Obituary of Frank Zelasko

Frank Edward Zelasko January 19, 1920 April 22, 2008 Frank Edward Zelasko, 88, of Rynearson Road in Buchanan passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at Lakeland Hospital of Niles. Frank was born on January 19, 1920 to the late Alexander and Mary (Goverinski) Zelasko in Lydick, Indiana. Frank grew up as one of 7 children in the Zelasko household. After attending high school in South Bend Frank, joined the military. He proudly served in the United States Army during WWII as a truck driver. While serving his country, he achieved several awards including EAME Theater Ribbon with 5 Bronze Stars and 1 Bronze Arrow Head, Purple Heart, and a Distinguished Unit Citation. After all of his hard work in the Army, Frank left as a Sergeant with his head held high and went to find work in the civilian world. Frank continued as a truck driver for several different companies. He never could slow down and age was no factor for him. He was always working, no matter what. In 1960 he began working at West Motor Sales as Service Manager. On April 17, 1961 Frank wed the love of his life, Patsy Speckine, at a ceremony in Niles. They soon headed West with their children for a few years, then returned to his same position at West Motor Sales until they closed. In 1978 Frank completed his GED from Brandywine High School at the age of 58. Frank worked at Gelco, Whiteford Lease, and even as a claims adjuster for a period of time. He then became Camp Manager at Roger's Lake Campground and at a fishing camp in Canada. He also managed the apartments where he lived in Scottville, Michigan. At the wonderful age of 82 he finally decided to retire. After a year of fun with his wife, he decided to move to Buchanan. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 46 years, Patsy, Son Michael Martin, Brothers Richard Zelasko and Joe (Jannett) Zelasko, Sisters Alice Kowalski, Rose Laskowski and Agnes Niebalski. Frank is survived by Son Frank (Penny) Zelasko, Jr. of Buchanan, MI, Daughters Kathleen (Bill) Shearer of Grand Junction, MI, Karen (Larry) Salzwedel of La Porte, IN, Christine (Frank) Hicks of Hurricane, UT, Pam (Jerry) White of Anderson, IN and Maribeth Zelasko of Buchanan, 11 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren with one on the way, 2 great-great-grandchildren and Sister Ann Locsmondy of South Bend, IN. Visitation will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel on Friday, April 25, 2008 from 1to 2 with his funeral immediately following at 2 p.m. Frank has been cremated and will be interred next to his loving wife Patsy. Pastor Tom Fox will be officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services and Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, both of Niles.