Frank ZELASKO

19 JAN 1920 - 22 APR 2008

• BIRTH: 19 JAN 1920, Lydick, IN
• BURIAL: Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Cass, MI
• DEATH: 22 APR 2008, Niles, Berrien, MI

INDEX

[N4609] Birth: Jan. 19, 1920
Lydick
St. Joseph County
Indiana, USA
Death: Apr. 22, 2008
Niles
Berrien County
Michigan, USA

Frank Edward Zelasko
Jan. 19, 1920 - April 22, 2008

BUCHANAN - Frank Edward Zelasko, 88, of Rynearson Road in Buchanan, passed away in the early morning hours on Tuesday, April 22, 2008, in 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 seven 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 WW II as a truck driver. While serving his country, he achieved several awards including EAME Theater Ribbon with 5 bronze stars and 1 bronze arrowhead, the 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 was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 46 years, Patsy; a son, Michael Martin; brothers, Richard Zelasko and Joe (Jannett) Zelasko; and by 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 LaPorte, IN, Christine (Frank) Hicks of Hurricane, UT, Pam (Jerry) White of Anderson, IN, and Maribeth Zelasko of Buchanan; 11 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (with one on the way) and two great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Ann Locsmondy of South Bend, IN. Visitation will be held in Mission Hills Memorial Chapel on Friday, April 25, from 1 to 2 p.m., 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. Donations may be made in Frank's memory to Hospice at Home, Inc., 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services and Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, both of Niles. Published in the South Bend Tribune on 4/24/2008.

Parents:
Alexander Zelasko (1888 - 1974)
Mary R Goverinski Zelasko (1896 - 1993)

Spouse:
Patsy J. Speckine Zelasko (1931 - 2007)*

Burial:
Mission Hills Memorial Gardens
Cassopolis
Cass County
Michigan, USA