Surnames: Zawacki, Storckey, Chmiel, Leppert, Jung, Soltys, Wernke, Johnson, Kobbeman

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) February 11, 2009

Zawacki, Frank H. (5 October 1921 - 1 January 2009) With Flag

Frank H. Zawacki, age 87, of Rockford, IL, died Thursday, January 1, 2009. Frank was born October 5, 1921, in Withee, WI, the son of Stanley and Helen (Storckey) Zawacki. He served during WWII in the Army for four years. He married his loving wife, Ann J. Chmiel, on July 3, 1950. He worked in industrial construction as a millwright, and was a member of the local 792, retiring in 1987.

Frank was a longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church and an active participant in their VIP Senior’s Club, serving as treasurer for many years. He was a member of American Legion Post 1207.

For the last two years, Frank and Ann enjoyed living at the Bickford House, where he met many new friends. Frank was the family’s best baker and also baked desserts for St. Rita’s funeral luncheons and Lenten fish fries. He volunteered at St. Elizabeth’s Community Center soup kitchen. He enjoyed his family, his 1952 restored Buick, and his boat. His hobbies included gardening, playing cards, doing puzzles, fishing, hunting, and woodworking.

Frank is survived by his wife, Ann; his cherished daughters, Alice Leppert-Jung (Marling Jung) of Madison, WI; and Donna Soltys (Dr. Brian) of Rockford; grandchildren: Doug and Brent Soltys, and Abby and Brian Jung (step-grandson). He is also survived by his sisters: Julie Wernke (Fred) of Mainville, OH, and Jeanette Johnson (Russ) of Marshfield, WI; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Joe Zawacki (Lorraine) of Withee.

A funeral Mass was said on Saturday, January 10, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr., with Monsignor Gerald P. Kobbeman officiating. Inurnment was in Arlington Memorial Park. Visitation was from 9:30 until time of Mass in the church.

In lieu of flowers, send memorials to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home assisted the family. Extend online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.