Despite the unseasonable chill Thursday, Tory Kronschabel was craving an ice cream bar.
Specifically, a Dilly Bar. “For John,” Kronschabel said as she shivered outside Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, a day after a natural gas explosion leveled a building, killing two employees and leaving another in critical but stable condition.
She was referring to John Carlson, an 81-year-old custodian killed in the explosion, beloved among students for his cheer, quirky humor and copious supply of Dilly Bars, which he routinely handed out to students.
“If I was having a bad day and he saw me, he’d give me a Dilly Bar,” Kronschabel said. “It doesn’t matter how cold it is, every kid feels better with ice cream.”
Kronschabel was also close with Ruth Berg, a 48-year-old receptionist killed in the explosion and resulting building collapse.
Kronschabel is behind a GoFundMe page to raise money for the families of Berg and Carlson.
PROCESSION OF ONLOOKERS
Students, alumni, neighbors and the curious slowly drove the perimeter of a police boundary around Minnehaha’s upper school on Thursday, often stopping west of the campus, where a view of the devastation could be had across athletic fields.
“I took algebra there, I took physics up there … seems like yesterday,” said Gary Sonmore, class of ’75, as he pointed to various parts of the buildings. A resident of Denver, he happened to be in town visiting in-laws in his native Minneapolis when the explosion occurred.
“I had to come and see,” he said.
Sonmore’s three siblings also graduated from Minnehaha Academy. “It means a lot to my family.”
Among other alumni taking in the scene was Carol Henry, class of ’65. (Her brother, Steve Van Guilder, was class of ’56.)
“I’m sure, with God’s help, they’ll rebuild,” she said.
The Christian college prep school serves more than 800 students in preschool through 12th grade.
The upper campus houses grades 9-12, while elementary and middle school students are housed at the lower campus about a mile farther south on West River Parkway.
Classes were scheduled to begin Aug. 23. Administrators, who have temporarily relocated to the lower campus, are working to see whether that is possible.
COACH CRITICAL BUT STABLE
Seven people who were brought to the hospital after Wednesday’s blast have been released.
Two people remained hospitalized Thursday, including assistant soccer coach Bryan Duffey, who was in critical but stable condition, according to Hennepin County Medical Center.
Duffey’s family released a statement Thursday saying he has traumatic injuries that will require more surgery:
“Bryan is in critical but stable condition at this time. We’ve seen a lot of positive progress and know he’s getting the best care possible – but we also believe in the power of prayer and are thankful for the continued outpouring of support for Bryan and the entire Minnehaha Academy community.
“Bryan has traumatic injuries that will require more surgery. We covet those prayers for his recovery, and we ask that you also pray for the students who witnessed this traumatic event as well as the others who were injured. …
”Words cannot adequately express our thanks to everyone involved in yesterday’s rescue efforts.”
JOHN CARLSON MEMORIAL SERVICE
Minnehaha Academy announced on its Facebook page Thursday night that a memorial service for Carlson, the custodian, will be held this weekend.
The service will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday in the chapel on the lower campus, 4200 West River Parkway. His family will receive visitors before the service, from 4 to 6 p.m.
