Agnes Licari, 89, of Biwabik, was born Oct. 23, 1918 in McKinley, Minn., and lived there for her early life, graduating from Gilbert High School in 1936. As a young girl she enjoyed working in Aurora for her aunt and uncle repairing shoes for CCC workers. She then worked and lived at the Biwabik Hospital after high school as the hospital cook. She married Sam Licari of Biwabik on June 19, 1942. She and Sam eloped for their wedding at Holy Rosary Catholic church in Aurora. She continued her fond interest in cooking by managing the Licari family restaurant for several years in Biwabik. For many years, she helped her husband operate their business, Licari's Bar, Inc.She was happiest when caring for family and friends, and entertaining for them in her home-the center for many family gatherings. She was known for her great food: Italian sauce and sausage, spitini, apple strudel, potica, pasta milanese, braciolone farsumagru, pasties, meat ball soup, special home baked rolls, Christmas cookies of every kind, and more. Besides cooking, she had many talents and interests. She enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening, listening to music and playing the piano. Years ago with her friends, she enjoyed planning for and participating in the Biwabik Fourth of July Calithumian Parade-often winning first place. She enjoyed the continuation of the Fourth of July tradition by watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in the Biwabik Patriotic Parade. Agnes was a very active member of St John's Catholic Church in Biwabik, where she participated in the Council of Catholic Women. She led the annual smorgasbord for many years. She also belonged to the Biwabik Garden Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Slovenian Ladies Society, her sewing and card clubs, and was a March of Dimes coordinator for many years. Agnes spent the last two years living at St Ann's Residence in Duluth. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam; her parents, Frank and Agnes Siskar; her brothers, John, Frank, Joe and Jerry Siskar; and her son, Thomas Licari. She is survived by her daughter, Mary; her three sons, Jim, Jerry and Steve; daughters-in law, Jeanne, Teri and Bonni; friend, Stephanie; seven grandchildren, Michael, Joan, Gina, Mark, Brian, Matt and Nick; and five great-grandchildren, Daniel, Aidan, Ciara, Shauna, and Cole. FUNERAL MASS:2pm Wednesday in St. John's Catholic Church in Biwabik with Fr. Thomas Radaich as celebrant. Visitation one hour prior to Mass in the church. Burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Biwabik. Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.
This obituary was originally published in the Duluth News Tribune.
