Florence Wodarz

Florence Mary Wodarz, 98, of Outing, MN, went to heaven on Sunday, January 31, 2021 with her family by her side.

Florence was born on September 11, 1922 in Bowlus, MN to Michael and Mary (Koczur) Smieja. She was the second born of 11 children. When her parents bought a farm in Cushing, Florence moved on to live in St. Paul where she began her work life at Smyth Printing. Here she was a book binder for over 18 years.

Florence married Victor Wodarz on January 14, 1942 in St. Paul, where they raised five children. In 1973, Florence and Victor moved to Outing, MN to enjoy retired life at their lake home on Lake Leavitt.

Florence enjoyed many activities with her favorites being square dancing and creating amazing quilts for loved ones and raffle prizes at the church bazaar. She also had a special place in her heart for the children who visited Camp Knutson in Crosslake, MN. Florence created and donated quilts for their fundraisers for over two decades.

Traveling with family was another of Florence’s favorite ways to enjoy life. Her adventures included trips to Lake Kabetogama, Montana, and a cruise to the Bahamas.

Florence is preceded in death by, and will be reunited in heaven with, her parents Mike and Mary (Koczur) Smieja; husband Victor; son James Wodarz, and daughter Mary Jane (Wodarz) Piper; siblings Paul, Bernardine (Smieja) Bryniarski, Angelo, Robert, Donald, Jerome and David.

She is survived by her daughter Victoria (Lloyd) (Wodarz) Barthel and sons Thomas and Michael Wodarz; many grandchildren, many great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren;her brother Mikey and sisters Mary (Smieja) Scepurek and Rita (Smieja) Weishalla; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on February 04, 2021 at 11:00 AM at St. Emily’s Catholic Church, in Emily, MN. Visitation will start at 9:30 am at St. Emily’s. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery at Camp Ripley in Little Falls. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel- Crosslake.