Ron and Mary Tarnowski

Ron and Mary Tarnowski, 81 and 78 of Duluth died together near the family deer shack by Brookston, MN on July 29th.

Ron “Bisco” Tarnowski was born December 29, 1935 in Duluth to Frank and Marie Tarnowski.  He graduated from Central High school, where he played football.  He joined the US Air Force, serving in the Philippine’s, and played football there.  After the Air Force, Ron attended UMD and played on their football team.  Ron retired as a captain from the Duluth Fire Dept. after 31 years.  He was a member of St. Joseph’s Church in Duluth Heights; he was a active member of the Knights of Columbus; member of Minnesota’s first snowmobile club, The Turtle patrol; he loved to tinker in the garage; antique cars; spending time at the hunting shack; checking on what the boys were doing and the Wednesday Night Cruiser Guys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie and siblings, Gerry Tarnowski and Audrey Lasky.

He is survived by his boys, Kurt and Karl (Bev) Tarnowski; grandchildren, Ginka, Chad and Chrissie; great grandchildren, Lillie and Max; siblings, Mike (Mary) Johnson and Bob (Chris) Johnson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mary Tarnowski was born April 19, 1939 in Staples, MN to Frank and Cecelia Mertens.  She graduated from Staples High School.  She married Ron Tarnowski in Staples on November 8, 1958.  She also was a member of St. Joseph’s Church; FATS Club, Tuesday Card Club, playing cards with the family; going for to look at the Sea (Lake Superior) and she could never go home without a game of 31.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Cecelia and brothers, Paul Johnson and Fritz Mertens.

She is survived by her boys, Kurt and Karl (Bev) Tarnowski; grandchildren, Ginka, Chad and Chrissie and great grandchildren, Lillie and Max. sister in laws, Doris Johnson and Franny Mertens.

The family cannot thank enough, all who helped in the search and recovery of Ron and Mary.

Visitation will begin Thursday from 5-7pm with Knights of Columbus Rosary 6:30 at St. Lawrence Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Rd. Duluth, MN.  Visitation will continue Friday, at St. Lawrence at 10am with Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. With both fire dept. Honors by the Duluth Fire Dept. and Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Honor Guard to follow.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, (218) 727-3555.