Andrew J. Klimek

Andrew J. "Andy" Klimek, age 91, of Hastings, died suddenly but peacefully at home Sunday morning, January 16, 2022. Andrew was born on July 22, 1930 in Independence, Wisconsin to Simon and Agatha (Smieja) Klimek. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force for 4 years at Hickam Field in Honolulu, Hawaii. He transitioned his military training into his civilian career, working for the FAA as an Air Traffic Controller at the Minneapolis ARTCC in Farmington. On June 1, 1957 Andy married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” R. Wiench in Independence, WI. He and Betty moved to Hastings, MN in 1963. Andrew was an active community member for many years. Under Andy’s leadership as President of the Hastings Hockey Boosters, the Hastings Civic Arena was built in the early 1970s. He was a member of the Hastings City Council and was an active volunteer at SEAS Church and the Knights of Columbus. Andy’s artistic talent is displayed in his many paintings and hand carved wood ducks. He loved spending time with his golf buddies, attending an uncountable number of hockey games and supporting his grandkids in all of their activities. He is preceded in death by his son, Michael; parents, Simon and Agatha Klimek; brothers, Gerald, Clifford, George, Ralph and Joseph; and sisters, Rita, Rose and Doris. Andrew is survived by his wife, Elizabeth R. “Betty” Klimek; sons, Steven (Rene) Klimek, James (Angela) Klimek and John (Elaine) Klimek; daughter-in-law, Sheila Klimek; 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and 2 on the way; and many other relatives and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, January 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2035 15th St. W. in Hastings. A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 23, 2022 from 2:00-5:00 PM at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St. in Hastings, and 1 hour prior to mass at church on Monday. Interment, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Cemetery in Hastings. Memorials preferred in lieu of flowers to the Mike Klimek Memorial Scholarship, c/o Sheila Klimek, 15655 E. 197th St., Hastings, MN 55033.