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Frank Bernard Waletzko, age 93, of North Branch, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at home of heart failure on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Frank was born in Moose Lake, Minnesota, on May 2, 1931, to parents Jake and Francis (Pawlowski) Waletzko. He grew up in rural Willow River where his father had bought land that was homesteaded by his grandfather, Albert Waletzko. Frank was an altar boy at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Willow River where he also helped train many younger boys. At age 16 he started working on the farm of his uncles, Julius and Tommy. After a few other jobs, Frank enlisted in the Air Force in 1950. He ended his Air Force career at the Island of Adak in the Aleutian Islands chain. Frank moved to the Twin Cities and after a brief stint at the Armour Meat Packing Plant started working at the Ford Motor Plant. He worked there for 35 years until his retirement in 1992.

While Frank lived in the cities he met Alice Horak of Wyndmere, North Dakota, and they were married on June 1, 1957. They moved their family to Amador Township in 1969, where they raised their six children, and Frank could return to his love of farming.

Frank and Alice enjoyed traveling and they spent many winters in Arizona. They also enjoyed seeing other parts of the country and travelled all over the United States. They also made many trips to Europe where they were able to visit relatives in Poland. Frank also enjoyed snowmobiling and 4-wheeling with his family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Francis Waletzko; daughter Sara Neitzel and brother Ernie Waletzko.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years Alice; his children - Mark (Stephanie); Ann (Dale Sandberg); Jeff (Michelle); Scott; Jerry (Maria); Scott Neitzel; grandchildren - Chad (Krystal); Cody (Alexa), Rhiannon (Joe Meemken), Jennifer (Dylan), Teresa (Zack Pratt),  Christina; Alicia (Alex),  Jade (Tyler Weiss), Alec, Jorden, Tegan, Tyler. Great-grandchildren - Adalynn, Aliyah, Amelia, Braxton, Mason,  Oliver, Beckett, and Walter.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Academy, (777 221st Avenue Northwest) in  Oak Grove, Minnesota. Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2025, at  Grandstrand Funeral Home in North Branch where a Rosary was said at 5:30 p.m. on Monday evening. Visitation also continued at the church on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. until time of mass. Arrangements were under the direction and care of Grandstrand Funeral Homes and Cremation Service. www.grandstrandfh.com

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