Joseph F. “Joe” Ruzek, 90, formerly of Hayfield, Minn., died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010 at Fieldcrest Nursing Home in Hayfield.
Joe was born April 6, 1919 to Frank and Pauline (Herdina) Ruzek in Blooming Prairie, Minn. He moved to Kasson, Minn. in 1929 and graduated from Kasson High School in 1937. After one year of college, Joe served in the Army from 1941 to 1945. Joe served as postmaster in Hayfield for 34 years, from 1946 until his retirement in 1977. He married Phyllis R. Hovey on Feb. 15, 1947 in Hayfield. He was a member of the Hayfield American Legion and served as Post Commander. Joe was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.
Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis, Rochester, Minn.; three sons, David (Marilyn) Ruzek, Rochester, Minn., Larry (Mary) Ruzek, Brooklyn Center, Minn. and Jeffrey (Cozette) Ruzek, Hayfield, Minn.; one daughter, Cheryl Nelson, Rochester, Minn.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and three sisters.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester with the Rev. Norman Wahl officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield with military honors provided by the Hayfield American Legion Post #330.
Memorials are suggested to Bethel Lutheran Church.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.