Francis “Chico” Krenik, 87

Francis “Chico” Krenik, age 87 of Northfield, passed away peacefully on Monday morning, March 31, 2025, at Three Links Care Center.
 

Francis Albert “Chico” Krenik was born to Frank J. And Emma C. (Sticha) Krenik in Wheatland Township, Rice County, on December 4, 1937.  He attended Immaculate Conception School in Lonsdale, graduating in 1951, then graduated from Northfield High School in 1955.  He had two years of post-secondary education. 

Chico was in the automotive repair business all his life, working as an auto mechanic or in the management field.  He served in the U.S. Army, Minnesota Army National Guard, and U.S. Army Reserve, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant after 23 years of service. Chico was a member of the Catholic Workman Branch 56, in Lonsdale. He was a long-time member of the Northfield Knights of Columbus Council 1516, and also a long-time member of the Faribault Eagles Aerie 1460.   He was a Cubmaster for the Greenvale Park School Cub Scouts for 2 years, and a township supervisor for Waterford Township for 11 years.
 

Chico was very proud of his Czech heritage and liked the old Czech songs.  He enjoyed playing the accordion, gardening, and running a hobby farm.  He married Elizabeth Fink in Northfield on January 23, 1960; they were later divorced.  He married Clarice Helgerson of Randolph on September 29, 1979.  
 

Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Clarice; his children, David (Dena) Krenik, Douglas (Chris) Krenik, all of Colorado; his stepchildren, Cheryl Bruck and Bradley (Bonnie) Garnes, all of Eagan; his grandchildren, Sydney, Lauren and CoraRose Krenik; step- grandchildren, DaNae (Jeremy) Ticey, Brady (Annika), Calvin, Abby and Chloe Garnes; his great-grandson Malik Ticey; his sisters, Darlene Rezac of Lonsdale and Irene (George) Valek of Prior Lake; his sisters-in-law Carole Helgerson of Lake City and Patti Kondziolka of Fridley; his brothers-in-law Lyle Helgerson of Stone Mountain, GA, Robert (Frieda) Helgerson of Randolph; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Adeline and Jack Mracek, his son-in-law Jim Bruck, his brothers-in-law Roger Helgerson, Don Rezac and Chet Kondziolka, and his sisters-in-law, Onalee (Helgerson) and her husband Roger Zimmerman and Kay Helgerson.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at the Church of St. Dominic, Northfield.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service.  Military Honors and a reception will follow the service. Interment will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Church of St. Dominic or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Randolph.
 

Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home. www.northfieldfuneral.com