coffee with gratitude for living with a view of Lake Superior. 

We will celebrate Gerry’s life at an informal gathering of family and friends on Saturday, June 8^th starting at 1:30 p.m. at the Duluth Township Hall, 6092 Homestead Road, Duluth, MN. 

Wednesday, May 15th @ 5:30 pm

Sue Anderson’s Retirement Dinner

We will meet at the Other Place this Wednesday to celebrate the retirement of our Social Director Sue Anderson. At the age of 95, she is stepping down and we all want to honor her and thank her for her energy and devotion over so many years. Will you join us? Just click the logo below to check out the menu.

3930 E CALVARY RD, DULUTH, MN (218) 733-0214

Join Us for Happy Hours!
Thursday, May 2nd @ 4:00 pm

Central location, free covered parking, good eats, giant cheap margaritas, magnificent conversation: what’s not to like? On the first Thursday of each month, we gather to gab and giggle and gossip and goof around. Without you, it just wouldn’t be the same. The festivities begin at 4:00 pm. There are reserved tables with a friendly staff and a seat just for you. Why not invite a friend?

600 E SUPERIOR ST #201  DULUTH MN  55802  (218) 727-1978
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Sunday May 5th @ 10:00 am
The Threat of Theocracy in 2024

LSF Co-Chair Dr. David Cole will present a video on Souls by Bart Erhman and an audio segment on the group Moms for Liberty. A discussion will follow.

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Bart Ehrman is the James A. Gray Distinguished Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As an American New Testament scholar focusing on the historical Jesus and early Christianity, he has written or edited 30 books including three college textbooks and six New York Times bestsellers.

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Moms for Liberty is an American conservative political organization that advocates against school curricula that mention LGBT rights, race and ethnicity, or critical race theory. Founded in January 2021, the group began by campaigning against COVID-19 responses in schools such as mask or vaccine mandates.

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David Cole received his Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of California, San Diego. He has taught at San Diego State University, the University of Delaware, and here at UMD. Dr. Cole has also written on philosophy of language, epistemology, cognitive science, and artificial intelligence.

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As always, we’ll gather on the first Sunday of the month at the Central Hillside Community Center (12 East 4th Street, Duluth) to hear the presentation, a reflection from one of our members, and a brunch/discussion afterwards. The side door opens at 9:30 and the event begins at 10:00 am, wrapping up by 11:30. Then we’re all invited to the meeting after the meeting at Pizza Lucé.

PIZZA LUCE 11 SUPERIOR ST DULUTH MN    (218) 727-7400