Foley, Minnesota
Mass of Christian Burial was Jan. 22, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sauk Rapids for Clarence J. Rajkowski, age 81, of Foley, who passed away Jan. 13, 2024, at the St. Cloud Hospital surrounded by family. The Rev. Thomas Knoblach officiated. Entombment followed at Calvary Cemetery in St. Cloud in the Mausoleum. Visitation was Jan. 21 at Williams Dingmann Funeral Home in Sauk Rapids and one hour prior to the service Monday at the church.
Clarence J. Rajkowski was born Aug. 1, 1942, to Clarence and Rose (Zimmer) Rajkowski in St. Cloud. Clarence married his late wife Kathleen (Malikowski) Rajkowski, and they went on to have a beautiful family with five sons and one daughter. Clarence met his life partner Karen Struzyk in 2000 and they made their home in Foley. He owned and operated Rajkowski Cabinets for many years and was a maintenance manager for Vision Ease for 35 years before his retirement.
Clarence was a handyman by heart, anything that you needed fixed or built, he was your man. He was a perfectionist and always made sure his projects were exact. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, cutting the grass and being on his John Deere tractor. He would make his own sausages and smoked meats. Karen and he were amazing hosts and always made sure people were fed. He loved reminiscing and storytelling and was a man of many words. He will be remembered for his caring and loving nature; he was a good hearted and selfless person. He was the friend that everyone wishes they had. Above all he cherished the time spent with his family. He was a bright light in so many lives and he will be missed dearly.
Clarence is survived by his loving partner Karen Struzyk; children Dan (Amy) Rajkowski of Buffalo City, Wisconsin, Curtis (Shelly Wrobel) Rajkowski of Sauk Rapids, Jason (Kelly) Rajkowski of Sartell, Bradley (Abby) Rajkowski of Gilman, Eric (Kayla) Rajkowski of Pierz; son-in-law Tim Popp of Royalton; step-children Duane (Julie) Struzyk of Holdingford and Robert (Shelli) Struzyk of Rice; siblings Mary Rajkowski, Dennis Mertz, Dorothy Thole and Jane Brenny; grandchildren Zachary, Rachel, Courtney, Alexis, Hunter, Grace, Carson, Audrey, Tabetha, Nicole, Heather, Malynda, Michael, Brittney, Samantha, Brent, Colton, Addison and Bryson; 22 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Rose, wife Kathleen, daughter Audra Popp and granddaughter Amanda (Struzyk) Stewart.
Obituary, guest nook and video tribute available online at www.williamsdingmann.com.
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