Herald Journal Publishing

Publisher of Herald Journal, Dassel-Cokato Enterprise Dispatch, Delano Herald Journal, McLeod County Chronicle, Arlington Enterprise, & West Carver News

Frank L. Orzolek Obituary, 10/17/09


Frank Leon Orzolek, age 86, of Litchfield, formerly of Darwin, died Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at the Emmanuel Home in Litchfield.

He was born Aug. 12, 1923, in New Haven, CT, the son of Leon and Eleanor (Lemanski) Orzolek.

Frank grew up and received his education at Hamden High School before his education was interrupted by WWII.

He went to work at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. He then went to welding school in Michigan.

Frank enlisted in the US Navy and as a welder, was valued for his ability to make vital repairs. He was transferred to California and was part of the first crew on the USS Hector, a navy repair ship. He spent the next six years with the Hector.

Frank was very proud of his service in the military and was a true Navy man.

While on leave, he attended a wedding in Meeker County, MN and enjoyed the area so much he moved here after the war, and worked for Minnesota Breeders.

He was reactivated during the Korean War and served his country once again. After he returned back home, he met and fell in love with Delores Miller. They were married July 30, 1960, in New Haven, CT.

Frank and Delores made their home in Connecticut until 1968, when they returned to Minnesota and lived in Darwin.

Frank worked at Anderson Crane as a welder from 1969 until he retired in 1985, and enjoyed being a ring man at Benoit Auctions.

He moved to Bethany Home in Litchfield in 2008.

A life member of the VFW, Frank was an active volunteer in many of its events. He was also a member of the Navy Club, USS Meeker County, the American Legion, and was a friend of Bill W.

As a member of St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin, Frank enjoyed greeting people and served as an usher for 37 years.

He enjoyed welding, traveling, and deep sea fishing.

Frank is survived by his wife, Delores of Litchfield; son Frank (and Terri) Orzolek of Darwin, grandsons Mark and Steven; a son-in-law, Walter Sedlacek of Castle Rock, CO; and a sister, Mary Debrowski of Hamden, CT.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Elaine Sedlacek; a brother, Stanley; and a sister, Helen.

A Mass of Christian Funeral took place Thursday, Oct. 22 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin with Father John Pearson celebrating.

Military honors were provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard.

Visitation was Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, and continued Thursday for one hour prior to the services at the church.

Arrangements were by the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield; online guestbook at www.johnsonhagglund.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.