Henry Banal

Dr. Henry Banal, age 84 of Sauk Centre, died Monday, June 9, 2008 at St. Michael's Hospital in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 21 at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with Rev. James Statz officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard with interment following in Calvary Cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre. Sauk Centre Seniors will pray at 4 p.m. followed by Sauk Centre United Veterans at 7 p.m., Knights of Columbus at 7:30 p.m., and parish prayers at 8 p.m. Friday evening at the funeral home.

Henry Banal was born May 4, 1924 in Buhl, Minnesota to Enrico and Erminia (Frasnelli) Banal. He graduated from Buhl High School in 1942 and attended Hibbing Junior College. He then served in the U.S. Navy, in the Pacific Theatre, during World War II. Henry graduated from the University of Minnesota Veterinary College in 1952. On May 3, 1958 he married his wife, Helen, in Windom, Minnesota. Henry practiced veterinary medicine for 35 years and together with Dr. Charles Brown established the Sauk Centre Veterinary Clinic.Henry was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church and had served as a member of the choir, an usher, a Eucharistic Minister, on the parish council, and taught religious education. He had also served his community as a member of the Sauk Centre City Council, as Mayor of Sauk Centre, as the first chairperson of the Sauk Centre Area Combined Fund, and was appointed to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. As a member of the Sauk Centre Seniors he was a strong advocate for senior citizens. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Senior Center and in bringing the City Bus to Sauk Centre. He was also a member of the Bishop Busch Council 4863 Knights of Columbus, Queen of Peace General Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Paul F. Donart VFW Post 2853, American Legion Post 67, Minnesota Veterinary Association, and American Veterinary Medicine Association.An avid musician, Henry played numerous instruments, but his passion was the clarinet. He was a member of the St. Cloud Municipal Band, the Long Prairie Chamber Orchestra, and Sentimental Journey. He enjoyed playing with friends at many venues including nursing homes, festivals, and senior centers. He was also an enthusiastic music teacher. Henry enjoyed collecting antiques and restoring antique furniture.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Helen Banal of Sauk Centre; four children, Mary Ellen (Michael) Sauser of Pine City, Thomas (Karen) Banal of Sauk Centre, Susan (Andrew Tanick) Banal of Minnetonka, and Mark Banal of Hopkins; four grandchildren, Matthew, Danielle, and Christopher Banal of Sauk Centre, and Talia Tanick of Minnetonka; two sisters, Mary Seppi of Buhl and Sylvia Perell of Hibbing; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dominic Banal on September 7, 1986; his parents; two infant brothers; and brother, Oreste Banal.

Serving as casket bearers will be Michael Sauser, Andrew Tanick, Richard Seppi, Dr. John Perell, Dr. David Perell, Ted Banal, Roger Banal, and Dr. John Melancon. Honorary casket bearers will be Melvin Ehlert, Victor Schwinghamer, Arvid Knudtson, Dr. Clarence Tervola, Allan Halls, Virgil Anderson, Mike Murphy, Bill Riggs, Peter Sartori, Al Mayers, and Dr. Jake Whitten. Cross bearer will be Matthew Banal and scripture bearer will be LoRetta Seppi.

Memorials are preferred to Holy Family School Endowment Fund, 231 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378.