Emil J. Chlan, age 85, lifelong resident of New Prague, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Abbott-Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis on Saturday, January 9, 2016. Emil was born October 16, 1930, on the family farm to Thomas W. Chlan and Agnes E. (Sempaur) Chlan in Wheatland Township, Rice County, near Shieldsville, MN. He was raised in the Montgomery, MN area and attended Rice County District Public School. He served in the US Army during the Korean War.
After his honorable discharge from the military, he met the love of his life, Gertrude Ann “Gertie” Tupy and they were married on October 2, 1957, at St. Wenceslaus Church in New Prague, MN. Together they built their home and raised three daughters. Emil worked as Automation Service Technician for A.O Smith Harvestore for many years until his retirement in 1995. He was a member of the New Prague American Legion Post 45 served as Commander, Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 5145 served as Commander, past member of the New Prague Military Honor Guard and New Prague Police Reserve.
Emil was a real gem of a man, always sporting a smile, a gleam in his eye, and a ready joke. He enjoyed going to the casino, woodworking, league bowling, fishing, football, shopping, tinkering with small electronics. He also enjoyed spending time at the lake and was an avid water skier, playing cards especially sheephead and euchre. But best of all was spending time with his family and helping them with many home projects, often as teacher and master supervisor.
Emil is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gertie of New Prague; children, Sharon (Brad) Komarek of Shakopee, Deb (Dan) Cervenka of New Prague, and Denise (Donnie) Smisek of Lonsdale; five grandchildren, Becky & Liz Komarek, Megan, Travis, and Ryan Smisek; sister-in-law, Hedi Chlan of Montgomery; brother-in-law, George & Elsie Tupy of New Prague. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Rebecca; three brothers, Thomas Jr., George, and Milo Chlan; sister, Agnes Noiske.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 15, 2016, at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Kevin Clinton officiating. Visitation will take place Thursday from 4 – 8 PM and Friday morning from 7:30 – 10:30 AM at Bruzek Funeral Home. Burial with full military honors will occur following Mass at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Lunch follows at the Legion Clubroom in New Prague.
