Stanley A. Patyk

Stanley A. “Stan” Patyk, 93, of Sauk Centre, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Jan. 24, 2023, at Fairway Pines Assisted Living in Sauk Centre.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 27 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Sauk Centre with the Rev. Mark Botzet officiating. Inurnment was in Calvary Cemetery with military honors by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard.

Stanley Albert Patyk was born April 23, 1929, in Little Falls, to Adam and Mary (Yendraszak) Patyk and was one of 11 children. Stanley graduated from Little Falls High School in 1947. He enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in December 1950 and served active duty from Jan. 14, 1951, through Sept. 22, 1952, as staff sergeant, ordnance, in Camp Rucker, Alabama.

Stanley married Phyllis Anna Jendro Sept. 17, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Flensburg, and they moved to Sauk Centre in October 1960 where they made their home. At the age of 18, Stanley worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman on a construction crew. He was promoted to cable splicer and then to Cambridge as an installer-repairman. He came to Sauk Centre as a central office technician in summer 1959. Stan worked in Sauk Centre until his retirement in 1990. He walked to work almost every day for his entire career in Sauk Centre and was known for carrying his U.S. Post Office mailbox lunchbox with him.

He volunteered as a member of the Sauk Centre Fire Department from Feb. 4, 1965, through Feb. 4, 1986, and served as second assistant chief training officer. Stan also was a volunteer ambulance driver for 10 years.

Stanley was a member of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church where he served as an usher. He was an avid bowler and served in various positions in local leagues as well as president of the Sauk Centre Bowling Association. Stanley loved to fish year-round, often sharing his catch with others. He and Phyllis enjoyed metal detecting as a hobby, and Stan took great pleasure in helping people find lost items. He was always industrious and took great pride in his vegetable garden, maintaining his home and helping Phyllis with her flower garden. He enjoyed birdwatching, crosswords and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his five children, Brenda (Debbie Mollison) Patyk of Dayton, Nevada, Amy (Douglas) Azinger of Prior Lake, Guy (Gu Zheng) Patyk of Prior Lake, Chris Ann (Jeffrey) Schneider of Commack, New York, and Jennifer Patyk of St. Paul; five grandchildren, Therese and Lucy (Amy) Azinger, Brandon and Stephanie (Chris Ann) Schneider, and Anthony (Guy) Patyk; and sister, Joanne (William) Wadsworth of Brookings, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Patyk, June 23, 2007; infant daughter Marie Annette Patyk May 26, 1962; parents; and brothers and sisters.

Stanley will be remembered for his bright smile and sense of humor, his kindness and generosity and his philosophical outlook on life.

Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral and Cremation Services of Sauk Centre.

In lieu of flowers, memorial are preferred for charities P-5-1B