At Saint Therese of Woodbury , stories of courage and compassion often live quietly among us — tucked behind gentle smiles, modest gestures and humble words. This Veterans Day, we honor one such story: that of John Thuente , a Navy veteran whose service in Vietnam revealed not only bravery in the skies but deep humanity that continues to inspire. A Minnesotan’s Call to Serve John grew up in St. Paul, fascinated by airplanes and determined to fly. Following his father’s example of service, he entered the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and graduated in 1964. After flight school in California, he was stationed aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (image below) as a navigator and weapons officer, flying F-4 Phantom jets over North Vietnam.
At Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake, an unexpected connection between an educator and a priest reveals how kindness endures across generations
It’s not every day that you get to say there’s something in the water at Saint Therese of Oxbow Lake , but maybe there is. Because once again, love has bloomed among its residents. This July, two familiar faces said, “I do,” marking the second time in just a few years that neighbors became newlyweds within this Brooklyn Park community. The first resident couple to marry at Oxbow Lake exchanged vows a few years ago, setting a joyful precedent. And now, Frank Barry and Nancy Cullen have joined their ranks — proving that companionship and joy don’t fade with time; they simply take new forms. Finding Each Other at Home Both Frank and Nancy had lived full lives before moving to Oxbow Lake. Each had lost a beloved spouse — Frank’s wife, Julie, passed away in January 2024, and Nancy’s husband several years before. When Nancy moved into the community two years ago, and Frank three, neither imagined that life here might lead to a new marriage. But as Oxbow Lake Executive Director Christine DeLander put it, “People come from all walks of life and they meet a companion here. The sense of community is strong. Residents take it upon themselves to socialize; every floor hosts its own weekly get-together, and once a month we bring everyone together for an independent living social. It’s very resident-driven.” A Dance, a Smile, and a Second Chance Their story actually began some time ago, when Frank’s late wife, Julie, introduced him to Nancy. The two only crossed paths briefly then, but life found a way for them to reconnect. After Julie passed away, Frank admits he struggled to adjust. “When Julie died, I fell apart,” he recalled. “One of my friends kept saying, ‘Get over yourself and find a date for the senior prom!’” (The Senior Prom was a big event Oxbow Lake held each year.) Eventually, he took that advice and asked Nancy. “She was in a cast, and we still danced,” he said. It was an easy, lighthearted evening that marked the beginning of a comfortable companionship, something steady and kind that simply fit.
