In Memoriam 2021

Ray Altier

March 3, 1944 – January 28, 2021

On January 28, 2021, at the age of 76, Ray Altier of Saint Paul, Minnesota passed away. Ray was an amateur astronomer and avid car enthusiast who loved to play cards and spend time with his grandchildren

He was predeceased by : his son Steve. He is survived by : his wife Elaine; his sons, Tom (Gretchen) and Mark (Denise); his grandchildren, Riley, Molly, Pete, Brady, Will and Olivia; and his siblings, Gene, Kitty, Jim and Roger.



Peter J. Zierden

March 3, 1945 – March 11, 2021


On Thursday, March 11, 2021, Peter John Zeirden, loving husband and stepfather of one daughter, passed away at the age of 76.

Peter was born on March 3, 1945 in St. Cloud, MN to Robert and Margaret (Mitchell) Zierden. Peter attended Cretin Hall High School, and graduated with a BA from St. Thomas University in Minnesota. He enlisted in the service, completing OCS and served as 1st Lieutenant in the Vietnam War from 1968-1969. After his honorable discharge from service, he received his MBA from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. He worked for Ernst and Ernst as a consultant. During that time, attended Stanford University in CA and received his CPA. He continued his career as consultant for Ernst and Ernst until his quest to start his own business was accomplished. In 1980, he started his own consulting firm and began designing and developing a software system, MCS, Manufacturing Control Software System. The system, designed for job shops, serviced hundreds of job shops throughout the Midwest. Peter was known for his kind nature and problem solving abilities.

On December 2, 1989, he married Jacqueline Hatridge, RDH, from Chicago, IL. Together, Peter and Jacqueline (Jackie) continued servicing, and marketing MCS, which is still operational today. Peter and Jackie lived and worked in Chicago, IL for several years before moving to beautiful Galena, IL. However, one more move brought them to Parsons, TN which was enjoyed by both.

Peter was preceded in death by his father, Robert, his mother, Margaret and brother Karl. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jacqueline, his loving step-daughter, Dawn Baskevice, his sister Jane (Sigfred) Muller, his sister Katherine Hohn and his sister Ann Hanson along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services to be held at Parkers Crossroads Veterans Cemetery in Wildersville, TN in early May. Exact time and date to be announced as plans are arranged. Peter’s passing was due to complications due to Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War era. Peter’s quick wit and fabulous, embellished story telling will be sorely missed. Rest in peace dear Peter.


Michael J. McNulty

1945 – March 26, 2021


Michael McNulty of Burnsville, Minnesota, died on March 26 surrounded by his loving family.  He graduated from Cretin High School in 1963, attended University of St. Thomas and University of Minnesota and enjoyed a long career in computer/technology sales. He was employed by Unisys for 27 years and later DellEMC for 16 before retiring to pursue his Master’s in Leisure Arts and spending the winters in Key Largo.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Amy, his parents, Howard & Betty, in-laws Frank & Dorothy Gruber and brother-in-law Jim Panke.  He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Karen; his children, Peter (Eliza), Martin & Annie (Chris Hart); his grandson Rory; siblings, Timothy (Judy Behnke), Kathleen McNulty (David Beer), Maureen Panke, Brian (Nancy), Kevin (Terrie) & Molly (Scott Conway); in-laws, Frank Gruber IV (Linda), James Gruber (Teresa) & Cindy Needham (Jim) and many extended relatives. 

Michael was a strong, kind-hearted, hard working, master of conversation.

He enjoyed a good story; spent his free time fishing, skiing, and sailing the Dottie II. He was a food & wine connoisseur, avid reader, and traveler, but what he loved most of all was spending time with his adoring family and friends.

His wit and humor will be missed. His dedication to his family life and contagious love for fun will be remembered fondly by all who knew him.

George F. Bonfe

March 10, 1945 – November 11, 2021


George F. Bonfe, age 76 of Forest Lake, Minnesota, died following a brief illness, but fittingly on Veterans Day, Thursday, November 11, 2021.  George was born, March 10, 1945 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the son of Samuel and Lucille (Peterson) Bonfe.  He graduated from Cretin High School, Class of 1963.  Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Army.  While on leave, he was involved in a tragic automobile accident which left him with permanent injuries.  Those injuries changed his physical body, but his personality and mental strength never wavered.  While living his life dependent on a wheelchair he did not see that as limiting in anyway. 
Choosing a family of his own, George adopted three children, built and piloted his own airplane, competed in marathons, owned and operated two business; South West Liquor in West Saint Paul and later Clear Lake Childcare which he transferred ownership to upon his retirement and the center is now Room for Growing in Forest Lake.  George was an active member of the Forest Lake community.  He never missed a chance to be involved with military events, the Forest Lake Veterans Memorial, civic and other community opportunities to make where he and his children lived a better place. 

George is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Sam.  He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him including his children, Robbie (Kathy) Bonfe, Deoki Bonfe, Sunitha Bonfe, Dominick Bonfe, Sydney Hernandez; grandchildren, Annabella Bonfe, Dimitri Bonfe; siblings, Roger Bonfe, Wally (Susanne) Bonfe, Joseph (Jill) Bonfe; other family and friends.

James Theodore Winkel

July 5, 1945 – November 18, 2021


Age 76 of Wayzata (born and raised in St. Paul), passed away November 18, 2021 with his family by his side due to complications from cancer. Beloved husband, father and friend known for his devotion to family, jokes/story-telling, creativeness and problem solving.

Preceded in death by son Steven Winkel.

Survived by wife Suzanne; daughter Tracy Winkel-Johnson and husband Chad Johnson, and many loving relatives and friends.

Dennis John Cooney

December 2, 1944 – December 25, 2021


Age 77 of Spring Lake Park, deeply cherished husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Christmas Day, 2021.

Preceded in death by parents, Aloysius & Eileen; brother, Pat. Survived by loving wife, Carol; children, Sean, Shannon (Pat) Schusted, Tara (Jason) Mueller, Brendan (Brittany) Cooney; grandchildren, Cole, Connor, Elle, Ethan, Declan & Greta, and many friends.