Anita Kretzschmar Vinje, 83, passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 14, 2022. 

Anita was born January 21, 1939, in Janesville, MN, the oldest of 3 children of Ernst (Ernie) and Esther Kretzschmar.  She graduated from Mankato High School and attended the University of Minnesota where she met John Vinje and later married on January 21, 1957.  Together they raised their 4 sons for 27 years.  

During her life Anita was an international traveler, raising her family oversees in Turkey, London, Norway, and Indonesia.  She enjoyed singing with many choirs and was a prolific and talented artist.  She is best known for her works in stained glass, jewelry, and knitting. Among her family, she was well known as a cunning card shark.  Her artistic talents continue to live on in her four sons and the legacy continues in her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Anita’s faith in God sustained her to the very end.  Her relationship with Jesus also brought many of her family closer to him as well, which extended to other generations and those to come. 

 Those left behind to mourn her loss include her children, Daniel (Kay) Vinje of Valley City, ND, Brady (Evelyn) Vinje of Houston, TX, Chris (Renee) Vinje of Seattle, WA, Mike Vinje of Merritt Island, FL; brother Alan (Vicki) Kretzschmar of Janesville, MN; 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren.

Anita was preceded in death by her father and mother, Ernst (Ernie) and Esther Kretzschmar and brother, Gary Kretzschmar.

Anita was very much loved and will be missed greatly.

The Lerud Mathias Funeral Home in Valley City is assisting her family with arrangements.  An online guestbook and tribute page can be found at www.leurdmathias.com  Following Anita’s wishes, a private service will be held.