Joseph W. Mrofchak

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Surrounded by the love of his family, a prominent former Ironwood businessman passed away peacefully at age 86 on Aug. 14, 2015, at The Castle Ridge Care Center in Eden Prairie.

Joseph William Mrofchak was born Jan. 10, 1929, in Ironwood, Mich. Son of the late Frank and Josephine (Sobolewski) Mrofchak. He attended the Ironwood school system, graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1947, followed by one year at Gogebic Community College and Aberdeen Proving Grounds. He spent two years in the U.S. Army, including three months in Thule, Greenland, and 12 months in Germany as an automotive parts specialist. After the service he worked for Prudential Insurance for three and a half years, leaving that to open Mrofchak's Men's and Women's Clothing Store which he operated for 33 years. He was a former member and usher of St. Michael's and Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood, the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, American Legion Post 5 and Chamber of Commerce.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis; three daughters, Diane, of Michigan, Catherine, of Alaska, and Janet, of Minnesota; eight grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank, George and David; and sisters, Helen Arasim and Virginia Buda.

Joe was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, uncle, cousin and friend.

He was a "sharply dressed man" who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

A Mass celebrating Joe's life will be at Pax Christi Catholic Church in Eden Prairie Sept. 2, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation is one hour prior to service. Military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis.

Family condolences can be sent to 18271 Coneflower Lane, Eden Prairie, MN 55346.