Michael J. Kvasnicka, age 78 of Delano, born October 28, 1937 in Bruno, MN, passed away Monday, July 25, 2016.

Preceded in death by parents, Paul and Winnifred (Haley), and siblings Mary (Mark) Rausch and Sr. Margaret Kvasnicka CSJ.

Survived by loving wife of 54 years, Ruth (Dietrich); their children Peg Ditty (Dean), Joe Kvasnicka (Kari), Jay Kvasnicka (Stephanie), Patty Sutherland (Dave) and Jeff Kvasnicka (Sara); grandchildren Paul, Ali and Jacqui Ditty, Jack, Piper and Izabel Kvasnicka, Michael, Elizabeth, Jacob and Jordyn Kvasnicka, Tori Srigley, Grace and Patrick Sutherland, Wyatt and Ainsley Kvasnicka; and great-grandchild Mac Kvasnicka.

Also survived by brother Paul Kvasnicka (Ann) and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mike grew up on a farm in Le Sueur, MN, where he excelled at football, basketball, baseball and track for Le Sueur High School. After graduating high school in 1955, he enlisted in the Air Force for four years, and then began working for his Uncle Felix Kvasnicka’s electrical contractor company, OK Construction, traveling throughout Minnesota and Western Wisconsin installing electricity to rural areas.

It was while working on a construction project in Cadott, Wisconsin that Mike met the love of his life, Ruth Dietrich, his partner and best friend through 54 years of marriage.

As Mike and Ruth started their young family, they continued to travel to new construction sites throughout MN and Wisconsin on six-months projects. As family always came first for them, Mike and Ruth decided to settle down in MN, and in 1970, Mike transferred his electrical construction experience into a long-time career with Wright-Hennepin Electric Coop, retiring as crew chief during a 30+ year career for Wright-Hennepin Electric. He was well-respected as a great boss that led by example with an incredible work ethic, volunteering to work many extra nights/weekends to restore vital electrical service to customers/businesses in all weather conditions after summer thunderstorms and winter blizzards.

With an impressive “do-it-yourself” spirit, with their own hands and assistance from family, Mike and Ruth physically built two family homes from the ground up in Loretto and in Delano.

Deer hunting in Bruno, MN, fishing in Canada, men’s softball league, coaching youth baseball, MN Vikings season-ticket holder, and especially enjoyed encouraging his children and grandchildren in numerous athletics and school events.

He will be fondly remembered as someone always ready and willing to help anyone in need for countless co-workers, friends, and family members.

Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 29, 2016 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 235 S. 2^nd St, Delano. Visitation was from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday and continued Friday 10-11 a.m. prior to Mass all at Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church. Memorials preferred.