John F. Marsolek, age 87, a deeply loved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at his home on January 5, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by curiosity, craftsmanship, and ingenuity. John was born on November 7, 1938, to Fredrick and Eva (Henk) Marsolek.
John proudly served his nation in the United States Navy aboard the USS Yosemite, where he worked in the ship's woodshop. After returning to civilian life, he spent his career in the pattern shop at DeZurik. His training and life experiences shaped his strong do-it-yourself philosophy. John was always building, fixing, or inventing something. From constructing full basements beneath existing homes to building a working hovercraft, he approached every project with patience, pride, and remarkable creativity. His hands told the story of a lifetime spent creating.
John's primary passion was automobiles, particularly the odd and unusual. In his early years, he spent countless hours hill climbing and trail riding with the Mud-Slingin' 4-Wheelers Club. In 1971, he took his passion to the next level as a founding member of the "Pantowners" St. Cloud Antique Auto Club. His Studebaker collection was complemented by a variety of other makes and models, with his favorite being his mint-green 1907 REO roadster. This passion was far more than a hobby—it was a community and a source of endless stories. John became well known for cooking a "manifold ham" on his 1932 Studebaker, a perfect example of his creativity, humor, and mechanical ingenuity. He was a lifetime member of the Antique Studebaker Club and participated many times in the New London-to-New Brighton one- and two-cylinder car run, where he generously shared his knowledge and friendship with fellow collectors and enthusiasts.
John found great joy in the outdoors as an avid hunter, gardener, and bird watcher. He shared his love of firearms as a Firearm Safety Instructor for many years. His garden was a place of abundance and intention, and nature provided him with purpose and endless fascination.
Above all else, John was a loved father. He was steady, thoughtful, and supportive, teaching his children the values of hard work, creativity, and perseverance—always with a dash of mischievous humor. His love extended just as deeply to his grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy, as evidenced by the drawer full of "pogey bait," the cupboard stocked with cans of "Grandpa sausages," and the freezer full of Dilly Bars.
John is survived by his sister, Mary Nierengarten (Lawrence, deceased); his brother, James W. Marsolek; his children: Fred Marsolek (Kris Mrosla), James R. Marsolek (Laura Wentland), Julie Stoeckel (Micah), Caryn Stadther (Ben), and Ann Shamla (Paul); his grandchildren, Kathryn, Ethan, Eva, Colton, and Maxwell; and several nieces and nephews.
His legacy lives on through the things he built, the passions he shared, and the family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. John chose full body donation through the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. A private family ceremony will take place when he returns from "college." Memorials may be made to the University of Minnesota Bequest Program. As a tribute to John, please take your family to the Sauk Rapids Dairy Queen—as we are fairly certain he funded much of their profits over the years.
John proudly served his nation in the United States Navy aboard the USS Yosemite, where he worked in the ship's woodshop. After returning to civilian life, he spent his career in the pattern shop at DeZurik. His training and life experiences shaped his strong do-it-yourself philosophy. John was always building, fixing, or inventing something. From constructing full basements beneath existing homes to building a working hovercraft, he approached every project with patience, pride, and remarkable creativity. His hands told the story of a lifetime spent creating.
John's primary passion was automobiles, particularly the odd and unusual. In his early years, he spent countless hours hill climbing and trail riding with the Mud-Slingin' 4-Wheelers Club. In 1971, he took his passion to the next level as a founding member of the "Pantowners" St. Cloud Antique Auto Club. His Studebaker collection was complemented by a variety of other makes and models, with his favorite being his mint-green 1907 REO roadster. This passion was far more than a hobby—it was a community and a source of endless stories. John became well known for cooking a "manifold ham" on his 1932 Studebaker, a perfect example of his creativity, humor, and mechanical ingenuity. He was a lifetime member of the Antique Studebaker Club and participated many times in the New London-to-New Brighton one- and two-cylinder car run, where he generously shared his knowledge and friendship with fellow collectors and enthusiasts.
John found great joy in the outdoors as an avid hunter, gardener, and bird watcher. He shared his love of firearms as a Firearm Safety Instructor for many years. His garden was a place of abundance and intention, and nature provided him with purpose and endless fascination.
Above all else, John was a loved father. He was steady, thoughtful, and supportive, teaching his children the values of hard work, creativity, and perseverance—always with a dash of mischievous humor. His love extended just as deeply to his grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense pride and joy, as evidenced by the drawer full of "pogey bait," the cupboard stocked with cans of "Grandpa sausages," and the freezer full of Dilly Bars.
John is survived by his sister, Mary Nierengarten (Lawrence, deceased); his brother, James W. Marsolek; his children: Fred Marsolek (Kris Mrosla), James R. Marsolek (Laura Wentland), Julie Stoeckel (Micah), Caryn Stadther (Ben), and Ann Shamla (Paul); his grandchildren, Kathryn, Ethan, Eva, Colton, and Maxwell; and several nieces and nephews.
His legacy lives on through the things he built, the passions he shared, and the family who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. John chose full body donation through the University of Minnesota Anatomy Bequest Program. A private family ceremony will take place when he returns from "college." Memorials may be made to the University of Minnesota Bequest Program. As a tribute to John, please take your family to the Sauk Rapids Dairy Queen—as we are fairly certain he funded much of their profits over the years.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John F Marsolek, please visit our flower store.
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