Sidney W. Bell

Sidney W. Bell, 38, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, after a brave battle with rejection complications from a heart transplant that he underwent at the age of 31.

Born on May 3, 1986, in Rochester, MN, to Sidney and Kimberly (Knudson) Bell. He grew up in Winona, MN, from age 2 to 8, before moving to Cottage Grove, MN, to be closer to the specialty healthcare Sidney needed for his impending liver transplant that he received at age 9. Sidney faced his health challenges with remarkable courage and an unwavering spirit.

Sidney had a passion for life that was unmatched. An avid sports enthusiast, he enjoyed basketball, tennis, skiing, hockey, snowboarding, golfing, swimming, and weightlifting, and had recently taken up pickleball. He loved fast black cars and black trucks with dark tinted windows and the right amount of chrome. He took great pride in customizing every vehicle. Sidney's musical tastes spanned from reggae to country, rap, and blues, all showcasing his eclectic and embracing nature.

Known as a social butterfly, Sidney thrived on connecting with people and organizing events, especially rides along the scenic Wisconsin side of the St. Croix and Mississippi River. His ability to bring joy and laughter to any gathering will be sorely missed.

Sidney is survived by his loving parents, Sidney and Kimberly; his partner, Clarice Cly; grandparents: Joan and Leon Marshall, Judith and Michael Ellstrom, Danny and Sharon Bell, and Gilbert Mellon; many aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends who were touched by his life.

A funeral service will be held in his honor at 11 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St., Hastings, MN 55033, with a visitation occurring one hour prior to the service. Sidney will be laid to rest at Cottage Grove Cemetery.

To honor Sidney's fight, his family is asking for blood and platelet donations to the Red Cross. Sidney's life was significantly prolonged thanks to about 40 units of blood and platelets donated by kind strangers, a generous act that greatly helped their son and did not go unrecognized.

The family would like to recognize the staff at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, for the phenomenal care and compassion they provided their son. The clinical staff were angels on earth sending prayers to heaven to help keep their son with them even longer.

Arrangements are under the care of Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel.