Sylvester A. "Les" Shimek

1923 - 2011

Sylvester A. "Les" Shimek, age 88, of 1614 S. 30th St., Manitowoc, died peacefully Friday afternoon, Nov. 18, 2011, at the Aurora Medical Center, Two Rivers, surrounded by loved ones.

Les was born Aug. 4, 1923, in Rockwood, Wis., to the late Hugo and Rose (Vogel) Shimek. He attended school in Rockwood, and in 1943 joined the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II in the South Pacific, where he was a Tin Can Sailor aboard the USS Halford. He was honorably discharged from military service in 1946.

On June 23, 1946, he was married to Charlotte D. Linsmeyer at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clarks Mills. Charlotte preceded him in death on March 9, 1999, after 52 years of marriage. Les was employed with Manitowoc Public Utilities for 38 years, retiring as plant superintendent in 1984. He was very active in the community as a member of the Golden K - Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus Council 710, VFW Otto Oas Post 659 and the American Legion Drews Bleser Post 88, all of Manitowoc. He was a long-time member of St. Andrew Catholic Church in Manitowoc, and in his retirement volunteered as a handyman at the church for over 20 years. In recent years, he was a faithful member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Francis Creek. He enjoyed playing cards, bowling, dartball, and volunteering his time, and was well known by his family and friends as "Mr. Fix-it". Les also enjoyed Big Band music and dancing.

Survivors include his three daughters, Cheryl Shimek, Oakland, Calif.; Suzanne (Michael) Masso, Cherry Hill, N.J.; and Julie Hynek and fiance, Tim Miller, Two Rivers; two grandsons, Matthew (Nicole) Masso and Paul Masso; one sister, Mary Ann Lodl, one sister-in-law, Agnes Shimek, both of Manitowoc; his significant friend, Ann Kleman, and her family, all of whom were very special to him. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews throughout the United States who he loved to spend time with, especially Ellen, Gary, Chris, Kay, Rick, Bob and Karyl.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Hugo Shimek, Edward Shimek, Dorothy (Leroy) Blimel, Helen Timm, Roman (Dorothy) Koeppel; and a brother-in-law, Ben Lodl, Sr.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011, at St. Anne's Catholic Church, Francis Creek. The Rev. John Becker will officiate at the Memorial Mass.

The family will greet relatives and friends at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Francis Creek, after 10 a.m. Wednesday until the time of Mass at 11 a.m. There will be no Tuesday evening visitation.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor's choice.

Deja & Martin Funeral Chapels, 1506 – 18th St., Two Rivers, is assisting the Shimek family with funeral arrangements.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Edward Barylak and staff at the Vince Lombardi Cancer Care Clinic, the staff at Manitowoc Health & Rehabilitation Center and the staff on 3 west at Aurora Medical Center for all the compassionate care and kindness extended to our father.