Arnold J. Smisek, 93

Arnold J. Smisek, age 93, of New Prague, died peacefully with his family at his side at his home on Friday, October 7, 2022.  Arnold was born on September 25, 1929 in Forest Township, Rice County, MN to Edward J. and Julia (Trnka) Smisek.  He graduated from New Prague High School, attended Dunwoody Institute, and then entered the US Navy, where he served as an electrician aboard the USS Currier in the Korean War.  He married Mary M. Maus, the woman who would become his treasured best friend for the rest of his life on June 9, 1956 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Belle Plaine.  He worked as a maintenance electrician for Thermo King for 30 years.  Arnold was a man of many talents and interests.  The name, Smisek, in Czech means laughter, and that best described Arnold.  He had a joyful spirit that infected everything he did.  He was a woodworker by hobby and built three of the houses that the couple would call home. He even helped a grandson with a scouting derby race car that took “Best in Show”.   He loved watching Minnesota sports teams, specifically the Twins, Vikings, and Gophers.   A friendly game of cards, especially Euchre, and crossword puzzles filled leisure hours.

 His outgoing nature saw him in service to others as well.  He was involved in St. Patrick Catholic Church as a lector.  He was a former Grand Knight for the Montgomery 3^rd degree K of C and a Faithful Navigator for the New Prague 4^th degree K of C.  He was a member of the Friendship Force of Minnesota and the New Prague Historical Society.  He and Mary embraced with pride their Czech heritage by dancing many years with the New Prague Czech dancers and the Domaci Folk Dancers.  The couple enjoyed winters in Texas for 20 years and were world travelers.  Arnold had a way of making everyone feel welcome and at home and the ready smile that lit up his face and radiated from his eyes will be missed by so many.

 Arnold is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary; children, Darlene (Rodney) Seurer of New Prague, Edward Knutson-Smisek of Burnsville, Susan Smisek of Lakeville; grandchildren, Alexander (Chelsea) Knutson, Jason Knutson-Smisek, Katherine (Mike) Reiter, Jack Stahler, Amber Leppanen, Lucas Leppanen; great-granddaughter, Margo Reiter.  He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law, Wanda Knutson-Smisek; brothers, Edward, Robert, & Lawrence; sisters, Julia Pexa, Martha Krocak, & Darlean in infancy.

 Private family services will be held with private burial at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. bruzekfuneralhome.com