Frank Orzolek

Frank L. Orzolek, age 86, of Litchfield, formerly Darwin died on Saturday, October 17, 2009 at the Emmanuel Home in Litchfield. A Mass of Christian Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at the St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin with Father John Pearson celebrating. Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at the Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church. Military honors will be provided by the Litchfield Military Honor Guard. Frank Leon Orzolek, the son of Leon and Eleanor (Lemanski) Orzolek, was born on August 12, 1923, in New Haven, CT. He grew up and received his education at Hamden High School before his education was interrupted by WWII. He went to work at the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. He then went to welding school in Michigan. He enlisted in the US Navy and as a welder was valued for his ability to make vital repairs. He was transferred to CA and was part of the first crew on the USS Hector, a navy repair ship. He spent the next six years with the Hector. While on leave he attended a wedding in Meeker county and enjoyed the area so much he moved here after the war. Frank worked for Minnesota Breeders. Frank was reactivated during the Korean War and served his country once again. After he return back home he met and fell in love with Delores Miller. They were married on July 30, 1960 in New Haven, CT. They made their home in Connecticut until 1968, when they returned to the area and lived in Darwin. Frank worked at Anderson Crane as a welder from 1969 until he retired in 1985 and enjoyed being a ring man at Benoit Auctions. Frank moved to Bethany Home in Litchfield in 2008. Frank was a life member of the VFW and was an active volunteer in many of their events. He was also a member of the Navy Club, USS Meeker County, the American Legion and was a friend of Bill W. for over 40 years. As a member of St. John’s, Frank enjoyed greeting people and was an usher for 37 years. Frank enjoyed welding, traveling and deep sea fishing. He was very proud of his service in the military and was a true Navy Man. Frank is survived by his wife Delores of Litchfield, son Frank (and Terri) Orzolek of Darwin, grandsons, Mark and Steven. He is also survived by his son-in–law Walter Sedlacek of Castle Rock, CO and his sister Mary Debcowski of Hamden, CT. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Elaine Sedlacek, brother Stanley and sister Helen.