Ethan V. Plonka
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Age:
22 years old
Visitation
Date: Monday July 29, 2024
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Memorial Service
Date: Monday July 29, 2024
Time: 4:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Live Stream of Service
Ethan's service will be live-streamed here: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcyMjEyNzExNjMyMDgzOSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
The Family invites family and friends to share refreshments/appetizers in the River Park Reception Hall following the service.
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Age:
22 years old
Thursday, June 6, 2002
Date of Death:
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Age:
22 years old
Ethan V. Plonka
Ethan Vladimir Plonka, age 22, of Rochester, MN, passed away on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Ethan was born on June 6, 2002, in Khabarovsk, Russia Federation. Ethan and his older brother, Anton (his first and oldest friend) were adopted in November 2003 by Phil and Tanya Plonka of Rochester. The family landed at the Minneapolis airport and were welcomed with giant stuffed ducks, family members, and McDonald’s chicken nuggets.
Ethan, many times known as “E”, or as “Vlad”, had a contagious smile and a marvelous sense of humor. Sharks, Legos, anime, YouTube, cats with laser beams – all brought him to giggles. He loved animation and repeatedly watched every episode of Scooby-Doo, South Park, and Rick and Morty. It was the outdoors that truly brought him great joy, particularly fishing, ANY kind of fishing. Ethan’s love for nature was inspired by many, including his Grandpa Tom, who bravely took a three-year-old Ethan and family on a Boundary Waters canoe trip. Ethan was capable of spending hours on end at the dock on Baby Lake, in the Lamar Valley fly fishing, or on the boat angling for the next big fish or fish story.
Ethan was an athlete and began wrestling at the young age of 5. Wrestling was a passion that followed him through middle school and into high school with competitions in all styles of wrestling. He sampled aikido after high school and followed the sport of wrestling closely. He was very proud of his accomplishments in wrestling, as well as in football and indoor rock climbing. Ethan made great friends in all these pursuits.
Eating and making good food was a life-long love for Ethan. At a young age he loved the simplicity of Cheetos, but as an adult he developed an advanced palate that included Italian octopus, expensive cuts of beef, and even Steak Tartare. He enjoyed making food as much as he did in eating it, and was very talented in the kitchen making delicious creations. Ethan was always eager to tell you what he knew. He had a love of learning and technology and was excited to start classes at RCTC this fall in the Computer Aided Design (CAD) program. Ethan fiercely loved his family and close friends, including his fur friends. His caring personality, great compassion, and sense of humor brought much joy to those around him.
The service for Ethan will be on Monday, July 29, 2024 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home (1119 11 ½ Street SE Rochester, MN). Visitation will start at 3 p.m. followed by a short memorial service at 4 p.m. and concluding with refreshments in the River Park Reception Hall. Ethan was a very casual guy, opting for shorts and flip flops often. The family requests that you honor him by dressing casually and encourage you to feel free to wear your favorite fishing shirt.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be directed to organizations such as Trout Unlimited, Bolder Options, or your favorite local non-profit organization.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Ethan V. Plonka has received the following condolences.
I am so sorry to hear of this unimaginable loss. Ethan was truly loved & so is your family. There are just no words that can be said to bring you comfort but I pray that you feel God's presence & love through this difficult time.
With love,
Doug & Amy Goergen, Micah & Joseph Hoeft
So sorry for your loss!
Melissa, Cody, and Dylan
Plonka Family, I am truly sorry for your loss. I can't imagine how you feel . I am so sorry . Sincerely ; Brian R Braaten , Elliot, Elizabeth.
It is with a heavy heart we extend our deepest sympathies for the passing of Ethan Plonka. We were anticipating his arrival as a future Yellowjacket, and his absence will be felt. Please know that our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. We share in your sorrow, and are hopeful the memories of Ethan will bring you comfort and peace during these challenging times.
Phil, Tanya and Anton
Our hearts ache each and every day for you and your family. We will always cherish our memories and friendships that formed while our boys participated in off season wrestling events, I think the highlight of each weekend was breakfast at Perkins. The pain will subside but the memories will continue. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
My son was in sports with Ethan. Ethan also joined us for few family activities and birthday parties. A fun kid with a sense of humor. I’m so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you❤️🙏🏼
Dear Phil, Tanya, and family,
There are no words we can say that can adequately convey the significance of the loss of your son and brother, Ethan. Please know that we care. May you always remember and cherish him and the time he shared with you.
