Francis Skluzacek, 77
Francis Joseph Frank Skluzacek, 77, of Northfield, died at his home on Monday, June 22, 2009.
Frank was born June 15, 1932, on the family farm in Erin Township, Rice County, a son of Joseph and Rose (Ceplecha) Skluzacek. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Shieldsville and attended country school and Faribault High School. After his education he worked on the farm until being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1952. He served in Greenland and Newfoundland prior to his honorable discharge in 1954. After returning to the area he worked as an auto mechanic, and in 1956 became employed at Sheldahl. He married Rosella Novotny on September 8, 1956, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. After marriage, the couple lived in Northfield, and Frank remained working at Sheldahl until retiring in 1998. After retirement he spent several years working with Palmer Fossum on his Ford tractors. Frank was a member of the Church of St. Dominic, Knights of Columbus and the Rice County Steam and Gas Engine Club. He actively volunteered his time at St. Dominic and at the Used-A-Bit Shoppe. He enjoyed playing guitar, woodcarving, woodworking, working in his metal shop and just staying busy. Frank loved to spend time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years; daughters Mercedes (Robert) Maier, Northfield and Merceday (Bruce) Kaardal, Redwood Falls; five grandchildren Erin (Chris) Kober, Kirsten Prussner (Jeremy Rodriguez), Alison (Brian) Emery, Mark Kaardal and Joel Kaardal; one great-granddaughter Callie Marie Rodriguez; a sister Georgia Novotny, West Palm Beach, FL; and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 27, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield, with Rev. Dennis Dempsey officiating.
Interment with military honors was at Calvary Cemetery, Northfield. Casket bearers were Erin Kober, Kirsten Prussner, Alison Emery, Mark Kaardal and Joel Kaardal.
Visitation was held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.
