The event will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel starting at 1 p.m., Friday, June 23.

Jean Tretter

Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of Jean-Nickolaus Tretter (1946-2022), founder and namesake of the Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies at the University of Minnesota Libraries, Archives and Special Collections. The celebration takes place at Elmer L. Andersen Library, home of the Tretter Collection, with a livestreaming option available. All are welcome to join us as we honor Jean’s memory and celebrate him among family, friends, and community members. Please register if you plan to attend in person or online.

Register for the Celebration of Life

In honor of Jean’s request that any celebration of his life be a celebration of joy, please wear as much rainbow garb as you can. Drag queens and drag kings are encouraged to attend in full regalia. Together we will celebrate the joy Jean brought to the preservation of GLBT history, the past he most treasured!

Program

• 12:30 p.m. – Doors open
• 1 p.m. – Program begins
• Opening remarks by Lisa German, Dean of the University Libraries
• Welcome by James Garlough
• Remarks:
  • Dr. Elizabeth Kerekere (video)
  • Shamey Kramer
  • Lisa Vecoli
  • Aiden Bettine
• “When Dawn Shines” (by Mishaal Surti) performed by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Singers, led by artistic director Gerald Gurss
• Eulogy by James Garlough
• “We Toast the Days” (by Linda Kachelmeier) performed by the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus Chamber Singers
• Closing remarks by Nicole Ringrose
• 2 p.m. – Reception with refreshments

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jean-Nickolaus Tretter collection fund at the University of Minnesota. To learn more about the Tretter Collection, please visit the website.

Event details

What: A Celebration of Life for Jean-Nickolaus Tretter
When: Friday, June 23, 1-3 p.m.
Where: Elmer L. Andersen Library and ONLINE | Parking & directions