John Michael Jirak, 68

John Michael Jirak, age 68, of New Prague, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital, surrounded by his family.  John was born December 18, 1953 in New Prague, to Eugene and Marcella (Kocina) Jirak.  He grew up in rural New Prague and attended New Prague Schools.  He married Cindy Beer on August 30, 1983 and was later divorced.  John spent many years as a dairy farmer on the family farm.  John worked for Terry Fredrickson Landscaping for some years and became a Master Gardner.  He later worked as a truck driver for Vlasak Trucking and delivered trucks across the U.S. for McNeilus of Dodge Center.  John devoted his life to God, he enjoyed spending time with family and devoted many hours of praying for others and sharing his faith.

 John is survived by his children, Angela (Isaias) Mendez of St. Louis Park and Christopher Jirak of New Prague; grandchildren, Everly and Makai Mendez; sister, Donna Vlasak; brother-in-law, Dennis Mielke.   He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Marcella Jirak and sister, Mary Mielke.

 A Celebration of Life will be held at Bruzek Funeral Home on Saturday, January 7, 2023 from 9-11 AM with a brief service to close the visitation at 11:00.  bruzekfuneralhome.com