Francis "Frank" Skluzacek

Francis Joseph Skluzacek was born June 15, 1932, on the family farm in Erin Township, Rice County, Minnesota, to Joseph and Rose (Ceplecha) Skluzacek. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sheildsville, and attended country school and Faribault High School. After his education he worked on the farm until being drafted into the US Army in November 1952. He served in Greenland and New Foundland prior to his honorable discharge in October 1954. After returning to the area he worked as an auto mechanic until going to work at Sheldahl in 1956. He married Rosella Novotny on September 8, 1956, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Montgomery. After marriage they lived in Northfield and Frank remained working in various capacities 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 had a good sense of humor, loved to spend time with his grandchildren, and was a wonderful husband and father.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Rosie; 2 daughters and their husbands: Mercedes and Robert Maier of Northfield, Merceday and Bruce Kaardal of Redwood Falls; 5 grandchildren: Erin (Chris) Kober, Kirsten Prussner (Jeremy Rodriguez), Alison (Brian) Emery, Mark Kaardal, Joel Kaardal; one great-granddaughter, Callie Marie Rodriguez; one sister, Georgia Novotny of West Palm Beach, Florida; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Frank passed away peacefully with his wife, daughters, and sister by his side, on Monday evening, June 22, 2009, at his home in Northfield, following a lengthy illness.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 27, 2009, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield with Fr. Dennis Dempsey officiating. Music will be provided by Marlys Mouser. Interment with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, Northfield. Casket bearers will be Erin Kober, Kirsten Prussner, Alison Emery, Mark Kaardal and Joel Kaardal. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Friday, June 26, 2009, at the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral.

Memorials are preferred to Northfield Hospice.

Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home.