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John R. Vitalis, age 86 of Shafer, passed away July 31, 2010 at Region's Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota.

John was born in Taylors Falls, Minnesota to parents Axel and Julia (Hawkinson) Vitalis on May 27, 1924. He attended Pleasant Valley Grade School and Taylors Falls High School. John was in the Merchant Marines during WWII. He was honorably discharged after serving from 1944-1946. He married Aloha Holt on February 23, 1946 and they were married for over 64 years. They lived and farmed in the Shafer area their whole lives. John also worked at the Andersen Corporation in Bayport, Minnesota for 31 years.

He is preceded in death by his parents, infant son David, and sister Dora Slattengren. John is survived by loving wife Aloha and four children; Julie (Alan) Cotch of Clear Lake, Minnesota; Daniel of Centuria, Wisconsin; Timothy of Shafer, Minnesota; and James (Darcy) of Taylors Falls, Minnesota; 12 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; brother Jerry (Connie) Vitalis and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services 11 a.m. Tuesday August 3, 2010 at Chisago Lake Lutheran Church in Center City, Minnesota with interment at Hillside Cemetery in Center City, Minnesota. Arrangements by the Grandstrand Funeral Home in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Condolences may be left at www.grandstrandfh.com.

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