Mary Kvitek

Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Kvitek was born on December 8, 1923 in Leaf Valley Township, Douglas County, Minnesota to Verdie and Winifred (Kelly) Smith. She attended country school District 28 in Leaf Valley Township till the eighth grade and then attended Central High School in Alexandria where she graduated. Mary then worked at A&P Grocery and later worked at Pete?s Supervalu and Herberger?s. On July 12, 1948 Mary was united in marriage to Lawrence at Seven Dolors Catholic Church in Millerville. The couple lived in Alexandria and where they were blessed with three children. While the children were young she was a homemaker. In the late 1970?s, Lawrence and her owned and operated the Pine View Resort on Lake Mary. Lawrence also owned K&K Sports with his brother, Norm where Mary also helped. Mary later went to work at Holiday Foods till her retirement in the late 1980?s. Mary enjoyed housekeeping, gardening, canning, and making raspberry jam. She also enjoyed the neighborhood block parties that they had in the 1960?s. Most of all, Mary enjoyed her family and being with her grandchildren. Mary died on Monday, April 21, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria at the age of 84. She is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence; son, Michael (Glenda) Kvitek of Alexandria; daughter, Catherine (Brian) Neese of Eagan; grandchildren, Kalin (Andria) Kvitek of Duluth and Heather (Ryan) Shaughnessy of St. Michael; great grandchildren, Brennan and Aidan Shaughnessy; brother, Joseph (Rose) Smith of Alexandria. Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Verdie and Winifred Smith; daughter, Winifred Wienhold; brothers, Edward and James Smith. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, April 24, 2008 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Reverend Steve Binsfeld officiating. Music was provided by Laurie Youngers, Tom Mulder and Carol Hughes. Interment was held in the St. Mary?s Catholic Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers were Kalin Kvitek, Ryan Shaughnessy, Ron Hanson, Norman Kvitek, Al Kvitek, and Rich Merten. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.