John Beal

John H. Beal, age 87, of Minneapolis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to countless individuals he met across his vibrant life, passed away June 23, 2026. Born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1939, John’s talents and intellect were evident from the very beginning. Consider the fact that he earned a perfect score on his SATs and headed off to Carleton College before earning an MBA at the Wharton School of Business. His first professional adventure involved serving as a staffer to a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C. From there he joined the family banking business, an institution which evolved into Norwest Mortgage. John moved from the mortgage side, ultimately becoming President of Norwest Properties. It was there he met his greatest professional challenge, resulting in one of his crowning achievements. On Thanksgiving Day 1981, the building then known as the Northwestern National Bank burned in a spectacular and devastating fire. John spearheaded the effort to relocate all displaced employees and thanks to the generosity of the Minneapolis business community, all essential employees had a desk and a telephone by the following Wednesday. After managing the day-to-day logistical and communication challenges, John turned his attention to leading the effort to rebuild the headquarters. With the full support of bank leadership, John oversaw a rigorous process to find a preeminent architect. He selected Cesar Pelli and their amazing collaboration created a new jewel, now known as the Wells Fargo Center, a standout in the Minneapolis skyline. His next chapter involved building a new career in commercial and residential real estate. John was a lover of music. He was a talented pianist who could play virtually any song. Later in life he returned to study composition at the MacPhail Center for Music and even wrote an original score for an opera, set in his beloved downtown Minneapolis. John contributed to the cultural scene as an active board member of Ten Thousand Things and the Cricket and Illusion Theaters. Amazingly he found time to use his season tickets to the Minnesota Orchestra and the Minnesota Twins. The achievement closest to his heart was one of quiet courage; more than four decades of sobriety. A devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous, a Big Brother, and founding board member of The Retreat, John gave back to others repeatedly. John met people in their darkest moments and showed them a way through, never asking for credit, only offering his time, his honesty, and his hope. That was John in everything he did: selfless, tender, kind, and fully present. More than anything, he loved his wife, Barbara. He adored her, cared for her, and cherished her every single day. John is preceded in death by grandson, Shane Beal; and nephew, Anthony Polski. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Brin; son, Erik (Lisa); and their children, Evan and Heidi; son, Carter. In addition, he leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Max Polski, Mark Stover, Jeri Kayser, Sandy Stover, Andy Beal, John Beal, Becky Beal, James Beal and their spouses. Special recognition to Ryan Utsch, for whom John was a supporting father figure. Celebration of Life 10:00am MONDAY, June 29th at LAKEWOOD CEMETERY CHAPEL, 3600 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, and available on Zoom at: www.hodroffs.com/JohnBeal .
Luncheon immediately following at The Minikahda Club, 3205 Excelsior Blvd., Minneapolis. In lieu of flowers John would appreciate donations to The Retreat or Westminster Presbyterian Church.