Thief River Falls - Frank Pesek, 87, died Monday, March 15, 1999 at Oakland Park Nursing Home in Thief River Falls.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 20, 1999 at Faith Lutheran Church, rural Badger, with Reverend Dan Knock officiating. Gladys Paulson was the organist, and Sharla Kilen and Bruce Russell played "Amazing Grace" on the clarinet and flute. Casketbearers were Frank's grandsons and great-grandson, Gene Didrikson, Gerald Didrikson, Jeffrey Olson, Michael Pesek, Aaron Pesek and Brandon Wright. Burial was in Gust National Cemetery in Poplar Grove township of Roseau county. The Green Funeral Home of Thief River Falls was in charge of the arrangements.
Frank Pesek was born on August 30, 1911 in Poplar Grove township of Roseau county, the son of William and Antoinette (Hladky) Pesek. He was baptized on November 22, 1911 at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Thief River Falls and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Frank attended school at Grass Lake and grew up on the farm in Poplar Grove township that was homesteaded by his father in 1906.
On September 12, 1934 Frank was united in marriage to Lillian Hynek at Roseau. The couple lived on the family farm until moving to Roseau in 1971. Frank was employed by Polaris Industries for six years and also worked at the sugar beet plant in Drayton, ND. The couple moved to Thief River Falls in 1977. Frank had resided at Oakland Park Nursing Home since February of 1992.
He served on the Grass Lake school board and Poplar Grove township board for a number of years. He was a member of the Western Fraternal Lodge for 70 years and held a number of positions in that organization, including lodge hall manager. Frank was also a member of the Eagle's Aerie in Thief River Falls.
He enjoyed deer hunting and fishing and especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Frank is survived by his wife, Lillian of Thief River Falls; three daughters, Maxine (Clifford) Olson of Thief River Falls, Dorothy (George) Didrikson of Badger, and Gladys Thompson of Thief River Falls; one son, Wesley (Marvel) Pesek of Strathcona; 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren; one step great-great-grandchild; one brother, John (Mary) Pesek of Boone, IA; one sister, Annie Biskup of Thief River Falls; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two granddaughters; one great-granddaughter; two brothers, Joseph and William; two sisters,, Mary Lopour and Emma Kopecky; and three brothers-in-law.
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