The group that gathered to commemorate Kari Dziedzic, sitting on the bench honoring her. (Patti Hoffmann)
On Monday, September 8, family, friends and former colleagues of the late State Senator Kari Dziedzic gathered at Windom Park to dedicate a bench in her honor.
Dziedzic (nicknamed “Kari D.”) grew up in the neighborhood, and the entire Dziedzic family spent countless hours participating in sports and activities at Windom Park, so it was fitting that this would be the place to honor her legacy. Kari Dziedzic died on December 27, 2024.
The dedication was the result of a collaborative effort led by former Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman, David Jones and Mike Christenson — all of whom worked closely with Dziedzic at the Popham Haik law firm in the 1980s, where she served as a paralegal.
Freeman recalled his many years of collaboration with Dziedzic, including her role as campaign manager for his first successful run for Hennepin County Attorney in 1990. “Kari was sharp, committed, and had a deep sense of public service,” Freeman said. “She later worked in the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office as a policy and press aide and went on to serve the people of Minnesota with great leadership as a State Senator. Her leadership was thoughtful, inclusive and always focused on the common good.”
The group wanted to create a lasting tribute to Senator Dziedzic’s life and legacy. The bench is located on a small hill on the northeast side of Windom Park, behind the ball field and facing downtown Minneapolis. It bears a plaque that captures Dziedzic’s spirit and values:
The bench was installed on September 8 with a memorial plaque. (Patti Hoffmann)
“Rest, relax, and reflect — then go and make the world a better place.”
Freeman wanted to thank Colleen Dillon, the Memorials & Tributes Specialist for the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, for assisting with the installation. Dillon gave a shout-out to the “talented MPRB cement and carpentry trades teams, who worked together to create and install the bench at the park location.”