Passed Away on November 30, 2015. Age 82 of South St. Paul, MN

A Lifelong South St. Paul Packer

Pete passed away peacefully on November 30th, surrounded by family. Born in South St. Paul to immigrant parents, Milovan & Anna Tabakovich. Pete lost his mother at the age of two and thankfully was welcomed into the family of his older sister and husband, Mary and Michael Locke. Pete loved all sports. During his high school years at South St. Paul, he played varsity basketball, baseball and football and received seven letters. In 2013 he was inducted into South St. Paul Athletic Hall of Fame. Upon graduation in 1951, Pete enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served on the USS Catfish Submarine during the Korean War. During a leave from the Navy, Pete met Augsburg College student, Jeanette Olson, on the beach of Lake Nokomis. It was love at first sight. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1956, Pete went on to Augsburg College to get his Physical Education degree, play baseball, and to marry Jeanette in 1957. They lived a very full life. Pete and Jeanette had three daughters, Kirsten, Karin and Jana. Following a brief time teaching in Springfield, MN, Pete went back to his alma mater of South St. Paul in 1963 to teach and coach. He coached baseball, football, soccer, golf (boys & girls) and basketball. He was the head basketball coach for 15 years. Pete also enjoyed his 20 years as the “Voice of the Packers” and teaching Driver’s Ed to his many students. He retired in 1992. One of Pete’s biggest accomplishments, besides surviving numerous heart and back surgeries, was his eight holes-in-one. He was an excellent golfer, a Southview Country Club ‘Club Champion’, South St. Paul Open Champion and the champion of many more. Faith was an integral part of Pete’s life, as he and Jeanette were founding members of Luther Memorial Church. He trusted in the Lord, and humbly lived a true servant’s life. Greeting Pete in heaven are his parents, Mike, Mary, Milovan & Anna; sister, Honey Jannetto; brother, Mike Locke; brothers in-law, Bob Reynolds & John Jannetto; in-laws, Rev. Iver & Myrtle Olson and many friends. Grieving his presence are his wife, Jeanette; his children, Kirsten & Bryon Kruzel; Karin & Phil Housley and Jana Smith; grandchildren, Karin (Ryan Swainey), Brynna, Leah, Taylor (Jeremy Pass), Reide, Wilson, Avery, Austin, Alaine & Ahren; great-grandchildren, Maddie, Alayna, Andrew, Iver, Ardith and Louis; sisters, Dolly (Don) Goral and Susan Reynolds; many nieces, nephews and great friends. Funeral Service 2 PM Friday, December 4th, at Luther Memorial Church, 315 15th Ave. No., South St. Paul. Visitation 12 Noon – 2 PM prior to the service. Interment General Lutheran Cemetery.