Frances "Dolly" Petruzalek

Frances Antoinette Simurdiak was born to John and Anna Simurdiak on Feb. 3, 1929, in Emery. She attended East Highland School and Phillips High School. Dolly married Charles Petruzalek on Aug. 28, 1948, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Together they had three children: Tom (DeeDee), Leroy “Vince” (Bev), Lillianne “Willie” (John) Marlenga. She was later married to Marvin Kurth.

Dolly was active with the Czech/Slovak Festival singing with the Czech Singers for 32 years. She baked a great many kolaches and made raised dumplings for the Ethnic Dinner. She also loved the Czech Music and the polka dancing. 

Dolly enjoyed watching the Phillips Loggers, Badgers, Packers and Brewers. The outdoors was of great pleasure to her, walking many a mile and swimming in our beautiful lakes. She was very talented with everything from knitting, crocheting, sewing, ceramics to gardening, cooking and baking.

Dolly is predeceased by her parents and 11 siblings: Tony, John, Frank, Charles, Fred, Steve, Ann, Joe, Mary, Cecelia, Paul and their spouses.

She is survived by her three children; Four grandchildren: Brian, Jerry, Betsy, Dayne; Nine great grandchildren: Brant, Briley, Brea, Brookelyn, Darek, Ayden, Allie, Raylee and Paisley.

Thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their devoted care the last two weeks and sincere thanks to the entire staff at Aspirus Regency House for their dedicated and loving care of Dolly for two and a half years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, August 30th, 2024, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 655 S. Lake Ave, Phillips, WI 54555. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until the start of Mass. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.