Gloria Pettipiece, age 98, of Faribault, MN, passed away peacefully at her home on October 12, 2023, with her children at her bedside.
Gloria LaVonne Kispert was born September 5, 1925 at St. Lucas Hospital in Faribault, MN, to Roy and Gertrude (Hildebrandt) Kispert. She was raised on the family farm near Nerstrand, MN, and graduated from Kenyon High School in 1943. She worked at the Nerstrand Bank and Northern States Power Company. She met Harley at the Nerstrand Roller Rink, and they married on June 14, 1948 at Immaculate Conception Church in Faribault, MN. Gloria and Harley built their home on 20th Street in Faribault, raised their 5 children, and owned and operated Harley's Radiator Shop. Gloria and Harley were faith filled members of Immaculate Conception Church and later Divine Mercy. Gloria filled her days and nights with endless chores and tasks, yet always had time for family and friends. She and Harley shared a magical life together and established many friendships along the way.
Gloria was always the ultimate hostess, cook, baker, seamstress, volunteer, friend, caregiver, travel companion, parent, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Gloria and Harley traveled extensively and at age 62, they took up bicycling. They logged thousands of miles and thousands of lasting memories.
Gloria shared a special bond with her brother, Glen and sister, Marlene. Both of them were a valued treasure in her life.
Gloria loved Harley, and equally loved her 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. She was very proud of all of them, and they filled her life with joy. She opened her home to all of her friends and family, with baked goods and coffee brewing, and enjoyed conversations on her porch.
Our hearts are broken over our immense loss, but Gloria will forever shine through her entire family.
Gloria is survived by her children: Charles (Tricia) Pettipiece, Gary Pettipiece, Julie (Michael) Karp, and Jann (Steve) Zabel; her grandchildren, Ryan (Sara) Pettipiece, Adam (Shannon) Pettipiece, Dena Meyer (Tim Nichols), Cody (Sheri) Pettipiece, Kacie (Zach) Brown, Michael Tyler Karp, Benjamin Karp, Jonathan Karp, Elizabeth Karp, Brent (Jessica) Zabel, and Paul Zabel; her great grandchildren, Abby, Peyton, Jayin, Hayden, Ava, Nora, Harrison, Remi, Rowan and Crosby; and by her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Norve Floren.
She was preceded in death by Harlan J. Pettipiece, her husband of 62 years; her son, Mark Pettipiece; daughter-in-law, Diane Pettipiece; parents, Roy and Gertrude Kispert; and brother and sister-in-law, Glen and Marlene Kispert.
The family wishes to thank neighbors, friends, caregivers and family who made her life complete and allowed her to stay in her own home.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Divine Mercy Catholic Church, 139 Mercy Drive, Faribault. Interment was at the Meadow Ridge Memorial Park in Faribault.
Visitation was held on Monday from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, 1725 Lyndale Ave. N., Faribault, and on Tuesday for one hour prior to the services at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the choice of the donor in memory of Gloria.
