Cletus "Pete"  Szymanski

CLERGY
Rev. Duane Coates
MUSIC
Organist ~ Kathy Koenig
~Special Music ~
“America the Beautiful”
 “People” by Barbara Streisand
Cletus “Pete” Szymanski was born on Monday, March 3, 1924 to Joseph and Frances (Toczek) Szymanski at Tyndall, South Dakota. In 1943, he graduated a semester early from Tyndall High School in order to serve his country in the Army during World War II.  He spent his service in the Pacific Theater (Laiti, Philippines) driving an Amphibious Tractor Carrying Craft.  He attained an E-5 rank and was awarded various decorations for his service including the Bronze Arrowhead, Good Conduct Medal and Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Two Stars.
After completing his military service, Pete returned to Tyndall and married Darlene Petrik on March 7, 1947.  He worked for John Kostal Funeral Home and Furniture Store in Tyndall, where he served his apprenticeship.  In 1949, Pete took a job as the Tyndall Post Office Clerk. A position he held for many years until becoming the Postmaster in 1975.  He retired from the post office 1980.
Pete found various ways to serve his community.  During the 1960’s, he and his friends were instrumental in building a bridge at the Tyndall golf course and since they enjoyed boating so much, they took responsibility for pulling the boat dock in and out at the Apple Tree.  Pete was also a member of many military and community organizations including the local VFW, American Legion, Yankton Elks, National Association of Postmasters and the Tyndall Elliott Hose Company No. 1 Fire Department.
Pete spent his free time working on his ham radios.  He had an extra license for over 30 years and used the call letters WOWH.
Pete died on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at the Tyndall Good Samaritan Society. He had attained the age of 90 years, 1 month, and 24 days.
Pete is survived by his three children: Steve (Diane) Szymanski of Sioux Falls, Anne (Larry) Meyer of Tucson, AZ, and Mark (Jo) Szymanski of Dallas, TX; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Frances Szymanski, wife Darlene in 1973, sisters Doris Bambas and Florence Van Noy, and brother Eugene Szymanski.