Bernard Kroc

Bernard Francis Kroc, age 87, of Austin, died Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Austin Medical Center. Barney was born February 14, 1923 in Mason City, Iowa to Joseph and Loretta (Nugent) Kroc. They moved to Austin when he was a young boy. Barney served in the Marines from 1943 to 1946. On August 30, 1947 he was united in marriage to Marian Cecelia Dandelet at Queen of Angels Catholic Church. From this union came the birth of eight children. Barney was a retired employee of Hormel Foods, retiring in 1983 after 42 years. Barney was an avid golfer who enjoyed spending time with friends, perfecting his game and posting two hole-in-ones. He also enjoyed the challenge of playing Scrabble with his wife and soulmate of 59 years, hunting, fishing, tinkering in the garage (earning him the nickname, Putz), and visits by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Barney could often be found relaxing in a lounge chair outside his garage with a favorite drink in hand supervising the chaos of his family and loving every minute of it. Barney is continuing his support to others by donating his body for Medical Science, in collaboration with the University of Minnesota and Mayo Medical Systems. Survivors include eight children, Mary Jo (David) Mosher, Westfield, IN, Thomas (Carole) Kroc, Farmington, MN, Diane (Larry) Swanson, Sturgeon Bay, WI, Nancy (Robert) Brede, Austin, MN, Susan (Murray) Srock, Austin, MN, Ellen Kroc, Austin, MN, Jerome (Sherry Smahel) Kroc, Delano, MN, Joseph (Cecelia) Kroc, Austin, MN; seventeen grandchildren, Tom, Jim, Chris, John, Deb, Mike, Randy, Becky, Michael, Katie, Matthew, Renee, Andy, Frank, Lindsey, Erin, Joey; 23 great grandchildren; brother, Maurice Kroc, Austin, MN; sister, Bernadine O'Shaughnessy, Burnsville, MN; brother-in-law, Father James Dandelet, Easton, MN. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marian on June 11, 2007; parents, Joseph and Loretta Kroc; brother, Clement Kroc. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 am on Friday, October 15, 2010 at Queen of Angels Catholic Church with Father Dale Tupper officiating. There will be a 6:30 pm wake service on Thursday at Mayer Funeral Home where friends may call from 5-7 pm. The family will also greet friends at a luncheon following the service at the church on Friday.

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