Thank You, Stranger

Has someone ever taken you by surprise by doing something kind that made your day a little easier? Your life a little fuller? Our series, “Thank You, Stranger,” looks at those special people and their impact.

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A young boy at a baseball game

A stranger stole a young Twins fan’s signed baseball, then a group of strangers made it right

May 8, 2024 1:37 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

For this week’s installment of Thank You, Stranger, we hear about a mystery baseball thief — and a quest to make things right for an 8-year-old Twins fan.

A car in flames

Thank You, Stranger: A MnDOT employee recalls a fiery rescue from I-94

April 25, 2024 3:46 PM

Dave Klepaida was one of the good Samaritans who came to the rescue of Sam Orbovich after his car started on fire during an accident on I-94 in St. Paul.

Carrie Yeager and her cousin Tara at Carrie's wedding

Thank You, Stranger: A race against time to say goodbye

March 28, 2024 1:16 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Ellen Finn, and Alanna Elder

This is the story of a race against time — and all the strangers who helped Carrie Yeager from New Hope say goodbye.

Sophia Wahlstrom

Thank You, Stranger: In 2020, we all avoided strangers, but some stepped up during a scary circumstance

February 29, 2024 11:30 AM

Sophie Wahlstrom was on a run when she fell and broke her leg. It was the height of the pandemic, she didn’t have her phone on her, and most strangers were wary to interact with others.

a man climbs rocks

Thank You, Stranger: A Rochester man's brush with death from a black widow bite

February 1, 2024 11:40 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

A Rochester rock climber suddenly came down with mysterious, life-threatening symptoms. A nurse found the answer just in time.

Barbara Cox and Victor Cox

Thank You, Stranger: During her father's illness, small acts of kindness made the biggest difference

January 18, 2024 10:42 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

Barbara Cox was taking her dad to the museum when out of the blue, someone helped fix his wheelchair and left before Cox had the chance to thank her.

A woman with a tattoo of a car standing next to a car

Thank You, Stranger: A memorial tattoo, a car and a cosmic coincidence

January 4, 2024 1:34 PM

By Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

Becky Gilbert was looking for a tattoo artist for a tattoo to memorialize her grandmother, and she got much more than she bargained for.

two women pose for a photo

Thank You, Stranger: The post office and the pen friend

August 10, 2023 11:06 AM

By Cathy Wurzer and Ellen Finn

Minneapolis resident and printmaker Kolean tells her tale of travelling to Italy and making an unexpected friend.

Thank you, Stranger: A chance encounter at Starbucks led to a meaningful friendship

June 8, 2023 1:00 PM

By Cathy Wurzer, Ellen Finn, and Alanna Elder

To celebrate Pride month this week, we have a story about a life-changing friendship.

two women playing a board game

Thank You, Stranger: Instead of punishment, a young poet was given an exciting opportunity

April 20, 2023 2:31 PM

To celebrate National Poetry Month, Blair Kohlbry remembers getting the encouragement she needed as a young poet.