Peter Bartczak

Peter George Bartczak, 92, of Staples and formerly of Biwabik, passed away March 27, at his home with his wife, children and family by his side. 

A Celebration of Life was held April 2 at the Thomastown Covenant Church, 15940 251st Ave., Staples, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the celebration at the church.

Peter was born December 12, 1929 and raised in Sturgeon Lake. He and Lavonne met on a blind date, got married while on a 10-day leave before Peter departed for France during the Korean Conflict. He served proudly in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953. Lavonne was not to see him again for over a year. It was an amazing love story that lasted for 70 years. Upon Peter’s return, he started working for Minnesota Power and Light, now MN Power. He was a maintenance mechanic and welder for 30 years.  He could fix anything, even the neighborhood kids knew and stopped over for bike repairs and more. He never turned a kid away.  Peter and Lavonne together cared for not only their own four children, but 55 foster children over the years, many physically and mentally impaired. The couple’s motto was, “There’s always room for one more.”  

There never was man with a more kind heart. He was never without a “mint” in his pocket for all he met.  More importantly, no one left his house without a very big hug. If Peter knew you - or even if he didn’t - you received a hug from the big man with the big heart. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lavonne, to whom he was married for 70 years;  three daughters, Laverne Hakly of Dewey, Arizona; Marie Bartczak (Steve Laats) of Goodyear, AZ and Diane Bartczak (David Doyle) of Phoenix, AZ; one son, Gary (Jacque) Bartczak of Staples; special foster son, Kevin Peterson of Iron; eight grandchildren;  13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters.

Arrangements are with the Iten Funeral Home of Browerville.

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