Frederick Shusterich

Frederick Lawrence “Fred” Shusterich age 96 passed peacefully on November 13th, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Fred was born on August 8, 1922 to Rudolph and Mary (Bukovac) Shusterich. He was a 1940 graduate of Gilbert High School and lived most of his life in his beloved home town of Gilbert, MN. He met his wife of 63 years, Patricia (Pat) Barta on a double date in 1953 and they were united in matrimony on February 28, 1954. They resided in Gilbert until March of 2012 when they moved to The Glenn in Minnetonka, MN where he lived until his passing. Fred along with his sister and brother operated the Shusterich grocery store in Gilbert. He was a hard working businessman working six days a week, however Sundays were for faith and family. Fred was a leader and took an active role whenever needed. He was President of the Gilbert Housing Authority, member of the Gilbert Alumni Association board, as well as numerous civic groups to promote Gilbert and support Gilbert High School. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church where he was the men’s choir director for many years. He and Pat instilled a strong faith in their three children and their families. Fred was a true gentleman; devoted to his family, his Catholic faith and his community. He and Pat raised their children in the home he was born in. He had a wide variety of interests and was a craftsman; building furniture and always working on home projects. He loved directing the choir, oil painting, WWII history, Notre Dame Football, and his nightly glass of wine. His was a life well lived and we will miss him greatly. He remained sweet, kind and witty until his final day. In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his wife Patricia, two sisters and a brother. Fred is survived by three children: Fred (Sheila) Shusterich, Jr. of Duluth, Jeanne (Tim) Pietrini of Chanhassen, and David (Clare) Shusterich of Plymouth, along with his pride and joy, seven grandchildren: John (Brooke) Shusterich, Jim Shusterich, Dr. Sean Pietrini, Tim (Elizabeth) Pietrini, Jr., Sam Pietrini, Nick Pietrini, Sarah Pietrini, and a great granddaughter, Marion Pietrini along with numerous nephews and nieces. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. on Monday November 19th at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Gilbert, MN with Fr. Ronald Gagne as celebrant. Visitation one hour prior. Burial will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. Memorials may be made on behalf of Fred to the charity of the donor’s choice. The Shusterich family would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the hospice team from Park Nicollet, the staff of The Glenn, and especially the compassionate caregivers from The Glenn’s Care Suites.