Obituary: Mary Vnuk

Mary Vnuk, 83, of Palm Harbor, Florida and Cloquet passed away Oct. 3, 2021 in Palm Harbor.

She was born in Cloquet to Ira and Jessie Sell on Dec. 11, 1937.

Mary Frances Sell married Richard John Joseph Vnuk on Aug. 15, 1964. She graduated from St. Scholastica's School of Nursing and worked as a floor and emergency room nurse before becoming a nursing instructor for both St. Luke's School of Nursing in Duluth and Lake Superior Community College. She also helped run and manage Vnuk's Liquor Market in Cloquet for more than 30 years alongside her husband, Richard. Mary was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Saints Mary and Joseph Church in Sawyer and St. Francis Catholic Church in Carlton. Mary's passions included cooking, sewing and reading; outside of her professional pursuits, she dedicated her time to caring for her husband, her children, and grandchildren.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Richard; and her son-in-law, Samuel Nelson.

She is survived by her children, Deborah (Sam) Nelson, John Vnuk, Joey (Robert) Zabbia and Dan (Kerrie) Vnuk, and Jeff Vnuk, Richard's son by a previous marriage; six grandchildren, David, Cassandra (Kambui) Moore, Michael, Daniel, Jessica, and Ross (Jeff's son); and her great-grandson, Noah Moore.

A Memorial Mass celebrated by Rev. Fr. Joel Hasting was held Jan. 12 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Carlton, with music led by Missy Parker and Mary Smith. Honorary bearers were Jessica Zabbia, Cassie Moore, Michael Nelson and Ross Vnuk. Mary will be laid to rest in New Calvary Cemetery. Nelson Funeral Care assisted the family with final arrangements.

Pine Knot News. Jan. 14, 2022