Roland Lee Minda Obituary (1925 - 2022)

Roland Minda, 1925-2022, of Minneapolis, a few weeks from 97, deeply loved and survived by his wife of 44 years, Merle Paull Minda; passed away peacefully on March 14, 2022. He is preceded in death by his fabled parents, Rabbi Albert and Frances Minda. Survived by beloved stepchildren, Cantor Lisa B. Segal and Arthur Strimling, NYC, Daniel and Melissa Segal, Carmel, IN, Matthew Segal and Elizabeth Fine, Los Angeles, CA; and adored grandchildren, Jack, Jolie, Leo, and Nina Segal. Roland graduated from West High School in Minneapolis and from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University 1950. He served in World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines from 1943 to 1946. Roland was the last of the great Twin Cities’ PR men of the 50s and 60s. Owner and President of Minda Associates for many years, he was a word guy – fascinated by words and constantly enlarging his vocabulary. A brilliant writer, Roland created legendary PR campaigns such as instituting Liquor on Sunday in Minnesota and keeping the Twin Cities Airport from relocating to Ham Lake. A longtime bachelor, he married Merle at age 52. They adored each other and it was a wonderful partnership, including Merle joining Minda Associates in 1978. Merle and Roland also traveled the world together, particularly loving France and Italy. He won many awards including from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and was the first winner of PRSA’s Donald Padilla Award; plus, WCCO Radio’s “Good Neighbor” award; the Hennepin County Humane Society on whose board he served for 40 years and was president twice. Other boards include Minneapolis Rotary, Temple Israel, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, American Red Cross, Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce, American Lung Association, Metropolitan YMCA, and others. After selling his company to Fleishman Hillard Public Relations in 1998, at age 72, Roland began a popular weekly television program, “Strictly Seniors”, which ran for 11 years on Metro Cable Network/MCN in the 7-county metro area. He interviewed hundreds of experts and celebrities on the show, including Senator Amy Klobuchar, Barbara Flanagan, rocket scientist Arthur Pejsa, and health, business and theater personalities galore; twice earning first place awards from the Alliance for Community Video in 1999 and 2000. His charm and gifts with words served him well in this role. Roland loved history and was a deep reader. He was also dedicated to exercise, staying in perfect shape into his late 80s. Beloved by his family and friends, Roland was considered by many to be gracious, loyal and a true gentleman. Our gratitude to the caring staff at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Mpls; especially Ray, Tresa, Shem, Emet, Annie and Akawak. Thanks also to Grace Hospice for their careful attention. Funeral services are 11:30 am, FRIDAY, March 18, 2022 at TEMPLE ISRAEL, 2323 Fremont Avenue South, Mpls.55405. Shiva will be held at Temple Israel, Saturday evening, March 19th at 7:00 pm. The funeral and Shiva services are also available via Zoom. Please send an email to zoom1@hodroffepstein.com for the link. MASKS are required for in person attendance for the funeral and Shiva services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Roland and Merle Minda Fund at Temple Israel.