Wilfred Benedict Sowada

Wilfred Benedict Sowada, 90, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family on May 3, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in St. Cloud. Reverend LeRoy Scheierl will officiate. Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Entombment will take place in the Assumption Cemetery Mausoleum with full military honors. Arrangements are with the Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud.

Wilfred was born on September 7, 1924 in Saint Wendel, MN to Michael and Anna (Wochnik) Sowada. He graduated from Holdingford High School in 1942 and served his country in the U.S Marine Corps during World War II. Wilfred served in Okinawa, Nagasaki, and in the Marine Honor Guard at the newly-founded United Nations in New York after the war. He graduated from Saint Cloud Business College under the GI Bill. Wilfred was united in marriage to Irene Fautsch on November 11, 1954. He was a long-time employee of the Saint Cloud Post Office and a dedicated volunteer for many years at the V.A Medical Center and St. Paul’s Church. Over the years, Wilfred was involved with many organizations including Knights of Columbus Council 961, VFW 4847, American Legion Post 428 and Marine Corps League Valhalla Detachment #171.

Wilfred will be remembered for his strong faith, willingness to help others and wonderful sense of humor. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Irene, sons John (Trude) of Saint Cloud and Mark of Plymouth, daughters Jane (Tom) Mott of Shorewood, and Mary (Rick) Evenson of Chanhassen, and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, JoAnn Illies. He is preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers and 4 sisters.
Special thanks to Saint Cloud Hospital Hospice for their support during his illness.