Betty Lou Vacinek

Betty Lou Vacinek, 91, of Pine City, MN, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2015, at Lakeside Medical Center in Pine City, MN. The fourth of eight children, she was born April 21, 1923, in Sandstone, MN, to Page and Mary Workman. Betty married Fred Vacinek October 19, 1941, in Pine City, MN, where they farmed dairy cattle and raised three sons. For many years, she was a hard-working farm wife. After moving off the farm and to a home on Lake Pokegama, she continued to work, first as a baker at the Rock Creek Truck Stop and then sewing at Lee's Pro Shop. Betty was actively involved in her Pine City community, where she served as a 4-H leader and president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Bowling on local leagues and traveling throughout the U.S. to national bowling tournaments were favorite pastimes. Betty was well-known as an excellent seamstress and for her delicious baked goods. She taught her children and grandchildren how to make Czech favorites such as kolaches and butka. She also patiently taught her granddaughters to sew. After her husband Fred passed away in 1997, she was kept busy with her beloved dog Toto, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and fishing trips Up North. Betty is survived by her children Robert, of North Branch, MN; James (Janet), of Brainerd, MN; Dale (Marcy), of Menahga, MN; grandchildren, Steven (Sonia), Elisa, Greg (Jen), Maria (Eric), Jeremy, Brent (Sara), Christopher, Jackie (Josh), and Kari (Scott); great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Hunter, Tatiana, Megan, Paige, Tegan, Henry, and Felix; brother, Bob Workman, of Henriette, MN; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred; her parents; brothers Chuck, Loren and John; sisters Percy, Ann and Shirley; and daughter-in-law, Diane. Betty Vacinek loved being with her family and friends; her spirit and smile will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life for Betty will be held Monday, February 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Swanson Funeral Chapel in Pine City. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the chapel. Friends and family are invited to the Pine City VFW for lunch following the service. A spring interment is being planned in Czech National Cemetery of rural Pine City. Arrangements are with the Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel. www.funeralandcremationservice.com