Carmen Jean (Thomale) Pettis

Carmen J. Pettis, age 76, of South Haven, formerly of Minneapolis, died Monday, November 23, 2020 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis after a hard-fought battle with COVID-19.

Public Graveside Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 4, 2020 at Grace Southside Cemetery near Annandale. The service will be livestreamed on the Dingmann Funeral Care website.

Carmen Jean Pettis was born August 13, 1944 in New Rockford, ND to Oscar and Lorette (Burton) Thomale. She lived her younger years in New Rockford, ND until the family moved to Minneapolis. She graduated from Minneapolis West High School with the Class of 1962. On July 3, 1963, Carmen was united in marriage to Darwin Pettis in Minneapolis. They lived in Minneapolis until 1978, when they moved to South Haven to raise their family. Carmen worked as a machine operator at Tension Envelope Company in Minneapolis for 38 years. She also worked over 30 years as a waitress at numerous restaurants including Rainbow Cafe in South Minneapolis, Bob's Bay Club, Home Style Cafe and Stella's Cafe, all near Annandale. Carmen liked trying out new recipes, working, helping others and visiting with friends and family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her infectious laugh and beautiful smile.

She is survived by her husband, Darwin; two children, Tammy (Matt) Benson of Monticello and Troy Pettis of South Haven; grandchildren, Myra and Vincent Benson; brother, Allan (Judy) Thomale of Carpentersville, IL; and sister-in-law, Dorothy Albers of Blaine. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Myron and Robert Thomale; and sister, Linda Judge.

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