Rufus Leo Francis Wisniewski

Rufus Leo Francis Wisniewski, age 94, of Rochester, passed away on Friday, November 6, 2015, at Mayo Clinic Hospital St. Marys Campus in Rochester, Minnesota. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at The Church of St. John the Evangelist, in Rochester, Minnesota with the Rev. Msgr. Gerald Mahon presiding. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 1:45 p.m. at Assembly Area #2.Please arrive 15 minutes prior. Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., on November 11, 2015, at the church one hour preceding the requiem mass. Memorials are preferred to the family. Rufus Leo Francis Wisniewski was born August 18, 1921, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Leo and Eleanor (Dombeck) Wisniewski. Rufus graduated from De La Salle High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1942. He married Gertrude Mary Wyszynski February 23, 1946, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The couple adopted two children, Cheryl Joan in 1949 and Kevin John in 1953. They resided in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and Birmingham, Michigan prior to retiring and relocating to Plymouth, Minnesota. Subsequent to the death of Gertrude Mary on December 4, 2009, he moved to Rochester, Minnesota to reside with his daughter and son in law and subsequently due to failing health to The Homestead assisted living residence in Rochester. Rufus worked for Minnesota and Ontario Paper Company in the marketing department as an Accountant and later as a Marketing Controller for Abitibi-Price, Birmingham, Michigan. He retired in 1986, and enjoyed many leisurely years with family and friends. He was active in church committees, devoted time to the American Cancer Society, and held a lifetime membership in the Knights of Columbus as a third degree knight. During World War II, Rufus earned the rank of Sergeant tasked with the responsibilities of an aircraft control tower operator in the Army Air Force (734th AAF Base Unit). As a member of the Army Airway Communications Systems he functioned as an air traffic controller assigned to European locations in Cairo-Egypt, Abadan-Iran, Tel Aviv-Israel (VE Day), Basra-Iraq, Bahrain Island, Ben Ghazi-Libya and Ankara-Turkey (VJ Day). He was proud of his military service and was honorably discharged on V-J Day and returned home on Armistice Day, 1945. His military decorations and citations include: American Theatre Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theatre Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal. Rufus was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather who always maintained a remarkable sense of humor and spirit of life. He cherished spending time with his wife, Gertrude. Traveling within the United States inclusive of a 25th anniversary cruise to Alaska and trips abroad to European cities, developed into memorable moments characterized by new experiences. His focus on family never faltered nor did his hopes and dreams of building a life together. He devoted quality time to his two children providing them with love, care and the desire to enhance their lives. Friendships touched his life throughout his 94 years proving to be a key element to his happiness and appreciation of lifes moments. He kept in contact with numerous people he had worked with on a professional basis and with individuals he met along the way. Social activities added spark to his leisure time and he enjoyed conversing, playing 500 at the Rochester Senior Center, reminiscing and lifting a glass or two with those that touched his life. He will be remembered for his wit, anecdotes, love and laughter. Survivors include his loving daughter, Cheryl Joan (James H. Jr.) Adkins of Eyota, Minnesota and only grandson, Scott James Adkins of Cottage Grove, Minnesota. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Gertrude Mary, parents, Leo and Eleanor Wisniewski, sister, Rosemary (Coval) Wisniewski and his beloved son Kevin John Wisniewski. Arrangements are with Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place, NW, Rochester, MN 55901. www.ranfranzandvinefh.com