Dr. Carl Lee Bandt

Dr. Carl Lee Bandt, 87, died suddenly of natural causes on February 25th at his home in North Oaks, MN.

He was born on March 22, 1938, in Wisconsin Rapids to Lawrence and Ethel Marie Bandt, and was raised in Nekoosa, Wisconsin, alongside his best friend and fraternal twin, Phillip Bandt.

Carl received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and Master's Degrees in Periodontal Sciences and Biostatistics from the University of Minnesota. In 1978, he became Chair of the School of Dentistry's Department of Periodontics, where he grew the Department into one of the foremost units in the world - renowned for excellence in teaching and service, but most notably for research. When the Dental School was at risk of closure, Carl pushed back with a strategic plan that convinced decision-makers of the negative impact closure would have on Minnesota's biomedical research landscape. Throughout his tenure at the University and beyond, Carl maintained a part-time periodontal practice at Southdale Medical Center.

While in dental school, Carl wisely accepted a blind bridge date with Mary Rice, who proved to be an excellent partner in life and bridge. Carl frequently told their children that he'd wake up every morning, look at Mary, and give thanks for his good fortune.

Despite Carl's unwavering work ethic, he was careful to make career choices that left time for family and his many passions. The woods, lakes, and rivers of Minnesota and Wisconsin were his sanctuaries. As a bow-hunter, he insisted on using a traditional bow right up until he got his last deer just months before his death. He was also a skilled craftsman and woodworker; in recent years, he found joy building custom-made tropical fish tanks.There wasn't a home repair issue that he couldn't solve with a half-dozen trips to the hardware store and a DIY pulley system. When he wasn't immersed in his own projects, he was enjoying the arts as a season ticket holder to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Guthrie Theater, or traveling the world with Mary.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Virginia Bandt (Rice), and four children: Laura Bandt, Molly Bandt (Bill Ramsey), Dan Bandt, and Matthew Bandt (Mary Bandt). He also leaves a legacy of eight grandchildren (Noah, Patrick, Celia, Ava, Rachel, Nate, Graydon, and Madeline) and three great-grandchildren (Croix, Daxton, and Harper). Grandpa Carl, who was always generous with his time, love, and outlook on life, formed unique bonds with each of his grandkids.

Although he had impossibly high standards for himself, Carl approached others without judgement. His zest for life, unconditional kindness, and decency inspired everyone lucky enough to know and love him.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 18th from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the White Bear Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Maple St, Mahtomedi, MN. A special tribute will begin at 11:30.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of the Boundary Waters at: https://www.friends-bwca.org/memorial/.