Albert Nephew II

Albert Henry Nephew II, PhD, age 80, of Duluth, Minnesota, died June 27th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family.

Al was a cheerful and dedicated professor of philosophy for 43 years at the College of St. Scholastica, Duluth, MN from 1970-2013. He served as a Humanities Division Chair and Chair of the Philosophy Department and he wrote a textbook, Interdependence Ethics, which he completed in his final years. In 2013, Dr Nephew was named Professor Emeritus and one of the college’s 100 Century of Saints honorees. Al was always active, setting a record by running in the college’s Reif Run for 34 consecutive years.

Al dearly loved and was loved by his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sharing his terrific love of radio control glider planes, stories of adventures and ethics, and plenty of time at the cabin at Long Lake, MN. With his wife Anne, Al founded the Montessori School of Duluth in 1981 and volunteered his business and property up-keep skills for many years along with teaching a highly-rated children’s logic class.

Al is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anne; daughters, Elizabeth Joan Nephew Pederson of Duluth, MN, Julia Anne Nephew (Eric) of Glen Ellyn, IL, and Marie Kathryn Ridgeway of Roseville, MN; sons, John Albert Nephew (Michelle) of Duluth, MN, and James Thomas Nephew (Lynn) of Duluth, MN; 16 grandchildren, David, Elisabeth, Elias, Clarissa, Felicity, Cora, Mae, Luke, Alexandra, Eva, Josephine, Emilia, Sophia, Madeleine, Albert Henry, and John; 3 great grandchildren, David, Camden, and Rowan; sisters, Joan of Spokane, WA, and Kathryn (Richard) of Spokane, WA; and brother, Thomas of Spokane WA.

Al maintained his positive spirit as he courageously fought idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for many years, spending much time and effort researching and participating in trials to extend his life. Family extends a special thank you to Essentia Hospice for their dedication to Al and our family at the end of his life. Al is the heart of our family; all of his love, generosity, kindness, optimism, and lessons continue to live on with us in our hearts.

Visitation will occur at Dougherty Funeral home, 600 East 2nd Street Duluth, MN 55805 on Thursday July 1st, 5-7 pm in Duluth, MN, Rosary at 6:30. Service and Holy Mass will occur at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary, 2801 East 4th Street, Duluth, MN 55812 on Friday July 2nd, 11 am and gathering one hour prior. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the IPF Foundation or Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 218-727-3555, please visit www.dfhduluth.com to sign the online guestbook.