Frank Sobczak

Frank A. Sobczak was a loving husband, devoted father and grandfather who held to strong values and deep commitments. He was dedicated to his family, his work, his community and his country. In simple yet profound ways, Frank lived his 89 years with honor and dignity.

Frank was born on July 16, 1918 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, during a decade of advancement and struggle. While the moving assembly line increased America’s ability to produce goods, workers united to gain fair labor practices. The United States was advancing as a world power and heavily engaged in WW I, the war that was meant to “end all wars.” Yet Frank and his two older brothers, Walter and Stanley, and his younger sister Doris grew up secure in the family home on Hovey Street SW in the parish of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. The strength of the community—faith, family, and friendships—remained with Frank his entire life.

Frank attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School during his elementary years and then Davis Tech, where he played high school football. Those were the years that he also dated a lovely young woman by the name of Bernadette Hansknecht. Frank had met her in his early teens, but Bernadette’s father only allowed them to date once she turned 18. By then, Frank had already left school after the 10th grade to take his first a job as a taxi driver. He worked for the Yellow Cab Company until he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He took up his duties on March 25, 1942, but not before he and Bernadette were married two months earlier. They made their vows on January 10, 1942 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where she was a member. They were separated for over two years, yet their love and commitment remained strong.

During WWII, Frank served in the 6th Armored Division—Gen. Patton’s Division—as a tank and truck driver. Ironically, he was injured on the eve of D-Day in June of 1944 in England while, at the same time, he celebrated the end of a devastating world war. Frank was honorably discharged on December 6th of that same year. What a Christmas gift to finally be home with his bride!

The happy couple set up housekeeping in an apartment on Alpine Avenue NW in Grand Rapids, and Frank began working at Williams Forms, a steel fabrication company. Later, he got a job as a welder with Kelvinator Incorporated and stayed with the company the remainder of his career. Over the years, Bernadette also worked full time in her job at Lear Siegler. They were financially well prepared to raise a family.

In the 1950s, Frank and Bernadette moved to Watson SW, which became home to four children: Michelle was born in April of 1955, Paula in December 1956, Gary in January 1958 and Joe in April 1960. Growing up, they had fond memories of swimming at Meyers Lake in the summer and even of walking to school. All four kids attended Sacred Heart of Jesus School, just two blocks from their home, and went to either West Catholic High School or Union High School. The same faith community that had nurtured Frank, witnessed each child’s baptism and first holy communion.

The church and Polish community were a solid part of Frank’s life. Traditions included membership in Laddies Hall (St. Ladislaus’ Aid Society) and enjoying such foods as keilbase, golumbki, kapusta, breaded pork chops, pierogi’s and all Polish delicacies. Each Sunday afternoon Frank could be found listening to Jasiu Whitcomb on the radio during broadcasts of Polka Time.

Also around home, Frank liked to watch Dallas and Knott’s Landing on TV and most often tuned-in to Detroit football and baseball games. Frank was a fan of the Lions and Tigers, who in mid-2000 finally gave him something to cheer about. In his backyard, Frank was Mr. Mechanic, tinkering with the car and teaching his sons a thing or two about automobiles.

When Frank was 62, he retired from Kelvinator, and after more than 30 years of service to Lear Siegler, Bernadette also retired. By then, they were able to revel in their role as grandparents. The two of them always enjoyed visits with their grandkids.

Family became especially important to Frank when his beloved Bernadette died of lung cancer on March 14, 2001, following a lingering illness. After 59 years of a wonderful life with his wife, Frank was heart-broken. It was his loving family and strong faith that sustained him.

Frank lived at his Watson home until he fell and broke a hip on October 25, 2007. He underwent surgery and rehabilitation, but his health had been severely diminished in the ordeal. Frank moved to the community at Covenant Village of the Great Lakes. But his failing health, hearing and vision became too much of an impediment to living alone. He developed pneumonia and was taken to Spectrum Health - Butterworth Hospital on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. He died on Tuesday April 1, 2008 at 10:26 AM, with his son Joe and daughter-in-law Patty by his side.

Frank dearly loved his family. He was dedicated to them and had always worked hard to support them. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by them all.

Mr. Frank A. Sobczak is survived by his children, Michelle Sobczak, Paula (Tom) Middendorp, Gerard Sobczak and Joseph (Patricia) Sobczak; his grandchildren, Jerry (Christina) Kragt, Jennifer (Sonny) Pickett, Cassidy (Richard) Smith, Christopher Childs, Gerard A. Sobczak Jr., Sarah Ann Sobczak, Mike Childs, Richard Childs, Jeremy Obetts, Joseph (April) Sobczak, Audra Sobczak, Steven Sobczak; great grandchildren, Danielle Pickett, Dylon Shearer, Richard Smith, Collin, Tylor and Veronica Sobczak, Jace and Alexis Kragt; his brother-in-law, Frank Hansknecht; niece, Frieda Klocko; other nieces nephews and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning at 10:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church with procession to Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family on Friday from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00 PM with a scripture service at 7:00 PM, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. To leave a memory of Frank or to sign his guest book, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com