Robert Jirik, 83, of Mahnomen, MN, died of complications from lung cancer Monday, October 29, 2012, at Sanford Health Systems in Fargo, ND.

Robert Cyril Jirik was born July 6, 1929, at home in Mahnomen County to Jacob and Rose (Stolka) Jirik. He attended school through the 8th grade at St. Michael's Catholic School in Mahnomen. He graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1947 after attending school in Mahnomen and New Prague. Following graduation, Bob farmed with his uncle, Charles Stolka. In 1955, Bob entered the United States Army, serving in Korea. After his honorable discharge in 1957, Bob attended Dunwoody Technical Institute in Minneapolis, MN, to become a machinist. After his training, Bob was employed by Peerless Machine in Minneapolis for two years. In 1962, he returned to the Mahnomen area and again farmed with his uncle Charles, purchasing the farm in 1963.

On February 9, 1963, Robert was united in marriage to Mary Mason in South St. Paul. They made their home on the farm in Pembina Township where they raised their family. Mary passed away in March of 1995 and Bob remained on the farm. That same year, he rented out his farmland and began working at Mahnomen Implement setting up machinery. Due to health reasons, Bob retired in 2001.

Bob was an active part of the community and always willing to lend a hand. In 2008 he was named Mahnomen County's Senior Citizen of the Year in recognition of his volunteer activities. He was a lifelong member of St. Michael's Catholic Church where he proudly served as an usher for more than 60 years and pitched in to help on projects ranging from building maintenance to serving in the kitchen. He also served on the St. Michael's School Board. Bob was an honorary life member of the Knights of Columbus, serving as a trustee and a member of the building committee.

Bob felt strongly that civic involvement was a responsibility and that voting was a right and privilege. Consequently, he was Pembina Township clerk for 28 years, served as secretary for the Mahnomen County Township Association for 26 years and served as an election judge for nearly three decades.

Bob also delivered Meals on Wheels, helped with the Lutheran Social Services Respite Program and was a member of the American Legion and the Lions Club.

In his free time, Bob liked to read, particularly westerns and history books on North Dakota and Minnesota. He enjoyed the outdoors and tending to his lawn and working in his garden. He did his own canning and made a one-of-a-kind ground cherry pie from cherries grown in his garden. Bob will long be remembered as a kind and helpful person. He was fun to be around with his witty personality and terrific sense of humor.

Bob is survived by four sons: Thomas (Mary) Hawley, MN, John (Becky) Parkers Prairie, MN, Jaime (Michelle) and Mark, both of St. Louis Park, MN; a daughter, Margaret Jirik (fiancé, Jon Jacobson) West Fargo, ND; six grandchildren: Abby, Sarah, Matthew, Nicholas, Parker and Trevor; a sister-in-law, Peg Jirik, Middletown, PA; and many extended family including several sisters/brothers-in-law from Mary's family as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Mary, Bob was preceded in death by one brother, Henry Jirik.

Funeral Mass will be held Friday, November 2, 2012, at 2 p.m. at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Mahnomen.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 1, 2012 from 5-8 pm with a Prayer Service & KC Rosary at 7:30 pm at the St. Michael's Catholic Church, Mahnomen.

Burial will be in the St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery, Mahnomen.