John J. Cihak

John Cihak, age 88, of Barnesville, Minnesota died Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. John J. Cihak was born February 13, 1923 in Jackson, Minnesota the son of Theodore and Christine (Kollar) Cihak. As an infant he moved with his family to a farm near Barnesville where he was raised. He attended school at Barnesville graduating in 1943. John then entered the United States Army serving during World War II. In 1945 upon the sudden death of his brother, Albin, John was discharged from the service and came home to care for the family farm. On October 13, 1962 he was united in marriage to Rosalea Gabel at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville. He continued to farm until the mid 1970s and then assisted his brother and other area farmers for several years. John lived on the farm until 2007 when he moved to the Minnesota Veterans Home in Fergus Falls. He was a member of Assumption Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and American Legion Post #153. John had a special talent for being able to fix just about anything, he was very proud when he restored his 1952 John Deere R Tractor. He also had a love for animals, especially his dogs. He is survived by his children: Christy (Peter) Conrad of Edina, Minnesota, Ted (Lynn) Cihak of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and Michael (Jennifer) Cihak of Morris, Minnesota; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Abby and Alex Conrad, Ryan, Isaac, Anna and Nate Cihak, Addison and Landon Cihak; sister, Juliette Haugrud of Barnesville, Minnesota; brother, Adrian (Elaine) Cihak of Fargo, North Dakota; sister-in-laws, Nita Cihak and Diane Cihak both of Barnesville, Minnesota and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Albin, Bernard and Lawrence and sisters, Jeanette Cihak, Marilyn Gillespie, Gladys Sakry Boltz and Geraldine ODonnell. Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Friday, January 27, 2011 at Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville. Visitation: Will be on Thursday at the Dobmeier Funeral Home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service and will resume one hour prior to services in the church. Interment: St. Marys Catholic Cemetery, Barnesville Minnesota Military Honors: will be accorded by the V.F.W. Post #4628 and American Legion Post #153 The Dobmeier Funeral Home of Barnesville is assisting the family with arrangements.