Anders Himmelstrup, 88, died May 2, 2025. He was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1936. He and his wife Julie lived in St. Anthony Park for 55 years, moving to North Oaks six years ago.

As a youth, he was principal cellist with the Danish Youth Orchestra, which performed in Denmark, Holland and England. After completing his high school education in Denmark, Anders enrolled in the Royal Danish Academy of Art and began a four-year apprenticeship in lithographic art at Aller Press, a leading publisher in Nordic countries.

He graduated from the academy in 1958 and on a fluke was offered a job on a Danish international cargo ship departing two days later. He traveled the world serving the ship’s captain and officers, but he got to see the world, including Saudi Arabia, India, Singapore, Thailand and China.

Emigrating from Denmark to Canada in 1959, Anders worked as a lithographic artist and played cello in the Toronto Conservatory Orchestra. There he met Julie, his wife of 64 years. Julie and Anders moved to St. Paul in 1963 and lived in St. Anthony Park where they raised their daughters Lisa and Kari.

Founder and co-owner of Graphic Systems, Inc., in Minneapolis for 36 years, Anders was an artist, cellist, inventor, chess player and world traveler. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many.

In the late 1990s, he set up his first studio, turning his full attention to painting after retiring in 2006. His first book, “Himmelstrup: 10 Years of Painting and Sculpting,” was published in 2012, the second, “Painting and Sculpting” in 2020.

In other pursuits, Anders invented and patented a color analysis device which he sold to 3M. Diagnosed with diabetes at age 30, he also invented and patented an insulin pen injection device.

Anders served as a board member and long-time supporter of Music in the Park Series (now part of Schubert Club), the Dale Warland Singers, and the St. Anthony Park Community Foundation. He was a devoted hospice volunteer at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul.

An avid reader, he started a men’s book club in St. Anthony Park. Anders also enjoyed playing tennis with neighbors at College Park and at the University of Minnesota’s St. Paul campus. He enjoyed a good glass of wine and meals at Muffuletta. He was an accomplished chess player and competed in tournaments in the Twin Cities and New York City. An adventurous spirit, he flew glider planes at Stanton Airfield near Northfield.

A true Dane, Anders’ dining heaven included sandwiches made with six kinds of herring, roast beef with remoulade, and Gravlax Salmon on rye bread, chased, of course, with a glass or two of Aalborg Aquavit.

Anders is survived by his wife Julie; daughters Lisa Himmelstrup (Daniel Liljedahl) and Kari Himmelstrup (Jacqueline Arroyo); three grandchildren; and sister Marianne Rohrberg of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Special thank you to Anders’ caregivers in the Arbor at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks.

Anders’ memorial service was held June 20 at St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ.

Donations preferred to Schubert Club (schubert.org) or St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ (sapucc.org).