Paul J Vetter Jr.

Paul J. Vetter, Jr. and Shirley M. Vetter, residents of St. Peter, passed away on Sunday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 22, 2008 respectively.

Paul, age 85, died from amyloidosis, a rare bone marrow disease. Shirley, age 83, died from complications following a heart attack. Paul and Shirley were married 61 years.

A joint funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Church of St. Peter (1801 W. Broadway) in St. Peter with Fr. Phil Schotzko officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Thursday July 24, with a prayer service at 7:00pm at the church and will continue one hour prior to the service at church.

He was born in Kasota, MN on April 7, 1923 to Paul J. and Anna Grace (Binder) Vetter. Paul was a graduate of Kasota High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942, volunteering for the Submarine Service. He was assigned to Submarine Relief Crews in the Pacific and, as a Second Class Electrician's Mate, served as a crew member on board the submarine, U.S.S. Parche (SS384).

Following his discharge from the service in 1946, he attended STOUT, receiving his B.S. Degree in Industrial Education. He spent five years in the teaching profession including three years on the faculty of Nicollet High School.

Mr. Vetter was a Co-Founder of Vetter Stone Co. and served as Vice-President of the company from the time it went into production in 1954 until his retirement in 1988.

Paul J. Vetter, Jr. and Shirley Margret Solberg were united in marriage at St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Peter, MN on June 9, 1947. Initially they made their home in Menomonee, WI followed by Grey Eagle, MN and Nicollet, MN. They settled permanently in St. Peter in 1954.

Mr. Vetter served on the St. Peter Planning Commission in the late 60's, followed by two terms on the St. Peter City Council. During his tenure on the St. Peter City Council, he spearheaded the move toward hiring St. Peter's first professionally trained Administrator. He was also instrumental in establishing the St. Peter-Kasota Joint Utility Board under the Joint Powers Act. While chairing the board federal funds were obtained to assist in the construction of the sanitary sewer and water system in Kasota, as well as the Green Hill Water Tower and sewer separation in St. Peter.

Paul was an adventurous type of individual with exposure to many different things including his "Big Harley" when he was in high school and Submarine Service during WWII. He made a parachute jump from a 10,500 foot altitude when he was 80. He and his wife, Shirley, enjoyed extensive international travel including trips to five continents. He had many interests including cabinet-making, bridge, fishing and collecting and restoring antique (prior to 1915) phonographs.

Organizations Paul was involved with include ushering at St. Mary's for twenty-five years, Submarine Veterans of WWII, V.F.W., Knights of Columbus, Scouting, serving on The Mankato Vo-Tech Mine-Safety Advisory Committee, St. Peter Senior Citizens, Michigan Antique Phonograph Society, and serving on the St. Peter Area Chamber of commerce Board of Directors. He was a member of Shoreland Golf Club for many years where he enjoyed walking the 18 hole course every Monday, Wednesday and Friday during the entire golfing season.

Survivors include one daughter Jeanne Jones (Dr. Richard) of Rochester, MN; two sons: Thomas Vetter (Carol) of Crystal, MN and Paul Vetter III (Mary) of Eagan, MN; five grandchildren: Lori Jones Thomasson (Brian) of Fargo, ND, Capt. David Jones of Rochester, Nicholas, Allison, and Joseph Vetter of Eagan; three brothers: Walter Vetter (Bernice) of Kasota, Willard Vetter (Doris) of Skyline, and Howard Vetter of Madison Lake. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Yvonne Ann, his parents and sister-in-law Joyce Vetter.

Memorials are preferred to ISJ Hospice, Calvary Cemetery, or John Ireland School.