Raymond “Ray” Krolak
Thursday, September 11, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Age:
91 years old
Thursday, September 11, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Age:
91 years old
Thursday, September 11, 1930
Date of Death:
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Age:
91 years old
Raymond “Ray” Krolak
Raymond John Krolak, 91, of Rochester, MN, died Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Madonna Towers.
Ray was born September 11, 1930 in Peru, IL to Leo and Julia (Golatka) Krolak. He graduated from LaSalle Peru Township High School in 1948. Having joined the National Guard in his senior year, he worked at Westclox for one year, when the IL National Guard was activated and his Army service in the Korean War began. He returned from Korea to Peru, IL after an honorable discharge at the rank of Master Sergeant and went back to work at Westclox to finish Machinist apprentice school at age 22. On August 27, 1955, he married Irene Ernat at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Spring Valley, IL. Ray graduated from Bradley University in 1957 and began his work as an engineer at the newly-opened IBM plant in Rochester, MN. He received his Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado and enjoyed a 33 year career with IBM, retiring in 1990.
Ray loved fishing at the cabin on Little Sissabagama Lake in Wisconsin, wood carving, traveling, singing in the Rochester Barbershop Chorus and church choir, and especially spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Irene Krolak; children, Dave (Beth) Krolak of Eyota, MN; Diane (Deane) Peterson of St. Peter, MN; Joe (Melanie) Krolak of White Bear Lake, MN; Paul (Amy) Krolak of Rochester, MN; Karen (Joel) Anderson of Madison, WI; his brothers, Leo and John; thirteen grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brother, Henry; and sister, Mary.
The Memorial Mass for Ray will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 17, 2021 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, with Father Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery Rochester. Military Honors will be provided by American Legion Post 92 of Rochester. Masks will be required indoors.
Memorials are preferred to St. Vincent DePaul Society of St. Pius X Catholic Church.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Raymond “Ray” Krolak has received the following condolences.
Dear Irene and Family,
My sympathy and prayers to you, and blessings for all your care of Ray through many challenges.
Dotty Willkomm
Irene,
Our heartfelt condolence...I knew him thru you and St Agnes Circle and St Pius. As well, Jon had the privilege of working with Ray at IBM.
Jon and Alice
To Dave, Paul and the whole Krolak family. Rob and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Irene, Diane and all, I am so sorry to hear this sad news. My thoughts and prayers are with you -
We are saddened by your loss.
Irene and Family,
Veronica and I are very sorry to hear that Ray has died. We send you our sincerest condolences. Both of us have fond memories and appreciations of Ray. For Veronica, it is the fact that he fought in the Korean war - her homeland. She appreciates very much all veterans who served and risked their lives to help save her country. As a result she often referred to Ray as "Big Brother". My experiences with Ray started at IBM as co-workers, but it went beyond that. I fondly recall him asking me to go fishing to your cabin on Little Sissabagama Lake in Wisconsin. I had a great time learning how to fish for Blue Gills, cleaning them and best of all eating them while we listened to the MN Twins baseball games. Ray was as they say, "One of the Good Guys". God bless you all.
Irene and family, my prayers are with you during this difficult time. May you be blessed with many wonderful memories.
Dave, Paul, and the rest of the family: I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Irene and the Krolak Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Ray was a great guy and a master wood carver. Thank you for sharing him with us at Madonna Living Community/Benedictine Living-Rochester.
Sandy Molenda