Wendolek, Theophil Joseph Jr.
age 86, of Cokato passed away on December 6, 2015 at the Cokato Manor. He was born February 11, 1929 at his home farm in Silver Lake, Minnesota to Theophil and Sophie (Pilarski) Wendolek. Theophil farmed for several years prior to working at Johnson produce and later at Ralston Purina for 39 years. He was united in marriage to Mary Ann Cox on August 2, 1949. This union was blessed with the birth of five children.
Theophil enjoyed spending time with his family, going to the Casino and traveling to Branson with Mary Ann. He also liked auctions and collecting antiques. Theophil was a talented musician, playing the concertina and the drums with his son, Joe, nephew, Jim, and friends. He was very proud of his Polish heritage. Theophil was known as a “Diamond in the Rough” by his friends at Edgewood Gables.
He is survived by his children, Bonita (Roland) Hansen, Linda (Jim) Carlen, Joe (Lisa) Wendolek, Pamela (Randy) Nowak, and Lisa Weiss. Theophil is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and a sister, Helen Melquist.
Preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann, and 2 siblings, Donald and Albert.
A memorial service will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, December 11 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin, Minnesota. A time of gathering will be held 1 hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements by Swanson-Peterson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, www.swansonpeterson.com, 320-286-2534