Florian J. 'Flory' Partyka

IRONWOOD TOWNSHIP, Mich. - Florian J. "Flory" Partyka, 84, of Sunset Road, Ironwood Township, died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at home.

He was born May 2, 1930, in Ironwood, son of the late John and Julia (Pieczara) Partyka. As a child, he grew up in Kimball, Wis., and graduated from J.E. Murphy High School in Hurley, Wis., in 1948. He drove truck for several years until entering the U.S. Army in 1952 and serving overseas during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954 with the rank of staff sergeant.

Following discharge from the service, Florian worked for North Range Mining Co. until its closure. He then enrolled in the nursing program at Northern Michigan University, graduating as a licensed practical nurse in 1963, and worked at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility as director of physical therapy until his retirement in 1992. In his retirement, he was employed as a newspaper delivery driver for the Daily Globe of Ironwood for the past 10 years.

On Jan. 5, 1952, Florian was united in marriage with Marilyn Holst. While raising their three children they spent every weekend at Crystal Lake camping during the summer. In the winter they would enjoy snowmobiling, sledding and four-wheeling. Florian would enjoy giving his grandchildren rides on the four-wheeler and also took them on the golf cart and let them drive him around. In his spare time he enjoyed golfing, spending time with friends at camp, snowshoe hunting and playing cards. He also spent time fishing with his friends on Lake Superior as a member of the Synker Fishing team. They also took trips to Isle Royale for a week at a time.

Florian was a member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood and Ironwood American Legion Post 5, and served as a volunteer fireman for the Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department for 13 years. He was also secretary for the board of directors at the Iron County Credit Union for 12 years.

Surviving are his wife, Marilyn, of 62 years; three children, Geri Wienen (Rick Johnson), Saginaw, Minn., Luan (Ronald) Jacobson, Nekoosa, Wis., and Mark (Jody) Partyka, Inver Grove Heights, Minn .; 10 grandchildren, Michael (Nicole) Wienen, Jennifer (Charles) Hessel, Christel (Tony) Welch, Brett Wienen (Jen Wight), Tessa Jacobson (Brent Jacobson), Tyler Partyka (Nick Johnson), and Haley, Joshua, Kalley and Jaden Partyka; seven great-grandchildren, Breanna, Ashlee, Cody, Braylee, Brynn, Brady and Shelby; a brother, Donald (Alice) Partyka, Oshkosh, Wis .; brothers- and sisters-in-law, William and Jean Holst, Ironwood Township, Doris Hild, Enumclaw, Wash., Shirley Martini and Nancy and Bob Sertic, all of Ironwood Township, and Corrine Holst, Ironwood; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Florian was preceded in death by a son, Robert Florian, in childhood; an infant great-grandson; a sister, Stella Vittone, and a sister in infancy; two brothers; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Out of respect for his wishes, cremation has taken place.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, June 21, at 10:30 a.m., preceded by visitation beginning at 9 a.m., at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, with the Rev. Frank Kordek OFM officiating.

Rite of Committal and private interment will take place in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, where full military honors will be accorded by the Ironwood American Legion Post 5 Honor Guard.

Luncheon will follow at Tacconelli's in downtown Ironwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Charter Township Parks and Recreation Fund or the Ironwood Township Volunteer Fire Department, N10892 Lake Road, Ironwood MI 49938.

To view Florian's obituary online, sign his guestbook or offer condolences, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood.