Obituary for Jack Andrew Ocenasek
Jack Ocenasek, age 87, a resident of Excelsior, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 14, 2022. He was born to John and Josephine (Julius) Ocenasek on May 30, 1934 in Olivia, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Margaret (Bud) Melin, Lawrence (Bernice) Ocenasek and James Ocenasek.
Jack grew up on a farm in Olivia and graduated from Olivia High School. He served in the Army and was trained as a helicopter mechanic. He met Vivian Schwake, from Kenyon, MN, in college and they were married on December 28, 1957. Jack was awarded a degree in Economics from the University of Minnesota in 1958. Jack and Vivian began their married life in Minneapolis and eventually moved to Minnetonka, where they raised their family.
It was in Minnetonka that he and Vivian began to attend a small group bible study, where they understood the gospel of grace and developed their personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Jack and Viv were involved in serving their church with Jack serving on the church council and involvement in bible studies. He loved the scripture, especially the book of Genesis and was dedicated to the teaching of creationism. Jack served on the funeral committee at Grace Church and many will remember him as a greeter at door 2.
He worked his entire career of 42 years at Williams Steel and Hardware. He retired in 2000 as CEO and is remembered for his integrity, leadership, and vision. He was a great encourager and mentor to those he worked with.
Jack and Vivian owned a home for many years in Fort Myers, Florida. They enjoyed their dear friends there; playing golf, card and board games, bible studies, and other activities. Their children and grandchildren have many wonderful memories of time spent building sand castles, walking the beach, looking for shells, and of course playing games.
Jack was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He served his family in countless ways and especially enjoyed doing projects around his children’s homes, fixing things (including electrical and plumbing issues), giving landscape advice, putting together toys, swing sets and trampolines.
He enjoyed discussing current events, playing golf, reading, playing games, and doing puzzles, and although he was color blind, he became an expert at putting together puzzles by shape. These things were enjoyed exponentially when done with family. He is most remembered for his deep faith, sense of humor, kindness, encouragement and service to his family and others.
He is survived by his wife Vivian, his beloved companion of 64 years, his three children, Ann-Marie Classen (Doug) of Wheaton, Illinois, Paul (Susan) Ocenasek of Eden Prairie, Katie (Greg) Wohletz of Winona, seven grandchildren Lucy (Nate) Williams, Charles (Briana) West, William (Danielle) West, Marshall West, John Robert Ocenasek, Matthew Ocenasek, James Ocenasek; three step grandsons, Benjamin (Lauren) Classen, Luke Classen, Samuel Classen; six great grandchildren, Lincoln and Theodore West, Josephine and Evelyn Williams, McKai West, June Classen and the seventh expected in May along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 Saturday February 26th in the Chapel of Grace Church Eden Prairie, 9301 Eden Prairie, MN Door #2. Visitation from 10-11. The service will be available online for those unable to attend.
Huber Funeral & Cremation Services
Eden Prairie Chapel 952-949-4970
Jack grew up on a farm in Olivia and graduated from Olivia High School. He served in the Army and was trained as a helicopter mechanic. He met Vivian Schwake, from Kenyon, MN, in college and they were married on December 28, 1957. Jack was awarded a degree in Economics from the University of Minnesota in 1958. Jack and Vivian began their married life in Minneapolis and eventually moved to Minnetonka, where they raised their family.
It was in Minnetonka that he and Vivian began to attend a small group bible study, where they understood the gospel of grace and developed their personal relationships with Jesus Christ. Jack and Viv were involved in serving their church with Jack serving on the church council and involvement in bible studies. He loved the scripture, especially the book of Genesis and was dedicated to the teaching of creationism. Jack served on the funeral committee at Grace Church and many will remember him as a greeter at door 2.
He worked his entire career of 42 years at Williams Steel and Hardware. He retired in 2000 as CEO and is remembered for his integrity, leadership, and vision. He was a great encourager and mentor to those he worked with.
Jack and Vivian owned a home for many years in Fort Myers, Florida. They enjoyed their dear friends there; playing golf, card and board games, bible studies, and other activities. Their children and grandchildren have many wonderful memories of time spent building sand castles, walking the beach, looking for shells, and of course playing games.
Jack was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He served his family in countless ways and especially enjoyed doing projects around his children’s homes, fixing things (including electrical and plumbing issues), giving landscape advice, putting together toys, swing sets and trampolines.
He enjoyed discussing current events, playing golf, reading, playing games, and doing puzzles, and although he was color blind, he became an expert at putting together puzzles by shape. These things were enjoyed exponentially when done with family. He is most remembered for his deep faith, sense of humor, kindness, encouragement and service to his family and others.
He is survived by his wife Vivian, his beloved companion of 64 years, his three children, Ann-Marie Classen (Doug) of Wheaton, Illinois, Paul (Susan) Ocenasek of Eden Prairie, Katie (Greg) Wohletz of Winona, seven grandchildren Lucy (Nate) Williams, Charles (Briana) West, William (Danielle) West, Marshall West, John Robert Ocenasek, Matthew Ocenasek, James Ocenasek; three step grandsons, Benjamin (Lauren) Classen, Luke Classen, Samuel Classen; six great grandchildren, Lincoln and Theodore West, Josephine and Evelyn Williams, McKai West, June Classen and the seventh expected in May along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 Saturday February 26th in the Chapel of Grace Church Eden Prairie, 9301 Eden Prairie, MN Door #2. Visitation from 10-11. The service will be available online for those unable to attend.
Huber Funeral & Cremation Services
Eden Prairie Chapel 952-949-4970