Franklin "Frank" Howard Vorlicek

Franklin “Frank” Howard Vorlicek, age 80, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. Frank was born on May 20, 1945, to Howard and MaryAnn (Urban) Vorlicek in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He attended high school in Silver Lake, Minnesota, graduating as valedictorian of his class in 1963. Frank went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in history and English from St. Cloud State University, followed by a master’s degree in education from Mankato State University. On October 28, 1967, Frank married Diane Quast at St. Philips Catholic Church in Litchfield, Minnesota. Their union was blessed with four children.

After graduating from college, Frank began teaching in Sandstone, Minnesota. Two years later, sensing a need to move to a place where he could maximize his passion for flowers, he accepted a position with Blooming Prairie High School and proudly became an Awesome Blossom. He taught at BPHS for the next 32 years, teaching such classes as History, English, Skills for Adolescence, and even Music Appreciation. His classes were always marked by the inclusion of the hallowed “scribe”, a lucky student designated by Mr. Vorlicek to be his consultant and gopher during times of pedagogical need. During his tenure, Frank was an integral part of the speech and drama programs, helping erstwhile shy students find their voices through participation in anxiety-ridden speech competitions, rousing musicals, and high-energy one act plays. He was also quite proud of his time spent as a peer counseling advisor to students. Following his tenure at Blooming Prairie, he spent five years teaching at Pacelli High School in Austin.

To supplement his robust teaching salary, Frank spent many summers working “pea pack” for Green Giant and dearly enjoyed owning and operating Frank & Tom's Greenhouse in Blooming Prairie for thirty years. Of Frank & Tom’s, he once said, “If I die in here, I will be content.” While that end was not realized, his passion for flowers and immense knowledge for tending to them are indelibly marked within his family, friends, and the countless community members who reside in the aptly named hamlet of Blooming Prairie.

Frank's passions also included dancing, especially polkas and waltzes. It was at a dance where he found the love of his life, Diane. For several decades, he taught ballroom dance classes through Blooming Prairie Community Education. A devoted member of St. Columbanus Catholic Church, Frank served as the religious education coordinator for many years and played the piano and organ at church services. He was a vocalist and played piano at countless funerals and weddings. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus. Frank was also quite proud of his Czech heritage, growing up in a household that included all four of his grandparents and parents who spoke fluent Czech and instilled in him various Czech traditions. He was a dedicated member of ZCBJ Lodge 127 in Owatonna.

Frank and Diane shared a love for antiquing, collecting Watt pottery, and for many years, had a space within various antique stores. Frank was known for his extensive vocabulary, warm presence, and the joy he found in spending time with family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Vorlicek of Blooming Prairie, MN; children, Heidi (Alan) Jolley, Auna (Jade) Hildahl, Jason (Jackie) Vorlicek, and Trenton (Charryse) Vorlicek; grandchildren, Cody (Sarah) Jolley, Matthew (Gaby) Jolley, Madeline (Brendan) Vorlicek, Gabriel (Jeremy) Allen, Ayla Vorlicek, and Sophia Hildahl; siblings, Magdalen (Theophil) Kostecka and Roy (Kimberly) Vorlicek. He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary Ann Vorlicek; son-in-law, Richard Allen; and sister, Kathy (Dale) Vollmer.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Frank will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota. The visitation will begin with the rosary at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, at St. Columbanus Catholic Church; visitation will also be held for one hour prior to Mass on Saturday. A joyously spirited celebration of life will follow Mass at the Servicemen’s Club in Blooming Prairie. Interment at the Czech National Cemetery near Blooming Prairie will be held at a later date. Memorials are preferred to the Blossoming Community Foundation, Blooming Prairie Educational Foundation, Blooming Prairie Cancer Group, Queen of Angels Hermitage, or the St. Columbanus Catholic Church Building Fund. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements. A livestream of Frank’s service will be available, and condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.