Benjamin E. Bartusek, age 99, 13 days short of his 100th birthday, of New Prague, died Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 at Mala Strana Health Care Center.  Ben was born to Mathias & Mary (Lukes) Bartusek on Nov. 16, 1912 in Wheatland Township in Rice County.  He married Marcella Tupy on June 6, 1939 at St. Wenceslaus in New Prague.  Ben farmed on his home farm until 1976 when he and Marcella moved into New Prague.  Ben was a member of the Holstein Friesen Assn. and the Poland China Swine Record Assn.  He helped organize the Rice County Pork Producers and served on both the MN Valley Ag Co-op board and the Rural Fire Truck Assn. board.  He served on the parish council of St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague and was a member of both 3rd & 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.  Ben liked to garden, play cards, and watch sporting events.

Ben is survived by his children, Ben (& Jean) Bartusek of New Prague, John (& Shirley) Bartusek of Le Center, Mary Jane Bartusek-Kessler (& Bill) of Cedar Falls, IA; sister Helen Novotny of Hastings; 7 Grandchildren, 11 Great-Grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife on Dec. 8, 2006, his parents, and 2 sisters, Bessie Sticha, & Mayme Sticha

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 at 10:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Fr. Kevin Clinton officiating.  Visitation will be held at Bruzek Funeral Home on Wednesday, Nov. 7th from 4 – 8 PM and on Thursday from 7:30 – 9:30  AM.  KC rosary will be said at 7 PM on Wednesday.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery and lunch will follow at the KC Hall.