Emil A. Trnka, Jr.

Emil “Stretch” Albert Trnka Jr. was born October 13, 1948, in St. Peter, MN to Emil and Agnes (Sweda) Trnka. He grew up with two sisters, Mary and Charlene. He attended John Ireland School and graduated from St. Peter High School in 1966. 

While in high school, Emil worked at The Holiday House in St. Peter. He often spoke of the time he played frisbee with John Denver when John was dating the owner’s daughter, Annie Martell. He also played baseball with the St. Peter City team.

Emil enlisted in the United States Air Force and served four years, including a tour in Vietnam from 1969-1970. He was a Crew Chief on B-52 bombers based in Utapao, Thailand as part of the 450th Bomber Wing. Over the course of his tour, he flew on 61 bombing missions.

He graduated from Brown Institute with a degree in radio broadcasting in 1973. He married Carolyn Bierman in Jeffers, MN on August 3, 1973. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters, Emily and Laura.

Emil worked in radio, as a meter reader for Otter Tail Power Company, delivered salt and water for Culligan, and ended his career working with disabled adults at HSI group homes. He was a pheasant hunter and fisherman. He loved 50’s and 60’s rock and roll music, and often talked about all the great bands he saw while serving in the Air Force. He loved watching the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and supporting St. Peter High School sports, especially basketball.

Emil passed away at River’s Edge Hospital in St. Peter on September 24, 2024. After a long battle with Alzheimer’s, he suffered a fall and a hip fracture at home.

Emil is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years Carolyn, daughters Emily Fischer and Laura, son-in-law Karl, granddaughter Sophie, sisters Mary and Charlene, brothers- and sisters-in-law Lowell and Pat Bierman, David and Joan Bierman, Gaylen and Karen Bierman, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents Emil and Agnes Trnka, and father- and mother-in-law Wallace and Irma Bierman.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday October 5, 2024, at First Lutheran Church in St. Peter, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.