Vince T. Pentico

Vince T. Pentico, age 81 of Vernon Center, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 10, 2026 at Mayo Health System-Mankato.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00am on Wednesday August 19th at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Vernon Center with visitation one hour prior to services. Burial will take place after the funeral service at St. Matthew’s Catholic Cemetery. Lunch and fellowship to follow at the church hall. Visitation will also be held from 4:00-7:00pm on Tuesday August 18th at the church with a 4:00pm prayer service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Vernon Center Fire and Rescue or St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. To leave a condolence for the family or view the service livestream, please visit www.mankatomortuary.com.

Vince Thomas was born January 15, 1945 in Madelia, MN to Carlyle P. and Evelyn M. (Randall) Pentico. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1963, and was united in marriage to Judy A. Caven on July 31, 1965 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Vernon Center. They made their home in Vernon Center, owning and operating Judy’s Superette Grocery Store, Pentico Ice, Vinnie’s Dog House, and Vinnie’s Shaved Ice.

Vince was a member of the following organizations: Vernon Center Fire and Rescue Squad, Vernon Center City Council and Mankato Rotary Club. Vince also enjoyed his Friday Morning Happy Chef Coffee Group and at one time being the Garden City Constable. Vince enjoyed camping, boating, fishing, mowing, garden tilling, snow blowing, and side-by-side rides. Most important were times spent with family and friends.

Left to remember Vince are his wife, Judy of Vernon Center; children: Son Mark Pentico of Vernon Center, Daughters Carolyn Jahnz of Lewisville, Kelley (Paul) Von Ohlen of Mankato, Kim (Mike) Bruegger of North Mankato; Grandchildren: Jessica Pentico of Vernon Center, Jill (Dillon) Hanson of Ellendale, Austin Jahnz (Laci) of Lewisville, Alexis (Lucas) Miles of Fairmont, Emma (Dalton) Monroe of Lake Crystal, Matthew Bruegger (Caitlyn) of North Mankato and Jacob Bruegger of North Mankato; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Hudson, Drake, Malachi, and Preston; Brother: Charles Pentico of Georgia; Brothers and Sisters In-Law: Jan Pentico of Mankato, Marie (Francis) Hall of Amboy, Nancy (Wayne) Kassube of Lewisville, Larry (Kathy) Caven of Amboy, Deb (Roger) Kuhlman of Elysian; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Carlyle and Evelyn Pentico; Mother and Father In-Law Leo and Marian Caven; Brother Gene Pentico, Sister Diane Pentico and Sister In-Law Mary Lou Pentico.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for the exceptional care that Vince received while hospitalized at MCHS-Mankato.