HOT PURSUIT

A touch of beauty has disappeared from Blooming Prairie after a man known for bringing so much loveliness to the community in a variety of ways for decades died Jan. 31.

For 28 years, folks around the area always knew spring was in bloom as Frank Vorlicek operated Frank & Tom’s, a seasonal makeshift greenhouse on the south end of Blooming Prairie. It became an annual spring ritual with Vorlicek rolling out thousands of flowers and plants.

Vorlicek was 80.

Over the years, the greenhouse became Vorlicek’s safe haven, even if it was only for about two or three months out of the year. “I love this place. If I die out here, I’ll be happy,” he once told this writer. “The beauty of God’s creation. They are joyful and make me happy.”

In his last year (2018), he fought through serious medical problems to provide the community with yet another blanket of beauty through flowers. On top of physical problems, he battled a serious bout of depression. And against his family’s wishes, Vorlicek’s stubbornness prevailed, and he came back with his final year of the greenhouse.

“I would have crawled in here on all fours,” he said at the time. “I’m not one to give up too easily. I needed this. It’s been a part of me for so many years. It would be like a death (without it).”

But it wasn’t just for his own love. He took great pride in making others happy with his flowers.

While flowers were a big part of his life, they weren’t the only thing that defined him. For years, he taught history and English at Blooming Prairie High School. He was a major part of of the speech and drama programs. His uncanny style was known to have a way of pulling shy teenagers out of their shells and flourish with speeches and musicals.

Faith also played important part of Vorlicek’s life. He shared his musical talents on the piano and organ at St. Columbanous Catholic Church for many years. He was also a vocalist who performed at many funerals and weddings.

In the times I spoke to Vorlicek, he often credited his faith for pulling him through life’s trials and tribulations. “If we didn’t have strong faith, I don’t know how we’d get through a crisis,” he said.

And he faced his share of crises over the past several years. He was in and out hospitals and nursing homes many times. Most recently he battled cancer. In addition, his wife, Diane, has faced her share of medical troubles and received a kidney transplant.

But through it all Vorlicek kept a keen sense of humor and focused on what was ahead of him on the other side of this life. I always appreciated his insight and the special interest he took in my life, this newspaper, which by the way he loved to read, and my family.

His colorful personality brought joy to many people, including myself. He often was overcome with emotion in sharing intimate details about his life. He also took incredible pride in sharing about his family.

With Vorlicek’s death, a piece of Blooming Prairie has also died. But not before he made an incredible impact on the lives of so many others.

May others learn from his greatness as they go in hot pursuit of carving their path in life.