Louise Safratowich

Kathryn Louise (Dennis) Safratowich "Louise" July 31, 1926 - November 2, 2014 Kathryn Louise (Dennis) Safratowich "Louise" of Park Rapids, MN died on November 2, 2014 at the age of 88. Louise was born July 31, 1926 in Lake Emma Township, the second child to Clyde and Theresa (Schmid) Dennis. They lived very modestly, mostly on what they raised off the land. She attended Lake Emma Country School through the eighth grade. Louise went on to attend Park Rapids High School from where she graduated in 1943. After high school, she lived and worked in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area for a time before moving back to Park Rapids. Louise married Joseph Safratowich June 10, 1946 in a double ceremony with her sister, Mary. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Robert, Donald, Carol, Marilyn, Joseph and Charles who died at birth. In 1957, her husband, Joe was killed in an accident. She was a homemaker at the time and her children were her life. The more she could do for them, the happier she was. In her eyes, each one was a blessing. Louise worked as a cook/baker at Wonewok, a conference center owned and operated by 3M Co, from 1971 - 1991. After retirement, her family would find her enjoying crocheting, knitting, and embroidery. She worked crossword puzzles and played solitaire. Louise enjoyed playing yahtzee with her grandchildren when they would stop by for a visit. She always kept her candy dish full and ready. Louise baked all sorts of delicious treats in her kitchen; she was a wonderful cook. She would bake delicious cookies and Swedish Tea rings. There were always treats at Mom and Grandma's house when someone would stop by. She loved gardening and canned many of the items from her garden. The basement of her house was filled with all kinds of interesting things! Grateful for having shared in Louise's life are her children: Robert (Mary) Safratowich of Park Rapids, Donald (Eve) Safratowich of Hettinger, ND, Carol (Fay) Burrell of Park Rapids, Marilyn (Michael) Gravdahl of Park Rapids and Joseph (Sherry) Safratowich of Park Rapids; 16 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Lola Dennis, Patsy Dennis, Jane Dennis, Carolyn Dennis, Mille Seney, Frances Staffenhagen, Jeri Safratowich, Mary Ann Torma and Pat Becker; brother-in-law, Ben Safratowich and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Joseph; one son, Charles; one sister, Mary Cumber and four brothers: Eugene, Raymond, Gordon and Lyle. A memorial mass will be held 11 AM Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at the St. Peter The Apostle Catholic Church in Park Rapids with Father Thomas Friedl officiating. Annette Haas will lead the mass music. Her urnbearers will be: Dean Cumber, Douglas Safratowich, Bryan Safratowich, JoLynn Hocking, JoAnn Poole and Jon Gravdahl. The honorary urn bearers will be the rest of Louise's grandchildren and great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids with a prayer service at 6:30 PM. Visitation will continue at the church Wednesday beginning at 10:15 AM. Burial services will be held at the St. Peter Catholic Cemetery in Park Rapids. To view the video tribute or to leave on line condolences, please visit www.jonespearson.com