Peter A. Valtakis

Peter Avonggalon Valtakis, 70, of Red Wing died Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. Peter Avonggalon Valtakis, 70, of Red Wing died Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester. He was born March 15, 1943 in Oakland, Calif. to Avonggalon and Rosemary Valtakis. He graduated from Fremont High School in Oakland in 1960. He served in the US Navy from 1963 to 1970 during the Vietnam War aboard the nuclear submarine, the USS Snook. He married Catherine Scarpar and they later divorced. He lived with his family in Oakland CA, San Diego, CA and Saratoga Springs, N.Y. until moving to Red Wing in 1970. On June 24, 1989 he married Patricia Jagusch at United Lutheran Church. He worked at the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant and was involved in the start up of Unit 1. He continued to work with the nuclear plant as a consultant until the time of his death. He also owned and operated the Bath Store since 1998 and the Pete's Kitchen Store since 2004 both at the Pottery Mall. He also had previously owned and operated West Bay Marina. He was a member of United Lutheran Church, where he faithfully served as usher and on the men's cooking team for many years, Red Wing Elks BPOE#845 and the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and spending time outdoors. His family recalls how he loved going to Rush Lake near Ottertail, Minnesota for the past several years, his cooking, especially lamb and other Greek foods.
Peter is survived by his wife of 24 years, Pat; children, John (Carrie) Valtakis of Hastings, Jollienne Mrozek of Hastings, Jeff Valtakis of Brainerd; seven grandchildren, Callie, Larrissa, and Alex Valtakis, David, Justin, Niko and Spencer; siblings, Georgia (Norman) Brewer of Redding, Calif., Willie (Julie) Valtakis of Dove Creek, Colo., Larry (Mare) Valtakis of Littleton, Colo. and Katie (John) Taylor of Valley Springs, Calif.; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Linda and Tom Wrzos of Vadnais Heights and their children, Katarina Wrzos and Andrew Wrzos and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Peter "Tom" and Michael Valtakis.

Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2013 at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing with Pastor Justin Boeding officiating. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post #54. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Legion prayer service on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and one hour prior to the service at church. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society or the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com

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Visitation

JUL 17. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT)

Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel
602 Plum Street P.O. Box 111
Red Wing, MN 55066

Visitation

JUL 18. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)

United Lutheran Church
628 West 5th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066

Service

JUL 18. 11:00 AM (CDT)

United Lutheran Church
628 West 5th Street
Red Wing, MN 55066