Mitchell Hamline School of Law

Mitchell Hamline Alumni

In Memoriam

William L. Christianson ’63

Posted: February 25, 2026
William L. Christianson ’63, age 89, of Red Wing, passed away on January 26, 2026.  He graduated from William Mitchell College of Law in 1963.  Bill practiced criminal and civil law for nearly sixty years.  In addition to his private practice, he served as a First District Assistant Public Defender, Goodhue City Attorney, and Assistant …

William L. Christianson ’63

Adrian Sanchez ’16

Posted: February 6, 2026
Adrian Sanchez ’16 passed away on April 15th, 2024 at the age of 59. Adrian was a man of many talents and passions. As Mark Twain once said, “The secret of success is making your vocation your vacation.” This quote perfectly encapsulates Adrian’s life. He was a smart and successful electrical engineer by trade, a …

Adrian Sanchez ’16

Ida Williams ’96

Posted: February 6, 2026
Ida Williams ’96 passed away on July 16, 2025 at the age of 59. Ida completed her undergraduate studies in economics at the University of Tirana and, thanks to her academic excellence, received her law degree on full scholarship in 1996 from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota. While in law school …

Ida Williams ’96

Hon. Gabriel D’Annunzio Giancola ’58

Posted: February 6, 2026
Hon. Gabriel D’Annunzio Giancola ’58, known to all as Gabe, passed away on January 1, 2026. He was 95 years old. In 1991, Gabe was appointed Judge of the 10th District Court, a role he carried with integrity, wisdom, and compassion. Prior to and alongside his judicial service, he was a respected partner at Barna, …

Hon. Gabriel D’Annunzio Giancola ’58

Ellen F. Weinberg ’93

Posted: January 14, 2026
Ellen F. Weinberg ’93 passed away on December 29, 2025. Ellen led a life marked by intellectual curiosity, professional dedication and passionate advocacy. Ellen’s academic journey reflected her deep love for knowledge and history. She earned a degree in ancient history from the University of Iowa and went on to complete a degree in library …

Ellen F. Weinberg ’93

Judy K. Branham ’07

Posted: June 27, 2025
Judy K. Branham ’07, passed away on June 8, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Judy passed peacefully and comfortably with family close to her and the love of her friends all around her. Judy served as counsel with Redgrave LLP, focusing her practice on the development and implementation of international privacy and cybersecurity …

Judy K. Branham ’07

Jim Welna ’81

Posted: June 27, 2025
James “Jim” Welna ’81 died at the age of  71 on May 26, 2025. Jim, beloved by many, is survived by his wife Sue, daughters Jenn (Garrett Ferderber) and Becca and grandkiddos Wren and Rowan Welderber, brother Mark (Cathy) and sister Ginny (Joe Magner). Class of 1981

Jim Welna ’81

John “Jack” DeWalt ’02

Posted: May 6, 2025
John “Jack” DeWalt ’02 passed away on March 16, 2025. He was 51. In 2014, Jack partnered with two friends and colleagues, Melissa Chawla ’02 and Marian Saksena, to form DeWalt, Chawla + Saksena, LLC. One of Jack’s dreams was to open his own firm, and he took great pride in celebrating its 10-year anniversary. …

John “Jack” DeWalt ’02

Scott Hoke ’83

Posted: February 20, 2025
Scott Hoke ’83 passed away on January 26, 2025. He was 66. He began his law practice at a small firm in Minneapolis, MN. He later opened his own practice in Anoka, MN, then moved his practice to Champlin, MN, in 1997. Class of 1983

Scott Hoke ’83

Kathleen Murphy ’99

Posted: October 18, 2024
Kathleen Murphy ’99 passed away on August 12, 2024. She was 72. Inspired by her time as a public health nurse in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Kathleen received her Masters of Public Health Nursing and was instrumental in launching Minnesota Care, a pioneering health care program for low income families. Later in life, she earned a …

Kathleen Murphy ’99