Frederick "Fred" S. Orlowske

Frederick S. “Fred” Orlowske, age 74, of Winona, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the Mayo Clinic Hospital – St. Mary’s Campus in Rochester, MN.

He was born on October 16, 1951, in Winona, to Joseph and Virginia (Snyder) Orlowske, and was a graduate of Winona High School. Following high school, Fred entered the United States Navy in 1969, where he honorably served in various posts for 26 years, retiring in 1995 with the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer. While serving in Italy, Fred met his wife, Maria ‘Mariella” Caponetto, and they were married in Lentini, Italy, on July 11, 1987.

Fred and Mariella returned to Winona in 1995, where Fred was employed with Fastenal until retiring in 2014. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.

He will be remembered for his love of electronics, listening to music – especially vinyl records, hard rock, and riding his motorcycle. As a proud veteran, Fred volunteered countless hours with the VFW, promoting the Veterans Memorial Park, and assisting other veterans as a service officer. Fred loved learning, and when he returned to Winona, he completed his associate’s degree at Winona State and continued taking classes to work towards his bachelor’s degree.

Fred’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he especially cherished the time that he spent with his children and grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him the most.

Fred is lovingly survived by his wife, Mariella; children: Joe (Anna) Orlowske and Fredericka “Kiki” Orlowske; grandchildren: Ellie, Jack, and Rosie; brother: Mike (Kay) Orlowske; as well as several nieces, and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Joseph Orlowske.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 AM on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Winona. Fr. Russell Scepaniak and Deacon Bill Keiper will officiate.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, where the Veterans of Foreign Wars Neville-Lien Post 1287 of Winona will provide military honors.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 2 PM until 5 PM, where Deacon Keiper will lead a Prayer service at 4:30 PM. There will not be any visitation held on Monday, please meet at the church for the Mass.

The family respectfully requests that memorials be directed to the Winona Veterans Memorial Park.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Fred’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.