Vincent Benedict Girard, age 89 of St. Michael, MN, formerly Marshall, MN, passed away November 7, 2018. He was born on March 21, 1929 in Marshall, MN, the son of Ambrose, Sr. and Marie (DeBuscher) Girard.
On September 20, 1955, Vincent was joined in holy marriage to Roberta Ann Kerkvliet in Ghent, MN. God blessed their marriage with eight daughters.
Vincent worked several years as a farmer, and eventually worked as a custodian for the St. Michael-Albertville Middle School until his retirement. He enjoyed seeing the students every day, and often referred to them as “my kids”.
He enjoyed playing cards and created a game called, “Vincent’s Game”, which he would play with his grandchildren and other family members. He also enjoyed playing pull tabs.
His family and friends will remember Vincent’s thoughtful and generous spirit. He was especially known for his big heart, kindness, and gentle manner. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
Preceded in death by his wife, Roberta; parents: Ambrose, Senior and Marie (DeBuscher) Girard; sisters: Rita Laleman, Marian Boerboom, Juliane Wyffels; brothers and sisters-in-law Gerald Boerboom, Jim Wyffels, Patricia Girard and John Kerkvliet.
Survived by his daughters: Lorann (Joe) Eull, Bonnie Girard (Rob Karls), Joan Girard, Mary (John) Steffens, Nancy (Greg) Eull, Teresa (Dave) VonBank, Lisa (John) Vetsch and Cheryl (Greg) Reinking; grandchildren: Kelly Eull (Tom Nonweiler), Ryan (Jessica) Eull, Amanda Karls (Andrew Rorvig), Geoff Karls (Caitlin Shea), Nick (Kelsey) Karls, Alex (Richard) Karls, Annie (Steve) Cole, Bryan Ihrke, Kristina (Drew) Thibodeau, Sandra (Cory) Heuring, Nathan (Jessica) Steffens, Emily (Bryan) Moritzl, Scott Eull, Danielle VonBank (Nick Bauer), Samantha (Josh) Scheck, Haley VonBank, Jena Vetsch, Alison Vetsch, Girard (Nicole) Reinking, Garth Reinking and Grady Reinking; 20 great-grandchildren with 3 on the way; sister: Barbara (Bob) Brewers; brother: Ambrose, Jr; sisters-in-law: Mariel (Tom) Maeyaert and Elaine Kerkvliet; brother-in-law: George Laleman; and other relatives and friends.
A special thank you to his home health caregivers, whom he lovingly called “My Girls”, for helping him with all his needs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held, Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 11 AM with visitation beginning at 9 AM all at The Church of St. Michael in St. Michael MN. Father Joseph Zabinski will be the Celebrant.
Private interment at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery.
My uncle was so awesome even though he had 8 girls of his own when I would stay over. He would make me feel welcome. He was a kind and funny man and will be so missed. Loved his family ! I know he is with Roberta and smiling that great smile. RIP Vincent !!
I will miss Vince so much. Such a good soul. ❤️
To the Family of Vincent Girard; Please accept our sympathy for the loss of your father, father-in-law and grandfather.
Deepest sympathy to the family of Vincent Girard from the flower girl from Vincent and Roberta’s wedding.
We live directly across the street from Vince. We miss seeing him out for walks and having a quick chat. He was always so nice and I really enjoyed talking to him. We are so sorry for your loss. Hart Family