Lonnie was born July 1, 1937, in Columbus. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Holman, a small farming Czech and German community near Columbus, where he ran up and down the river bottoms and across the fields chasing squirrels with his dog while learning about nature and developing a love and appreciation for it. He was the youngest of three brothers and two sisters.

His father farmed for others and his mother worked hard at home cooking and taking care of the chickens and pigs. He spent time with his aunts and uncles and formed lifelong bonds with his cousins. Attending school at Columbus High School, Lonnie participated in, as well as enjoyed, the pranks of his fellow classmates, many with whom he has kept in touch. He ran track and often raced his family and friends. He married his high school sweetheart Patricia Joanne Dehmer, with whom he recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Lonnie’s most recent years were spent enjoying rounds of golf with friends and neighbors at the Eagle Lake Golf Course, laughing, talking, and reminiscing during games of dominoes and cards, as well as gardening, and keeping an impeccable yard, alongside Joanne.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his mother, Frieda Breithaupt Mrazek and father August Mrazek, siblings Leon “Jiggs” Mrazek, Willie Mrazek, Bennie Mrazek, Dorothy Mrazek, and Gladys Mrazek.

He leaves behind his wife of 66 years, Joanne; son Tim and daughter-inlaw Laura, and their children Sarah, married to Chase Weems, and their children Tessa, Callie, and Lane; Jillian, married to Austin Regeci, and their daughter Charlotte; and Kate, a junior in high school; as well as their daughter Lisa, married to son-in-law Scott Spring, their son Aaron, married to Valarie; and Daniel, recently married to Kallie.

A celebration honoring the life of Lonnie Mrazek will be set at a later date.