Please remember in your prayers Joseph Sarne, a first-year student and White Bear Lake native who died Tuesday, February 6, after a motor vehicle accident on Saturday, February 3.
Visitation was 5-9 p.m. Friday, February 16 at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear Lake. Memorial service was 11 a.m. Saturday, February 17 at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 2499 Helen Street N, St. Paul, with visitation beginning at 9:30.
"Joe was literally the nicest guy you’d ever meet. He was always a kindhearted guy, didn’t hold any grudges. He had the biggest heart, made everyone laugh and feel welcome," said Cade McSherry, Sarne's roommate. "You became instant friends with him as soon as you met him. He’s such a genuine guy. He put a smile on everyone’s face that he talked to. ... He brightened up your day as soon as you saw him. Everyone loved him."
"Joe was a light in what is often a very dim and convoluted world, and I am overjoyed at the fact that Joe was one of my residents and that I got to know him as the kind hearted human that he was," said Galen Rakestraw, Sarne's resident advisor in Brady Hall. "I knew how important friendship was to Joe and his roommate Cade and it is clear from how highly his peers speak of him, and still speak of him, how good of a friend he was and the importance of his life in their lives, including my own."
Members of the St. Thomas community who would like support or assistance in dealing with Joseph's death or support for a mental health issue, are encouraged to contact the Center for Ministry at (651) 962-6560 or Counseling and Psychological Services at (651) 962-6780. Public Safety is available to assist anyone in our community 24 hours a day at (651) 962-5100.
