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| Earl L. Sirek, 76 |
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| Written by TRF Times |
 Red Lake Falls - Earl Louis Sirek, 76, of Red Lake Falls, died at his rural farm home Monday, Aug. 8, 2011, after courageously battling cancer for several weeks. Earl’s wife, Mabel, and his family, were at his side. Mass of Christian Burial, celebrating the life of Earl Louis Sirek, was held Monday, Aug. 15 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Euclid, with The Rev. Emmanuel Sylvester, presiding. Military Honors were conducted by the Euclid American Legion Post. Burial will be held at St. Dorothy’s Cemetery, Dorothy, at a later date. Earl was born in his grandmother’s home in Thief River Falls, on April 2, 1935, and was one of six children born to the union of Louis and Anna (Kobetsky) Sirek. He grew up on the family farm in Wylie Township of Red Lake County, near Dorothy and was baptized and confirmed at St. Dorothy’s Catholic Church. After attending country school, Earl began working on area farms. He later enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Korea during the Korean War. While home on leave from the service he was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Mabel Zak, at St. Dorothy’s Church on July 31, 1954. Following his honorable discharge from the Army, Earl and Mabel moved to Milwaukee, Wis., where he was employed by Lakeside Bridge and Steel. After two years, they returned home to live on the farm he grew up on, and together raised five children: Shawn, Kimberly, Debra, Alex, and Eric. In addition to growing small grains and running a dairy operation, Earl was also employed by the American Crystal Sugar Company in Crookston. In 1999, he retired from Crystal and also from farming, and he and Mabel settled into a more relaxing way of life. For the past eleven years they had been wintering in Leesburg, Fla., and spending time with their son, Alex, who lives in nearby Eustis. Earl was a devoted member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Euclid, and also held memberships in the Elks and Moose Lodges in Leesburg. Earl loved socializing and was the self appointed “social director” of all family gatherings and quite a few with friends as well. He enjoyed playing cards and gardening. Favorite pastimes for Earl and Mabel included going dancing and traveling. But no matter where they had been, or however long they were gone, coming back to the farm was always one of Earl’s greatest pleasures. To be surrounded by his family made it that much better. The Sunday before he passed, July 31st, marked Mabel and Earl’s fifty-seventh anniversary, and was celebrated joyously by the entire family, led by their “social director.” Mabel, and the kids and their families, will forever miss Earl’s love and companionship; his kindness and smile. May God bless the memory of Earl Louis Sirek. Earl is survived by his beloved wife, Mabel; five children and their spouses: Shawn and Maurice Brault of Crookston, Kimberly Sirek-Gutbrod and Curt Gutbrod of Andover, Debra and Richard Salentiny of Plummer, Alex and Melissa Sirek of Eustis, Fla., and Eric and DeeAnn Sirek of Euclid; six grandchildren: Lisa (Andy) Larson, Chad Brault (fiance’ Charity Helgeson), Justin Brault, Eric Gutbrod, Patrick Salentiny (fiance’ Tami Cullen) and Sandy (Brandon) Nielsen; and eight great-grandchildren: Ashton, Chase, Zander, Annie, Brooklyn, Connor, Haylee and Kevin. Earl also leaves a brother, Jerome (JoAnn) Sirek of Annandale; a sister, Carol Lee of Minneapolis; a sister-in-law, Alice Sirek of Fargo, N.D.; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Anna; two brothers, Edward Sirek and Robert (Dorothy) Sirek; and a sister, Helen (Gregor) Weiland. A00003B2011AG17  |
