Junella Tarnowski

Junella Margaret Tarnowski, 100 of Duluth, peacefully passed away December 28, 2021, at St. Mary's Essentia with her family by her side.

Junella was born December 23, 1921, to Nicholas and Ella (Ellingson) Neumann at home in Gary, New Duluth, the second of ten children. She was a 1940 graduate of Denfeld High School where she excelled in art.

Junella married Stephen Tarnowski during a 30 below day on March 8, 1943. Junella later joined him in Alabama and Tennessee before he was sent overseas to serve in World War II.

Widowed at age 41, June raised eight children in her Chester Park home of 65 years. Valuing education, all her children were college educated, with the exception of her beloved son Nick, who has Down Syndrome. Nick was a special angel and companion to his mother.

June worked for the Bell Telephone Company, Duluth Cathedral High School food service, Candlelot and eventually retired from Sears.

She was an active member of St. Anthony's church where she served as vice-president of the PTA, was a member of the Rosary Society and president of the Diocese of Duluth VIVA chapter for six years. When St. Anthony's closed, she joined St. Benedict's parish. June received recognition for her 17 years of volunteer service at the Benedictine Health Center. She was also a member of the Nortune Lodge Auxillary.

Junella was a great cook, canner, flower gardener, artist, and championship bowler. She loved family time at the Schultz Lake cabin her husband built in 1935. June will be remembered for her faith, great sense of humor and many years of huge, warm family holiday celebrations.

Junella was preceded in death by her husband Stephen; her parents; Brothers Ray, George, John, Richard and Peter Neumann and sisters Delores Zervas, Evelyn Hyduke and Marie Gondek.

Junella is survived by her eight children: Nancy (Tom) Willette, St. Louis Park, Mn., Fred (Maribeth) Tarnowski, Knife River, Mn., Roberta (Michael) Wozniak, Carver, Mn., Barbara (Richard) Oase, Rosemary Tarnowski, Nick Tarnowski, Steven (Celia) Tarnowski and Anthony (Liza) Tarnowski all of Duluth; brother Paul (Floanne) Neumann, Oak Grove, Mn.; 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Monday, January 3, 2022, at St. Benedict's Church in Kenwood/Duluth and will continue until Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am.  In lieu of flowers, we would like to plant a tree in her memory at the family cabin. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 East 2nd St, Duluth, 218-727-3555. Sign the online register book at, www.dfhduluth.com.