Victor (Vic) Shimek

Victor (Vic) Louis Shimek (95) died Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Green Prairie Rehabilitation Facility in Plainview MN. Join us in celebrating Vic’s life on Saturday, August 29th, from 1:00-4:00 at the Plainview Community Center.

Victor was born November 12, 1930, to Edward and Mary (Bily) Shimek in Spillville IA. He attended St Wenceslaus Catholic School in Spillville, and one year of high school in Calmer IA. He married Elizabeth (Betty) Klimesh on October 4, 1954. Together they raised four daughters. Betty passed away September 20, 2024, just shy of their 70th wedding anniversary.

Vic spent several years farming in the Spillville, Ridgeway, and Bluffton IA areas and Peterson MN. Some of Vic’s fondest memories were of working with the horses on the farm as a young man. After he quit farming, Vic worked on the Watkins Research Farm near Winona MN. After leaving the Winona area, the family moved to Henrytown and then Harmony MN. Vic was employed by Midland Cooperative and later by 21st Century Genetics. In 1979 Vic and Betty moved to Rochester MN and Vic began working for Minnesota Select Sires. He retired in 1995. During early retirement he worked maintenance jobs part-time, including at Rochester Public Schools and the Rochester Public Library. He retired from that in 2010 at age 80.

Vic was a long-time Minnesota Twins fan and enjoyed camping and fishing at Cutty’s Okoboji Resort with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed reading, playing solitaire, and occasional bus trips to local casinos.

Vic is survived by three daughters: Kathy (David) Olson of Lakeville MN, Cyndie (Rick) Kahn of Plainview MN, and Sheila Shimek of Winona MN, along with 8 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Betty, daughter Sandra Tomashek, sister Marcella Kovarik and his parents.

Victor’s donated his body to Mayo Clinic for medical research.

Thank you to the staff at Green Prairie Assisted Living and Rehabilitation Center for their care during his time with them.

Memorials suggested to Green Prairie Activities Fund or your local public library.