Arts | May 19th, 2025
By Raul Gomez
Minutes before Modern’s Celebration of Life opened its door at the Sons of Norway, I was fiddling with the bar computer, trying to pull up the playlists of Modern’s work I had set aside for the audience to see. Soon, the Sons of Norway would be packed with friends and fans of Modern. I finally get the audio working just as the room fills. It was a packed house.
There were heaps of laughter as folks shared stories, passing the mic from stranger to stranger. Even though we weren’t all familiar, we laughed and cried together.
I want to thank everyone who came out to remember and say goodbye. I especially want to thank Jill Wilkey and the Sons of Norway. Jill helped us put on an event with bar service, open mic, live music and snack service. Stack that all up and add an art show with lights popping on and off to show Modern’s unique work. We had a group of spontaneous friends that banded together to get this event off the ground, and truly, without their help, it would have never happened.
To my dear friends Keith Jones, Nicole Hofer, Will Block, Scott Dahms, Jessie Rock and Mike Armstrong, to Stan Hogland, Nate Stensgard and of course to Stoke, I am so so grateful for all your help. I want to thank all of Modern’s family who came out and shared their treasures from Modern and their stories.
Finally, I got an email from Modern’s sister Roberta Grey:
The family of Modern Man would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the friends who came out to celebrate our brother’s life, Modern Man.
The open mic was a wonderful way to share stories and memories with everyone who crossed paths with him. The works of art on display were exceptional and offered a beautiful glimpse into his talent.
Please accept this heartfelt thank you from Janet, Roberta, Patty, and Rick.
He will be missed by many.
January 12th 2026
January 12th 2026
December 18th 2025
October 28th 2025
September 16th 2025
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