John Thomas Wendolek Jr.

John Thomas Wendolek, Jr., age 94 of Silver Lake, MN passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at his residence.

He was born in Hale Township, Mcleod County on his family’s homestead on January, 2nd, 1926.  He was the son of John and Mary (Pokornowski) Wendolek Sr.  On October 18th, 1949, John Wendolek Jr. and Arlene M. Jilek were joined in Holy Marriage at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Silver Lake.  God blessed their marriage with five children.    

John engaged in farming for fifty-eight years.  He and Arlene moved into Silver Lake in 2005.  John daily rode his John Deere lawn tractor to get the mail and to check things out around the neighborhood.  He was a proud father, grandfather, and great grandfather. 

John loved music and followed his son’s band “The Polish Playboys” faithfully.  He also had a great sense of humor. 

He was a faithful member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake and belonged to the American Legion Post #141. 

Survived by his loving wife: Arlene M. Wendolek; children: Michael (Susan) Wendolek, Joyce (Todd) Rosenow, Jean (Neal) Oleson, and Julie (Fritz) Juno; eleven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; a daughter- in – law: Linda Wendolek; a sister – in – law: Yvonne Nowak; other relatives and friends. 

Preceded in death by a son: Robert “Bob” Wendolek, his parents, three brothers: Infant Joey, Leo and Harry Wendolek, sisters – in – law: Arlene Wendolek and Veronica Jilek and by brothers – in – law: Ronald Jilek and Louis Nowak Jr. 

A Mass of Christian Burial for John Wendolek Jr. will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 1:30 P.M. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Silver Lake.  Fr. John Hayes will be the Celebrant.  Interment with Military Rites at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Silver Lake. 

A visitation will be held at The Maresh Funeral Home in Silver Lake on Saturday, August 22nd beginning at 12:00 (NOON) till 1:00 P.M.

Organist: Alice Nowak.

Casketbearers will be John’s grandchildren Heidi Kolasinski, Jeff Chalupsky, Megan Oleson, Erin Ferris, Jill Kohlmann, Nate Oleson, Jake, Joe, Jesse, Chad and Josh Wendolek.

On-line condolences can be directed to www.themareshfuneralhome.com