Edward John Potocnik

Memorial Mass for Edward John Potocnik, 85, of Eveleth, will be 10am Friday, September 23, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Eveleth with Fr. Charles Flynn and Fr. Frank Perkovich as celebrants. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery Columbarium in Minneapolis, MN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Eveleth-Gilbert Vocal Music Fund. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Edward, a long time music instructor and vocal educator, died Monday, September 19, 2011 at Eveleth Health Service Park with family by his side. Edward's family would like to thank the staff of St. Raphael's Health and Rehab, Eveleth Health Services Park and Hospice for their loving care. He was born October 13, 1925 in Eveleth, MN to Joseph and Helen (Skule) Potocnik. Edward was a 1943 graduate of Gilbert High School. He was drafted into the US Army during WWII and stationed in Germany. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis with a Bachelors of Science degree. On August 7, 1951 he married Rosella Tuk. Edward began teaching in Nashwauk and then taught for the Eveleth Public Schools for 36 years until his retirement in 1987. Edward enjoyed spending time with his family at Lake Eshquaguma. He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church and an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a Life Member of the Eveleth Elks and the National Education Association. Survivors include his wife, Rosella; daughters, Judy Ann Earl and Mary Frances Potocnik both of Minneapolis; grandchildren, Alexandra Earl and Nicholas Earl; brothers, Thomas Potocnik of Aurora and Anthony (Carol) Potocnik of Biwabik; numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Helen Grizzard, Raymond and Donald Potocnik and a sister Margaret in infancy.