Joseph F. 'Joe' Ruzek - Hayfield

ROCHESTER — Joseph F. "Joe" Ruzek, 90, formerly of Hayfield, died Saturday, Feb. 6, 2010, at Fieldcrest Nursing Home in Hayfield.

Joe was born April 6, 1919, to Frank and Pauline (Herdina) Ruzek in Blooming Prairie. He moved to Kasson in 1929 and graduated from Kasson High School in 1937. After one year of college Joe served in the Army from 1941 to 1945. Joe served as Postmaster in Hayfield for 34 years, from 1946 until his retirement in 1977. He married Phyllis R. Hovey on Feb. 15, 1947, in Hayfield.

He was a member of the Hayfield American Legion and served as Post Commander. Joe was currently a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester.

Joe is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Rochester; three sons, David (Marilyn) Ruzek of Rochester, Larry (Mary) Ruzek of Brooklyn Center, Minn., and Jeffrey (Cozette) Ruzek of Hayfield; and one daughter, Cheryl Nelson of Rochester; 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant son and three sisters.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Rochester, with Reverend Norman Wahl officiating. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, with military honors provided by Hayfield American Legion Post 330.

Memorials are suggested to Bethel Lutheran Church.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place N.W., Rochester. (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com