Darwin Robert Reedy

In Loving Memory of Darwin Reedy

November 25, 1949 - March 14, 2026

With deep sadness, we share the passing of Darwin "Dar" Reedy, who left us on March 14, 2026, at the age of 76. He was a devoted husband, step‑father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and curiosity shaped every life he touched.

Dar and his wife, Geri, shared 38 years of marriage filled with art, travel, family, and a shared appreciation for beauty in all its forms. Their life together was rich with adventure, creativity, and unwavering partnership.

Born in 1949 and raised in North Oaks, Dar's entrepreneurial spirit emerged early. In his teens, Dar, along with his friends, found creative ways to make money, from starting a painting company to other more colorful endeavors-an early glimpse of the drive and vision that would define his career. In 1973, he co‑founded Burnet Realty, guiding it to become one of the largest and most respected brokerages in the nation. His natural ability to connect with and mentor people, paired with his business acumen and vision, left a lasting mark on the real estate community.

Art, however, was Dar's lifelong passion. After retiring from real estate, he devoted himself fully to the world of art by founding The DRG Collection gallery. He was on the Board of Trustees of the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA) from 1995 - 2011, holding various positions, including Vice Chair. Dar and Geri generously welcomed curators and institutions to their home, sharing their private collection with enthusiasm and pride. Together, they established The Reedy Gallery at the MIA and donated numerous contemporary and African works. They also founded The Reedy Gallery at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, which continues to host seasonal fine arts exhibitions.

Dar believed deeply in giving back. He served on many boards over the years, as a reflection of his love of community and the Arts. He was Commissioner of the Metropolitan Airports Commission in 1997, on the Minnesota Humanities Board of Trustees in the early 2000s, and on the Board for the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, transitioning to Honorary Trustee in 2010. He was a champion of The Guthrie, The Ordway and The Walker Art Institute. A passionate golfer, he served for many years on the Board of White Bear Yacht Club and was Commodore in 1998. He combined philanthropy and sport by bringing the Burnet Senior Classic professional golf tournament to Minnesota-an event that has since grown into the 3M Championship.

Among Dar's greatest joys were his friendships and sharing the world with those he loved. A proud graduate of St. Paul Academy in 1968, he treasured the relationships and life-long friendships he made there. With his family and friends, he planned unforgettable journeys with meticulous care, creating memories filled with laughter, discovery, and connection. These adventures remain treasured gifts to his family and friends.

Darwin is survived by his loving wife, Geri; step‑children Jeff (Mary), Peter (Terri), Jimmy (Tiffany), and Marty (Jo) Rathmanner; grandchildren Martha, Maxwell, Mariah, Annabel, Mac, Chrissy, Will, and Sam Rathmanner; five great‑grandchildren; sister Beth Hanson (Gary); niece Libby Anderson and nephew Craig Hanson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Mary Reedy.

As we say goodbye to our beloved Dar, we honor a life defined by generosity, curiosity, and devotion. His legacy lives on in the communities he enriched, the art he championed, and the friends and family he cherished.

A celebration of his life will be held on April 14 at 12:30pm at White Bear Yacht Club, 56 Dellwood Ave, Dellwood, MN 55110.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his honor may be made to Caring and Sharing Hands or Children's Hospital Association - St. Paul.