John Jirik, 86
John Jirik, age 86 of Northfield, passed away with his wife and family by his side on Tuesday morning, January 16, 2018, at the Northfield Hospital.
John Phillip Jirik was born May 1, 1931, on the family farm in Webster Township, Rice County, Minnesota, to Joseph J. and Anna M (Marek) Jirik. He was raised on the family farm, baptized and confirmed at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lonsdale and graduate from New Prague High School in 1950. He joined the US Air Force in March 1955 and served active duty until May 1957, remaining in the Air Force Reserve until receiving his Honorable Discharge in March 1963. On October 18, 1958, John married Eleanore Malecha at Immaculate Conception Church. After marriage they farmed and raised their family on the Jirik family farm. Over the years, along with farming, John worked as a carpenter. In 1988, they retired and moved to Northfield. In retirement John worked 12 years for Cannon Valley Printing, at More 4, and did lawn care and custodial work. He was a “maintenance man” and was always willing to help others. They have resided at the Villages of Lonsdale since July 2017.
John was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Church. He was a longtime member of Immaculate Conception in Londale where he had served on the school board and parish council. He enjoyed woodworking, dancing, puzzles, playing cards, and having coffee at McDonald’s and the Quarterback Club where he shared many friendships. He was generous, caring, thoughtful, loving and hardworking. His sense of humor and fun loving nature will be missed.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Eleanore; 4 children, Cindy (Gerard) Bastyr of Webster, Connie (Kevin) Pumper of Lonsdale, Carol (Kevin) Mueller of Prior Lake, Tony Jirik of Chaska; 8 grandchildren, Megan (Mitch) Novak, Tyler (Briana) Bastyr, Sara (Phil) Marklevits, Stephanie Pumper (Russ Kes), Stacie (Chris) Ryks, Daniel Mueller, Gabrielle Jirik and Katrina Jirik; 3 great-grandsons, Tate, Bryce and Emmett; 2 sisters, Sister Paulissa Jirik and Sister Rita Jirik, School Sisters of Notre Dame; his sisters-in-law, Inez Jirik of Lonsdale, Jean Jirik of Webster, and Georgine Malecha of Northfield; his brother-in-law, George Shambour of Webster; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents; his brothers, George, Joseph, Frank and Ray, and his sisters, Sister Emeria Jirik, Rose Skluzacek and Helen Smisek.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00AM, Saturday, January 20, 2018, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Interment with Military Honors will be in Calvary Cemetery, Lonsdale. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren Megan Novak, Tyler Bastyr, Sara Marklevits, Stephanie Pumper, Stacie Ryks, Daniel Mueller, Gabrielle Jirik and Katrina Jirik. Visitation will be 5-8PM Friday, January 19, 2018, at the Church of St. Dominic and will continue on Saturday one hour prior to the funeral.
Arrangements are with the Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com
