Aloise Daniel Dudek

Not to our surprise, our dad Al, followed mom to heaven on December 2, 2021. (Three weeks after she left us.) They were stay-at-home-together kind of folks, which brought them happiness and contentment. God granted them 65 years together. We always enjoyed being a part of their “love story”.

Al was born in Foley, Minnesota on January 16, 1933 to Joseph and Katherine (Kujawa) Dudek. One year later came his brother Duane, creating best playmates with the farm as their playground.

Al graduated from Foley High School. Soon after, he found himself off to the Korean war. After fulfilling his duty, Al returned home and purchased his ’53 Chevy with money he made in Korea selling his cigarette rations to other soldiers. (Always waiting to sell them at the end of the month when most who smoked were out of them… more money.) He then married Delores Fussy on May 14, 1956 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Morrill, Minnesota. They made their home in St. Cloud where Al worked at Franklin, and soon after became a mailman for the St. Cloud Post Office, and developed many friendships with the people on his route. They belonged to St. Augustine’s Parish for over 60 years. Together, they raised three children.

Al was funnier than funny, always telling a joke or sharing a funny story. His never-ending teasing always kept us laughing. He enjoyed people and good conversation. Al was known to be a very friendly and peaceful man. He enjoyed horseshoe-in-hand with beer nearby.  He liked fishing, yet most of all, loved eating the fresh-fried fish! Al enjoyed Delores’ fifteen siblings and spouses, which made for some really great times.

Most days, you could find Al at the kitchen table chatting with Delores while she prepared homecooked meals with some country music playing in the background. After an early retirement, Al remained busy hangin’ with Delores, walking and helping anyone in need, including teaching his grandchildren how to drive and parallel park (between the Rubbermaid garbage cans) … tears in eyes, after hearing news of their successful tests. He was also known as the “Baby Whisperer”, always able to calm and comfort his grandchildren and great grandchildren, a title and connection he was very proud of.

Al is survived by children Lynda (Don) Eisenschenk, Lori (Tim) Torborg, Brian (Tammy) Dudek and brother Duane Dudek. Grandchildren Scott (Alisha) Eisenschenk, Sarra (Shaino) Johnson, Kelsey (Nate) Sauer, Michael Dudek, LeeJoe Torborg and Maria (Derek) Berdan. Great grandchildren Jada, Jude and Max Johnson; Jack, Stella and Georgi Sauer; and Duke, Jolee and Bowen Berdan.

Proceeded by his wife Delores, his parents Katherine and Joseph Dudek, mother and father-in-law Gertrude and Frank Fussy, sister-in-law Barb Dudek and also many brothers and sisters-in-law. Fulfilling their wish, there will be a private family mass for Al and Delores held at a later date. They will be laid together to rest forever at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.