Francis Joseph Pokornowski

Francis Joseph Pokornowski, age 93, passed away on Thursday, July 7, 2022, at his home on the family farm in Cokato surrounded by family.

Francis was born on March 14, 1929 in Silver Lake to Stephen and Clara (Mallak) Pokornowski.

Francis was united in marriage to Lorraine (Wraspir) in December 1951 while serving in the army and stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington.   After he was discharged they settled on family farms. They were blessed with eight children.  Sadly, in 1994 Lorraine passed away.

In 1995, Francis married Bernadette (Shimanski) Wavinak. They shared 26 years enjoying life.

Francis was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  He loved polka dancing, being outside in the fresh air as a dairy/crop farmer and trucker. A big part of his life was the many years he drove school bus making so many friends in our local communities.  He was an active participant of the Silver Lake American Legion, Knights of Columbus and he was comforted by his faith.

He is survived by: his wife Bernadette; children: Larry (Margaret) Pokornowski, Susanne (Jerry) Ulrich, Marianne (Dennis) Bobrowske,  JoAnn (Tom) Gayner, Alan (Polly Aitken) Pokornowski,  LuAnn (Royal) Ross, son-in-law Ken Emme, step-children; Linda (John) Coyle, Wanda (Craig) Solarz, Brenda (Robert Horvath) Montgomery, Doug Wavinak; 30 grandchildren; 40 great grandchildren; brother LeRoy (Judy) Pokornowski, sister-in-law LaVerna Hemerick, brother-in-law LuWayne Wraspir.

Preceding Francis in death were his wife, Lorraine; daughter, Colleen Emme; a twin son; 2 grandchildren; his parents; sisters, Delores Shimanski, Rita Beehler, brother; Sylvester Pokornowski, and many other beloved family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 14th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 720 W. Main Street, Silver Lake.

Interment with military rites at Saint Adalbert's Catholic Cemetery in Silver Lake.A gathering of family and friends will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13th at The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake.  With prayer service at 7:30 p.m. followed by a Rosary.

We would like to thank all our relatives and friends of our dear departed Francis for your thoughts and prayers.  We acknowledge with sincere thanks the kind expression of your sympathies.  No thank you cards will be sent.

With love, The family of Francis Joseph Pokornowski.

The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake is serving the family.   Online condolences may be made to www.mareshfuneralhome.com