Peter Barthelemy

Peter Edward Barthelemy was born on December 31, 1913 in Foley, MN, the son of Edward and Elizabeth (Parent) Barthelemy. Pete attended school in Hackensack, MN and Eugene, OR. Shortly after graduation from high school, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) and served with them for three years. Following his time in the CCC, he went to work for his brothers who owned Barthelemy?s Furriers. He attended pattern school at Sol Vogel, a design school in New York City, to further help him in his work as a furrier. Pete served in the United States Army-Airforce Engineers from 1942-1945, spending most of his time in the Aleutian Islands and Okinawa. Following an honorable discharge, Pete came back to Alexandria to continue working for Barthelemy?s Furriers. He bought out his brothers and took over ownership in 1970 and in 1979 sold the business to Tom Gleason. Pete was baptized in Foley, MN and confirmed in Eugene, OR. After moving to Alexandria, he became a member of St. Mary?s Catholic Church. It was there that he met his future wife, Willetta (Willie) Kuhn. They were married on February 16, 1953. Pete and Willie raised three children, Jon, Lynn, and Jan. In Pete?s early married years he enjoyed going to antique auctions. He was instrumental in establishing and also was a charter member of the Douglas County Association for Retarded Citizens (ARC). He was involved at both a state and local level helping to establish different programs and camps for the ARC. He was president of Project New Hope for 25 years, was a member of the American Legion, and the VFW and the Knights of Columbus. Pete had a love for learning and was never afraid to start new adventures. He started learning to use a computer at the age of 85 and got to be quite a wiz at e-mailing friends and family. He had a quiet, gentle spirit and was loved by all who knew him. Pete died on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at him home at the age of 94. He is survived by his wife, Willie Barthelemy; son, Jon Barthelemy of Alexandria; son-in-law, Jim Fischer; daughter, Jan (Robert) Heggestad of Cleveland, Ohio; granddaughters, Marcie (Josh) McEachern, Lizibeth Fischer; grandsons, Robert Jr. (Krystal), Nicholas, and Marcus Heggestad; brother, Eddie Barthelemy of Eugene, OR; sister, Dorothy Stiener of San Francisco, CA; and many nieces and nephews. Pete is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Elizabeth Barthelemy; five brothers, Leo, Cecil, Felix, Paul, and Richard; and also by his daughter, Lynn Fischer. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at St. Mary?s Catholic Church in Alexandria with Reverend Steve Binsfeld officiating. Entombment will be held later in the St. Mary?s Catholic Cemetery. Casket bearers were Greg Hughes, Bill Hughes, Rick Hughes, Robert Heggestad Jr, Nicholas Heggestad, and Tom Barthelemy. Honorary Casket bearers were Marcie McEachern, Liz Fischer, and Marcus Heggestad. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.