Mercedes Ann Vakulskas, 91, formerly of Sioux City and Carroll passed away Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
A private family funeral service will be held Monday, November 7, 2022 at Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll with Father Terry Roder officiating. Casket bearers will be Mercedes’ grandchildren Angie Klocke, Tammie Klocke, Nick Klocke, Abby Vakulskas, Peter Vakulskas and his wife Taylor Vakulskas. Burial will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Carroll.
In lieu of flowers, Mass or memorial offerings may be sent to the family of Mercedes Vakulskas, c/o Sharp Funeral Home, 226 W. 8th St., Carroll Iowa 51401.
Online condolences may be left for Mercedes’ family at www.sharpfuneral.com.
Mercedes Pirogowicz was born March 30, 1931 in Sioux City, Iowa. She was the daughter of Josephine Micek. She graduated from Cathedral High School in 1949 and St. Vincent School of Nursing in 1953.
On May 22, 1955, she married the love of her life, Peter Michael, at St Francis Church in Sioux City. She spent most of her life as a registered nurse. Shortly before retiring, she worked in the chemical dependency unit. After retirement, she volunteered at the hospital at patient information, the gift shop or delivering mail. She also taught catechism for many years. Going out for breakfast with Peter was her favorite thing to do. In 2014, she moved to Carroll to be closer to family due to Peter’s health problems. Then to Minnesota in 2019.
Mercedes is survived by her 2 daughters: Monica (Dean) Klocke of Halbur, Mary Sue Vakulskas of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; 2 sons: Steve (Kelly) Vakulskas of Chaska, Minnesota and Ed (Anne) Vakulskas of Maplewood, Minnesota. Eight grandchildren: Angie Klocke, Tammie Klocke, Nick (Michelle) Klocke, Abby Vakulskas and Fiancé Zach Palmer, Sara (Sam) Neva, Peter (Taylor) Vakulskas, Emily Vakulskas and Anna Vakulskas. Four great grandchildren: Colter Klocke, Coy Klocke, Levi Klocke and Anders Neva. A half-sister Laureen Pannier and half-brother Ronald Micek.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, of 59 years in 2014 and her mother.