Target co-founder Bruce Dayton passes away at 97

ORONO, Minn. (KMSP) - Bruce Dayton passed away Friday morning, surrounded by family at his home in Orono, Minnesota. He was 97. Dayton is the father of Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton and the former chairman and CEO of the Dayton-Hudson Corporation.

Dayton is a business icon, creating with his brothers what would eventually be Target Corporation and building the nation's first indoor shopping mall -- Southdale in Edina, Minn.

Bruce Dayton is survived by his wife, Ruth Stricker Dayton; his 4 children, Mark Dayton, Brandt Dayton (Tian), Lucy Dayton (Mark O'Keefe), and Anne Dayton; 2 step children, Kim Griffin (Robert) and Mark Stricker; 11 grandchildren; and 2 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 19 at 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis.

Dayton has a legacy in the art community, building the Minneapolis Institute of Art into what it is today. He was handpicked by art collector Alfred F. Pillsbury in 1942, and his 73 years of commitment, 2,000 gifts of art and decades of guidance put Minneapolis on the art world's map

What they're saying

“This is a very sad day indeed. Bruce’s generosity and depth of commitment to our museum are unparalleled. He has given Mia so much throughout his life, through his active board participation, philanthropic support, connoisseurship, and remarkable insight. He helped shape us to be one of the greatest art museums in the country. Our gratitude to him is boundless. I will miss him very much.” - MIA president Kaywin Feldman

“Bruce Dayton changed the landscape of business, arts, and charitable giving in our state. He helped build his family’s company into what is now a major national company. He served our country in the Army. He gave back to our community. And he raised a son who would go on to serve our state as both U.S. Senator and governor. Bruce’s legacy in Minnesota will live on for generations to come. I was saddened to hear of his passing, and my thoughts are with the governor and the entire Dayton family.” - U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar