Thief River Falls – Clarence Guzek, 81 of Thief River Falls, formerly of Terrebonne, died on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2016 at Villa St. Vincent, Crookston, with his loving family at his side.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls, with Father Rick Lambert presiding. Interment will follow at St. Bernard’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service on Friday, Sept. 23 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Visitation will also be from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church.
Clarence Francis Guzek was born Jan. 19, 1935 near Dorothy, the son of Albin and Cecelia (Cota) Guzek. He was baptized into the Catholic faith at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church, Dorothy. Clarence attended country school in a one room school house and graduated from Lafayette High School, Red Lake Falls in 1953.
Clarence was united in marriage to Lorraine Marie Koralewski on August 10, 1957 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Thief River Falls. They made their home in St. Hilaire, until June 25, 1958, when Clarence entered the United States Army, serving at Fort Lewis, Wash., where their daughter Sheryl was born. Clarence was later stationed in Alaska as a medical specialist.
Following his Honorable Discharge on June 24, 1960, the family made their home in St. Hilaire, and then rural Brooks. In 1969 to 1995, the family lived in Terrebonne, where Clarence and his family served as caretakers for St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for 26 years. In 1995, they moved to Thief River Falls.
Clarence was employed at American Crystal at Crookston, for 44 years. After retirement he was a courier at Northern State Bank. He also worked part-time at Red Lake Falls Silo Company and Brooks Cheese Factory.
Clarence was hard working and loyal to family and friends. He was also a cancer survivor and always made sure to keep his faith in God close to his heart. He experienced Life in the Spirit Seminar, Marriage Encounter, Cursillo and Agassiz Valley TEC No. 17.
Clarence also brought his jokester persona with him and could find humor in almost any situation. Clarence enjoyed watching the Minnesota Vikings, was a Minnesota Twins fan, playing cards, puzzle books and the Guzek Fantasy Football League. Clarence mostly loved to spend time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Clarence is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lorraine; children, Sister Sheryl Guzek of Hudson, WI, Greg (Barb) Guzek of Thief River Falls, Becky (Bill) Routier of Thief River Falls, Scott (Janelle) Guzek of Farmington, Jason (Shelly) Guzek of Newfolden; grandchildren, Brittany (Bryce) Campbell, Lindsey Guzek, Sarah (Derek) Casavan, Amanda Routier, Alyssa Guzek, Breanna Guzek, Kaitlyn Guzek; step-grandson, Travis (Kelly) Moen; step-granddaughter, Taran Moen; great-grandson, Luke Dahlquist; great-granddadughter, Jocelyn Casavan; step-great granddaughters, Brynn Moen and Hadley Moen; siblings, Rosemary Stuckey, Joe (Joyann) Guzek, Louie (Nancy) Guzek and Jeanette Guzek; sisters-in-law, Rosalie (Sheldon) Pigeon and Carolyn Koralewski; brothers-in-law, Val (Donna) Koralewski, Gordon (Joanne) Koralewski and Donald Seifert; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Alton (Phyllis) Guzek; infant daughter; grandson, Nathan Guzek; step-grandson, Taylor Moen; brother-in-law, Adolph Koralewski; sisters-in-law, Veronica Seifert and Adeline Koralewski; nephews, Anthony Koralewski & Johnny Koralewski; and many uncles and aunts.
Condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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