Clarence J. Jirak, 97

Clarence J. Jirak, age 97, of New Prague, died peacefully at home with his family at his side on Saturday, September 3, 2022.  Clarence was born on December 13, 1924 at home in Lanesburgh Township, Le Sueur County to John F. and Mary (Korbel) Jirak.  He attended country school, graduated from Montgomery High School, and finished certification in refrigeration at Dunwoody Institute.  Clarence was one of the few remaining veterans of WWII, having served in the Philippines in the US Army.  He married his bride of almost 70 years, Mary Shaughnessy, on May 23, 1953 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in St. Thomas.  He worked his entire career as an operational engineer operating heavy equipment for Kratochvil Construction and Park Construction and then 25 years with Scott County.  Clarence was a woodworker by hobby and built much of the home that he and Mary lived in.  He loved to tinker in his wood shop and always had various projects going, including a rocking horse, wine racks, and other “stuff”.  He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed growing a garden and thoroughly enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He loved to travel, especially when he was behind the wheel doing the driving!  He was a member of the VFW, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus, and the 49ers.

 Clarence is survived by his wife, Mary of New Prague; children, Bob (Joanne) Jirak of Dayton, Betty Jirak (John Mytty) of Lonsdale, Diane (Bob) Kilian of Maplewood, Pat Jirak (Scott Orr) of Vadnais Heights, Connie Peterson (Brad Kline) of Apple Valley; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Keenan, Kimberly (Bob) Ganzel, Daniel (Laura) Jirak, Sam Peterson (fiancé, Neena DeMaio), Olivia Mytty, Elienor Mytty; great-grandchildren, Paige, George, Henry, & Elise.  He is preceded in death by grandson, Ian Robert Kilian; parents; brothers, Eugene, Harry, & Milo; sister, Harriet Schoenbauer.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating.  Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home on Wednesday evening from 4-7 PM and Thursday morning from 7:30 – 9:30.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the New Prague Area Veterans Honor Guard.  Lunch will follow at the Legion Clubroom.  bruzekfuneralhome.com