Andrew A. Shimek

Andrew A. Shimek was welcomed into the Lords loving arms on January 13, 2022 surrounded by his family .Born Alfred Shimek, Andrew Shimek was born in Grimms, Wisconsin on February 20, 1931 the 7th of 10 children of the late Albert and Mary (Stradal) Shimek. He is survived by his wife Claire (Matthews), step sons Mark Corrigan and his wife Joanna of Sterling, Robert Corrigan and his wife Michelle of Lunenburg, and daughter Christina Rosa and her husband Joseph of Winchendon. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Mark Jr., Chelsea, Blake, Christian, Mitchell, Brett, Alyssa, Gianna, Gabriella, and Joseph; 4 great-grandchildren: Arianna, Morgan, Charlotte and Ny’lah. He is preceded in death by his step daughter Elizabeth Bergquist of Fisher’s Island, NY, his sisters Mary Thompson, Kathryn Braun, Sylvia Zipperer, Dorothy O’Neal, Mabel Bodart, Paul Shimek, Henry Shimek, Milton Shimek, and Albert Shimek all of Wisconsin.

Andrew was a member of the Salvatorian Fathers for 25 years. He attended Catholic University in Washington D.C. After ordination to the priesthood, he spent 9 years in Tanzania, Africa as a missionary. He retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years as a Lt Colonel where he earned and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service medals, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After leaving the priesthood he married his wife Claire and remained active at Our Lady of the Lake Church. He worked at Central Carriers in Leominster for 9 years.

Andrew remained active mentally and physically for as long as he could. He loved being outdoors, doing jumble puzzles, watching game shows and football but most of all spending time with his family especially his grandchildren.

His family wishes to thank the amazing staff at the Care Central VNA & Hospice in Gardner for their compassion, guidance and support.

Hi funeral will be held on Friday January 21,2022 with a Mass of Christian Burial @11a.m. in Our Lady of The Lake Church, 1400 Main St. Leominster, MA with Interment  to follow with full Military Honors in Massachusetts Veteran’s Cemetery-Winchendon, MA @ 1p.m. . A calling hour will be held prior to the Mass at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30a.m. and all are welcome to attend. Wearing a mask  to attend is suggested at his family’s request.  

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Our Lady of the Lake 1400 Main Street Leominster, MA 01453. The Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home 99 Summer St. Fitchburg is directing. Michael S. Alario  - Director – Owner.

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