REFLECTIONS

“God, get me out of here.” 

That is the plea of former Blooming Prairie teacher and businessman Frank Vorlicek at the Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie. Vorlicek has been a resident since January, and his bravado has been a staple for many of his friends and family members.

He'll soon get his wish. He said he will remain a resident of Prairie Manor to the end of September.

Vorlicek learned on Aug. 18 that he is cancer-free. This accomplishment earned the 225-pound, bearded gentleman the right to ring the bell at the Mayo Clinic Oncology Center. 

“I didn’t ring it two or three times, I rang the target five or six times,” said an elated Vorlicek, who was coached by his always dedicated wife, Diane. She has also battled cancer.

The Vorliceks have been married for 58 years.

Vorlicek was born and raised in Silver Lake, 45 miles west of Minneapolis. What drew Vorlicek to Blooming Prairie? It was the open arms of Superintendent McFarlin and Principal LeMar Nelson. Those two leaders interviewed Vorlicek and offered him a teaching job in Social Studies and English. 

“With athletics being emphasized in Blooming Prairie, many thought I was going to be a coach.  I went to Blooming Prairie to be a teacher, not a coach,” Vorlicek said. 

He did eventually fill that role; however, coaching the high school One Act Play and directing many school plays.

Vorlicek taught 32 years in the Blooming Prairie school system. He also taught five years at Austin Pacelli High School, a Catholic School. 

“I got fired,” Vorlicek said – actually, he was part of educational cutbacks affecting private and public schools. 

Politics continue to be an interest to Vorlicek. He has never run for political office but always continues to follow the political news on the local, state, national, and world scene. Vorlicek has participated in local caucuses. He also invited politicians to come and speak to his Social Studies classes.

Vorlicek, a dedicated devout Catholic, said he cried when he heard that an American was chosen Pope.

Vorlicek has nothing but praise for the Mayo Clinic doctors, nurses and other medical specialists.  “It feels so good to ring the bell,” said Vorlicek. He said his faith will bring him through his cancer scare. “I have had nothing but trouble since I retired from teaching.”