Tanya and Phil,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
To The Plonka Family, we are extremely saddened and sorry to hear of Ethans passing. Although we did not know him personally, we can see the light he shined upon others. We wish you all the best and a peace of mind during the healing process. - Your neighbors, Alex,Isaiah, and Chris.
Dear Tany, Phil, Anton and Aunt Rene,
Your hearts are heavy with the loss of your beloved Ethan, which no words can relieve. No one can really know what has been taken from you, and we all know that nothing we can say will reduce your grief and sorrow. As the tears fall, do know that many are deeply saddened by this untimely and unfortunate loss of Ethan and only wish there was a way to show you that we care.
I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.
Renae Cody
Ethan was ever present in my chidhood and to this day I remember him for his positivity, his mischievous grins, and his boundless energy. Reading these other condolences, it makes me glad to know how much love there is for Ethan. I can only imagine the pain felt by those closest to him. My heart goes out to Tanya, Phil, and Anton.
To the Plonka family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Ethan. We will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
The Kelly’s
Thoughts and prayers to Ethan’s family.
Wishing you and your family comfort and peace. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
To the Plonka family, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of Ethan. We will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
The Kelly’s
I am so sad I will not be able to celebrate the life of an amazing individual. Ethan was a pleasure to coach all those years, our family has fond memories of his growth through wrestling. Hugs to all around. We will miss you Ethan!
The Trimbles
Phil and family, so sorry for your loss. Thoughts & Prayers to you all during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
I was so sad to hear the news of Ethan’s passing. My heart is with all of you and I hope all the happy memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead. I am blessed to have known and loved Ethan when he was a preschooler. Sending you love and peace.
Phil and family, I can't begin to express how sorry I am for your loss. Ethan sounds like an amazing young man who will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to all who knew and loved him.
I really still can’t wrap my head around this. What a great person taken away from this world way, way too soon. I remember going to Montessori at Franklin with Ethan and Anton… still kept in touch as we grew up. I truly am so sorry for your families loss
I went to Rosa parks high school with him. Didn’t know him very well but he was always super nice and chill to be around. Great guy. Very sorry for your loss. - Love Miles
Phil, I am so sorry and deeply saddened to hear about Ethan. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Anju Thapa
Thoughts and prayers to Ethan’s family.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find solace in the love & memories you shared.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May you find solace in the love & memories you shared.
Dear Plonka Family,
We are truly sorry to hear about the passing of Ethan. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Plonka Family,
We are truly sorry to hear about the passing of Ethan. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kit and Nathalie Gatcheco
I was so sad to hear the news of Ethan’s passing. My heart is with all of you and I hope all the happy memories will bring you comfort in the days ahead. I am blessed to have known and loved Ethan when he was a preschooler. Sending you love and peace.
I was saddened to hear about the loss of Ethan, although I wasn't close with him. I grew up through middle school and high school having shared classes with Anton, and always heard positive things about Ethan, it's hard to loose anybody at a young age, he will be missed. My thoughts are prayers are with family and friends
We are so sorry to hear about Ethan. We have such good memories of watching him play in youth football and soccer with our son Shane. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bruce and Theresa Meldahl
Phil and family, I am so sad to read about Ethan. So very young. He sounds like a wonderful young man. I cannot imagine what you are going through. You will be in my thoughts.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Ethan. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
I’ll never forget his fun-loving and curious spirit. Having him at SACC and Adoption Day Camp was such a joy.
I’m so sorry for his loss. I’ll try to make it to the funeral.
-Kenzi
Keeping you all in my thoughts. So sorry for your loss.
Ethan was my best friend. He was my dippy and I was his bubbles. I had just seen him on Tuesday. This feels so unreal I’m torn and shattered. Your family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. Ethan will continue watching over us right alongside us.
I am thinking of your family during this tragic and difficult time. May memories and faith keep you strong.
Tanya, Phil and Anton- Our hearts break for you. Truly. Hold tight to love, light, and each other in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. We are sending all of our love and condolences during this tragic time. With Sadness and Profound Understanding, The Jacks (Michele, Imani, and Sarai)
Phil and Tanya, we are so very sorry for your loss. I pray the memories of Ethan will provide you with comfort and peace in the challenging times ahead. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance. Take care.
Tanya, Phil & Anton-
We were so deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Ethan. Our hearts goes out to everyone who knew and loved him. May you find strength and comfort in each other during this incredibly difficult time. 💙