Obituary of Peter Joseph Healy

Beloved son, brother, and uncle Peter Joseph Healy, 59, died Monday, April 29, at Deer Hollow in Shoreview. A person with Down syndrome, he endured hardships and challenges but also lived with will, persistence, and humor.

Peter was born April 9, 1965, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, and he was baptized at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Roseville. He was the ninth of eleven children in the family of John and Micky (Nordstrom) Healy. He lived with his family in Roseville before going into the care of Vasa Children’s Home in Red Wing. After graduating from Central High School in Red Wing in 1986, he relocated to Shoreview, moving to Deer Hollow, a Lutheran Social Services home. The staff at Deer Hollow supported and cared for him for more than 30 years.

Peter worked for Vadnais Heights-based Merrick, Inc., receiving a 25 Year Milestone Award from the organization in 2014. In his younger years, he had fun participating in Special Olympics competitions, and for many years he enjoyed annual trips to summer camp and other travels. He had an enduring fascination with firefighters and fire trucks, and he enjoyed simple pleasures such as a Dairy Queen sundae or a cold Coca-Cola.

He was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Micky and Bob Ferguson; his father, John A. Healy III; and one sister, Molly Yentes. He is survived by sisters Ann Niedzielski (Ray), Kate Andersen (Gary), Sandi Healy-Johnson (Greg), Susan Dolan (Dan), Patty Laughlin (Brett), and Linda Healy; brothers John Healy (Jackie), Steve Healy (Patty), and Nick Healy (Helen); brother-in-law Cliff Yentes (Debby); twenty-one nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

Peter’s family wishes to thank all the caregivers who helped Pete through the years, especially Courtney McTavish and the rest of the staff at Deer Hollow. Their compassion and commitment made his world a better place.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7, at the Church of St. Stanislaus in St. Paul, and burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery in Roseville. Visitation will precede the service for one hour at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota or Merrick, Inc., of Vadnais Heights.