Henry Pyzdrowski

Pyzdrowski, Henry Anthony, Sr. Age 88, of Minnetonka, passed away on Monday, April 11, 2011. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Antoinette; siblings, Thaddeus, Walter and Wanda; son, Henry Anthony, Jr.; and granddaughter, Stephanie Anne Fraune. Survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jeanne Frances (Smith); and their children, Jeanne Fraune (John), Michael (Joan), Patricia Seeler (Thomas), Robert (Sue), Paul (Karen), John (Deborah), Mary Anne Pickering (John), Kathryn (Thomas Nelson), Margaret (Michael Brown), Caroline Gossen (Jeffrey); brother, Stanley S. Pyzdrowski; numerous nieces and nephews; and thirty-four beloved grandchildren. Born in Pittsburgh, PA on August 9, 1922, Hank attended Schenley High School, where he met Jeanne. Growing up, he was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan, pursued flying at Butler County Airport, and worked at his father's architectural firm which significantly contributed to the architecture in and around Pittsburgh. Hank attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His college career was interrupted by active military service in the U.S. Navy where he served in the Pacific Theater as a Naval Aviator in WWII (1942-1945). He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University (1945) and Northrop University (1946). During his adult life, Hank devoted his efforts as a benefactor and leader for the community, actively participating in the VFW, Knights of Columbus, his Church and providing assistance to area schools and Veterans associations, having most recently served as President, Board of Governors, Escort Carrier Sailors and Airmen Association. Professional career: Aeronautical Engineer, Northrop Aviation (1947-1948); Engineer/General Manager, Central Oregon Iron Works, Bend, OR (1948-1958); General Manager, Superior Separator, Hopkins, MN (1958- 1963); and President, Sacred Design Associates, Minneapolis, MN (1963-2002). Hank dedicated his later years to the preservation of the memory of his shipmates of the aircraft carrier, USS Gambier Bay, over 100 of whom were lost in the Battle of Leyte Gulf on October 25, 1944. An adventurer, Hank and Jeanne raised eleven children, with Dad devoting his life to his family, instilling a strong work ethic and sincere appreciation for life. He is and will remain known for his genuine passion, honesty and integrity, endless encouragement, sense of humor and unending wisdom. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 20, 2011, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 1310 Mainstreet, Hopkins, MN 55343. Interment 2:00 PM Fort Snelling Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation, 920 East 28th Street, Suite 100, Minneapolis, MN 55407 or St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Arrangements: Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home 952-938-9020

Tributes

Henry Pyzdrowski

April 17, 2011

Tributes

Henry Pyzdrowski

April 17, 2011

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