George E. Voracek

George E. Voracek, age 79 of Faribault, MN, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, May 31, 2025.

George Edward, the son of George and Helen (Skluzacek) Voracek was born on October 10, 1945 in Northfield, MN. He attended Bethlehem Academy High School and graduated with the class of 1963. On July 12, 1969 he was united in marriage to Eileen Merrill at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Faribault.

George was known for his warm smile, kind heart and playful nature. His love shone through his actions, leaving a legacy that will forever anchor those that knew him. He put family first and will be missed as a husband, Dad, brother, Grandpa, Great-grandpa, and Uncle. As the eldest of seven siblings, he knew how important family was. He was always ready to lend a hand, be it to fix a car, mower, or tractor- he could fix anything.

Raised on a farm, George learned the value of hard work, a trait he passed on to his family. He farmed sheep and crops to the end, giving his fields and flock the same care he gave his family. After serving in the Army Reserves, he honed his woodworking skills at Southern Minnesota Woodcraft. He poured his heart into his work when he started work as a mechanic, driver and eventual co-owner of Faribault Transportation Bus Company. He continued even after his “retirement,” driving routes as recently as this past school year.

As dedicated as he was to family, he showed the importance of his faith by being active at church. He was involved in several choirs, volunteered countless hours, and rarely missed Mass at St. Patrick’s Church. He carried a cross in his pocket as a reminder of his beliefs and was proud to be a member of the Knights of Columbus #889 and a Fourth Degree Knight with the General Shields Assembly.

He had a special connection to the outdoors. He tilled the soil, worked his garden, and loved watching the birds in the backyard. He loved sitting on his dock on Lake Mazaska, out-fishing everyone using his cane pole. He enjoyed the tradition of deer hunting and passed this on to family. It was never about the deer; it was about family time it fostered.

George’s love extended to his friends, many of whom stood by him at his wedding 55 years ago. From cabin friends to auction buddies and fellow bus drivers, he built bonds that felt like family. His playful nature and deep loyalty made him a friend to all.

All who knew him will agree; he loved deeply and will be missed greatly. George’s love touched countless lives, and though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and love we share.

He is survived by his wife Eileen Voracek of Faribault, MN; by four sons, Dan (Brenda) Voracek of North Mankato, MN and their children, Jacob, Anna, James and John; Jeffrey Voracek of Clinton Falls, MN and his daughter, Andie (Tom) and their daughter, Scarlet;

Bryan (Brandi) Voracek of Owatonna, MN and their children, Riley (Molly), Madi, Alexander and Kailyn; Kevin (Gretchen) Voracek of Faribault, MN and their children, Ella (Josh) Krawczak and their daughter, Gemma, and Everett; by his siblings, Jan (Steve) Gillen of Northfield, MN, Mary Mensing of Mankato, MN, Grace Voracek of Faribault, MN, Joan (Lenny) Smisek of Lonsdale, MN and Randy (Robin) Voracek of Faribault, MN and by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Benjamin Voracek, sister, Donna Mae Kadrlik, and niece, Dawn Mensing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville, MN with Fr. Timothy Sandquist officiating. Interment will be held at St. Lawrence Cemetery in Faribault.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory in Faribault on Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday morning for one hour prior to services.

The family prefers that memorials be directed to the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville in memory of George.