Angelo Peter Petri, 93, died on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born on September 26, 1926 in Buhl, Minnesota to Peter and Nanna (Fena) Petri. He graduated in 1944 from Martin Hughes High School in Buhl after which he was an Army veteran, serving with the occupation forces in Japan. In 1949 he graduated from Virginia Junior College, Virginia, Minnesota and received a BA in business from the University of North Dakota. After obtaining his degree, he worked at Gambles Hardware in Virginia then Pickands-Mather Mining Company in Hibbing, Minnesota. In 1962 he received a BS in Education and a library certification from The University of Minnesota Duluth. For twenty-five years he was a Minnesota school teacher in Orr, Aurora, Hoyt Lakes, Hibbing, and was an active member of the NEA and MEA. In 1987, he retired.
On December 26, 1950, he married Evelyn Maki in Buhl, Minnesota where they made their home until 1998. They lived in Mt. Iron, Minnesota until 2002 when they moved to Rochester where he lived until his death.
While living in Buhl, he was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Buhl, was an avid curler and belonged to the Buhl Curling Club, also the senior Citizens' Center where he served as treasurer. He also was a member of the former Buhl VFW, serving as quartermaster, and then joined the Hibbing VFW. While living in Byron, Minnesota he attended Christ Lutheran Church.
Angelo enjoyed watching all Minnesota sports teams. His greatest joy was being with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Evelyn Petri, five sisters and one brother. His survivors are his daughter Linda (Dan) Case of Rochester, two granddaughters Dana (Derick) Behrends, Rochester, and Jessica (Joe) Fick, Glencoe, Minnesota, two step-grandchildren, Mason Case, Rochester, and Sasha (Andy Kranz) Case, Winona, Minnesota, five great-grandchildren, Hailey Behrends, Peyton Behrends, Rihanna Behrends, Brock Fick, and Jackson Fick, and three step-great-grandchildren, Jacklynn Case, Valerie Case and Margo Kranz. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A private family visitation will be held at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to VFW or First Lutheran Church, 319 Pennsylvania Ave., Mountain Iron, MN 55768.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Petri family; to share a special memory of condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
Mary Oertli wrote on May 13, 2020:
"To the family of Bud. He was such a dear dear man. I enjoyed visiting with him, discussing current affairs, US politics and so much more with him. His love Evelyn was so genuine and touching. He also so enjoyed little things in life.
I am keeping you in my prayers during this time of loss and transition. Mary Oertli "
Edward Alto wrote on May 10, 2020:
"Back in the 60's I had Mr Petri as a teacher in our rural Aurora school . Always a kind and understanding man.
I'm 70 years old now and still remember him as one of my best teachers. Condolences to family and all whose lives he touched. Edward Alto"
Deanna Boelter wrote on May 9, 2020:
"So sorry to hear about Your loss he will be very missed by many people . Im glad I got to know you all at Holmstead as your waitress . You all are in my thoughts , prayers at this very sad difficult time . His memories will be in are hearts forever . "
Jim Fena / Shirley Alberg wrote on May 9, 2020:
"Remembering gatherings with the Petri, Fena,and Vecchi families. Sorry for your loss. Prayers go out to you.
Jim Fena. ( oldest son of Art Fena)"
Betty Jagunich Hydukovich wrote on May 9, 2020:
"Linda and family,
What a wonderful experience to have your Dad live into his 90?s. I?m so sorry for your loss. I always knew your Dad to be very kind. Praying for you and yours at this sad time."
MIKE RICHTARICH wrote on May 8, 2020:
"To the Family of Buddy Petri,
Growing up , I have many memories of Buddy, Evelyn, and the extended Petri family while growing up in our small Iron Range community of Buhl. May he REST IN PEACE
"
Linda Case wrote on May 7, 2020:
"I miss you dad. Visiting with you and taking you out to lunch was always special to me. Although I?m happy you?re with Mom again. Love you forever."