Ray Eugene Mlenek

RAY EUGENE MLENEK, age 68 of Waseca, passed away at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato on the morning of Friday, July 8, 2022.

Ray was born in Morristown, MN on May 25, 1954 to Frank Herman and Opal Hulda (Schwanke) Mlenek. He went to school in Morristown. On September 22, 1973 Ray was married to Bonnie Schmidt at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca. He worked for many years as a mill operator for United Feeds, fulfilled his dream of owning and operating his own business, “The Coffee Klatch” in Mankato, and later made many friends working as a delivery driver for Thrifty White Pharmacy in Waseca in recent years. He enjoyed fishing and icefishing, woodworking, traveling to the family cabin in Backus, MN, and spending time with family and friends. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Bonnie Mlenek of Waseca; three children, Cathy Sistad and her significant other Gary Rousey of Waseca, Mark (Belinda) Mlenek of Waseca, and Cindi Leckenby and her fiancé Colin Grams of Bird Island; seven grandchildren, Jonathan Leckenby and his fiancé Elizabeth Hassing, Alysha Leckenby, Alexander Grant and his fiancé Breahna Mullerleile, Abigail Mlenek and her fiancé Ethan Adams, Johanna Grant, John Mlenek, and Jacob Mlenek; four great-grandchildren, Ava, Ryland, Lorelie, and Izzabella; and five siblings, Irene Sutter of Morristown, Art Mlenek of Morristown, Lucy (Clifford) Schmidtke of Morristown, Sharon (Norman) Malacek of Atwater, and Lisa (Mike) Kletschka of Waterville. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson, Austin Grant; a granddaughter, Malorie Mlenek; a sister, Sylvia Weilage; a half-sister, Gertie Spitzack; his parents-in-law, Harold and Audrey Schmidt; and a brother-in-law, Mike Schmidt.

The Mlenek family would like to offer their thanks to the staff of Mayo Clinic Health System and the Mayo Clinic Hospice Team for the incredible care they offered to Ray.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held from 1-5 PM on Sunday, July 17, 2022 at the home of Mark and Belinda Mlenek at 704 9th Ave NW, Waseca, MN 56093.

Memorials, cards, and condolences may be sent to Bonnie Mlenek at 211 8th Ave SE Waseca, MN 56093.