Vincent Anthony Vesel III

1951 - 2026

Vincent Anthony "Vince" Vesel III, 74, of Soudan, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. Vince chose to donate his body to science, providing it to the University of Minnesota Medical School Anatomy Bequest Program. A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the summer.

Vincent was born in Winton on Dec. 29, 1951, to Gertrude Zollar Vesel and Vincent Vesel Jr., and grew up in Ely. Vince married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Stefanich of Tower, on Jan. 8, 1972; they made their home in Soudan and raised four children.

Vince worked primarily as a millwright for U.S. Steel and United Taconite, as well as a variety of other jobs. Vince had a strong work ethic; he was a skilled builder and dirt worker; he loved to caretake for his friends on Indian Point Road; and he loved his role as "sheriff of the road." Vince's happy place was The Cabin; he most enjoyed when friends, family, and neighbors stopped by for a drink and a visit. He always said, "If you ever leave hungry or thirsty, it's your own damn fault." He always wanted his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to come out to enjoy the lake, the beach, and the land. Vince was an avid hunter; his favorites were grouse, deer and rabbit, among others. He also loved other outdoor sports, including trapping and fishing.

Vince was deeply committed to his family and was always most excited about the youngest members; he loved to hold a baby and treat his grandkids with candy, ice cream, and donuts. Vince was a big guy; his voice, stature, and demeanor made him seem intimidating, but to those who knew him, his heart was bigger.

Vince is survived by his patient and loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy Stefanich Vesel; children, Rebecca (Steve) Kivela, Amy Vesel (Willy Milton), Vincent Vesel IV (Robin) and Amber (Brian) Zak; grandchildren, Austin (Caley) Hujanen, Alyssa (Dustin) Olson, Ryan (Natalie) Milton, Ruby Milton, Allie Vesel, Vincent Vesel V, Amelie Zak, and Owen Zak; great-grandchildren, Maisy Hujanen, Asher Hujanen, and Adelynn Olson; sisters, Shelly (Myron) Muth, Cindy (Jim) Kerntz, and Julie (Rick) Blais; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, and cousins. He will be deeply missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and in-laws, Ann "Inky" and Joe Stefanich, Joseph Stefanich, Raymond and Rosemary Stefanich, and Nicholas Stefanich.