Anders B. Himmelstrup

Skål, Anders!

Born in Copenhagen, Denmark June 28, 1936, Anders Himmelstrup of North Oaks, formerly of St. Anthony Park, died on May 2, 2025.

He began cello studies at the age of 10. As a teenager, he was principal cellist with the Danish Youth Symphony, 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. Anders served the ship's captain and officers while he traveled the world meeting people and learning about countries and cultures, including Saudi Arabia, India, Singapore, Thailand and China.

Emigrating from Denmark to Toronto, Canada in 1959 -- with his cello, in a borrowed case, and $50 in his pocket -- 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 the St. Paul neighborhood of St. Anthony Park 55 years 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 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); grandchildren Devin Liljedahl, Sila Liljedahl and Wyatt Himmelstrup; and sister Marianne Rohrberg of Copenhagen, Denmark. He was preceded in death by his parents Helene Bagger and Knud Himmelstrup; step-father Jorgen Holm; sisters Eva Himmelstrup, Rigmor Maanson, and Ruth Krogh.

Special thank you to Anders' caregivers in the Arbor at Waverly Gardens in North Oaks. Thank you to Debbie Anderson, Lisa Dear and Sara McFee for their special care and friendship.

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

Anders’ memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, June 20 at St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ, 2129 Commonwealth Ave, St. Paul.

memorial service

Anders Himmelstrup Memorial Service

June 20, 2025

St. Anthony Park United Church of Christ 2129 Commonwealth Ave #1715, St Paul, MN 55108, USA

Visit with Anders' family during luncheon following service.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services