Elvera L. Petrich

Elvera Lenore Petrich, 92 year old resident the past two years at the Lutheran Care Center, passed away May 4, 2008 as a result of stroke suffered April 26, 2008. She was born February 12, 1916 in New Germany, MN; Hollywood Township, Carver County to the late Gustav and Elizabeth Venske. When Elvera was a young girl the family moved to Lester Prairie, MN where she attended parochial school until age ten. They then moved to farms in Clough Township and rural Randall, MN. As a teenager she worked for her aunt and uncle in Young America. Elvera was united in marriage May 22, 1934 to William Petrich at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Randall, MN. The couple farmed in Darling Township until Bill died March 17, 1966. After her husband’s death Elvera moved to Randall, MN. She had various jobs including, Crestliner Boats, Pine Edge Inn (baker), cook at Nelson Hall, Camp Ripley, cook at Randall Café, and then for ten years she was lead cook at Randall School from which she retired in February of 1981.Elvera will always be remembered as an exceptional cook and baker. She enjoyed and spent many hours crocheting, quilting, needlepoint, and embroidery. She was always busy with at least one sewing project. Elvera also loved chickens and cats. Elvera was life-long member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Elvera is survived by children, Marlene Ritzer of Stillwater, MN, Gordon (Jeanette) Petrich of Randall, MN, William ‘Gary’ (Carol) Petrich of Cottage Grove, MN, Donald (Glenda) Petrich of Little Falls, MN, and Robert (Nancy) Petrich of Cleveland, MN; Seventeen Grandchildren, Thirty Three Great Grandchildren, and one Great-Great Grandchild; brothers, Melfred Venske of Little Falls, MN and Marvin (Pat) Venske of Randall, MN; sisters, Viola Sanders of Stillwater, MN, Donna (Lee) Hain of Worthington, MN, and Betty (John) Peterson of Andover, MN; many nieces and nephews, special godchild Janice Lundgren; sisters-in-law, Ruth Petrich and Rita Venske both of Randall, MN; and brother-in-law, Edward Woodworth of Oregon, WI. Elvera is preceded in death by parents, Gustav and Elizabeth Venske; husband, Bill Petrich; daughter, Margaret Lawrence; sisters, Doris Anderson, Ila Woodworth; brothers, Virgil, Vernon, Curtis, and Myron Venske; son-in-law, Robert Ritzer and Robert Lawrence.

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Elvera L. Petrich

February 12, 1916 - May 4, 2008