James A. Petron, 82, St. Cloud

December 26, 1935 - February 20, 2018

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00AM on Saturday, February 24, 2018 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Cloud for James A. Petron, age 82, of St. Cloud who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. Rev. Timothy Gapinski will officiate and entombment will be at Assumption Mausoleum in St. Cloud. Family and friends may call from 4-8PM on Friday, February 23, 2018 and one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud.

James was born on December 26, 1935 in Morrison County to Alois and Rose Petron. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps serving from 1954 – 1957. Upon returning to Minnesota, he attended Dunwoody College of Technology in Minneapolis. James married Lorraine Sobiech on September 5, 1960 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Bowlus, MN. He was employed at 3M in Hutchinson from 1960 – 1966 and Frigidaire in St. Cloud from 1966 until his retirement. James farmed in the St. Stephen area for 26 years, beginning in 1967 until his retirement from farming in 1993. He was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, St. Cloud, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local #63 and the American Legion Post #473. James enjoyed playing cards, woodworking; especially making things from his findings, his daily walks and spending time outdoors feeding the deer. He was a hardworking man and was proud of the work he accomplished on the farm. He was known as being a quiet and independent man who walked strongly in his faith attending mass daily. James often socialized with and helped out his neighbors, assisted at church and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. He did everything with his wife enjoying bus trips and traveling around the country during his retirement. James was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather who was always generous and supported his grandchildren at their sporting events. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

James is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lorraine; children, Susan (David ) Briese of Clearwater, Lawrence (Caroline ) of Nisswa, Elaine (Jay ) Stevens of Eagan and Michael (Teresa ) of Alexandria; grandchildren, John, Laura and Matthew Briese, Nicole and Samantha Stevens, Jordan and Tyler Petron; brothers and sisters, Joan (Robert) Gall of Foley, Frank (Mary) of Vadnais Heights and Clarence (Faye) of Clearwater, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert and infant son.