Frank J. Gwozdz

With a life that spanned nearly a century, Frank Gwozdz held many things near and dear to his heart, but nothing was more precious than his faith and his family. It was his faith that was his longtime companion and with devotion that was unmatched, Frank selflessly provided for those in his care. In a world where words are often insincere, he was a man of his word whose integrity and strong character provides us all with much to aspire for. Although life will never be the same without Frank here, his friends and family find such comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with the loved ones who have gone before him and is enjoying perfect peace in his eternal home. Life during the early part of the twentieth century was quite similar in some ways to the life we know in America today. We struggled with many of the same issues that plague us today such as immigration and poverty but with unsafe working conditions prevalent from coast to coast, strikes were commonplace in many industries. It was as WWI was escalating overseas that President Woodrow Wilson vowed that America was too proud to fight, but these words would prove to be futile just one year later as the war came to envelop us, too. This same year brought much joy to one family from Detroit, Michigan, since it was on September 23rd that they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. Frank was greeted by his loving parents, John and Mary (Kalman) Gwozdz, and was the second of nine children in his family including his older sister, Virginia, and his younger sisters, Dorothy, Helen, Angeline, Delores, Sally, Mildred, and Delphine. Tragedy struck at an early age for Frank as both of his parents died while he was still a young boy. Like so many Americans, Frank and his sisters did what they could to survive the trying times of the Great Depression throughout the thirties. He collected coal from the railroad yards during this time to provide fuel to heat his home. He was forced to leave school during the fourth grade in order to earn a living and provide for his family. In fact, Franks dedication to his sisters had no equal as he felt that it was his duty to remain single until they were all married and off on their own. Although his formal education was cut short, he taught himself to read and write. During his formative years, Frank came to embrace the Catholic faith that remained engraved upon his heart throughout his entire lifes journey. With a desire to serve his country, Frank joined the Army in 1942. These were the days of WWII and like so many young people of this generation, he set his life aside to fight for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy in America today. After being discharged in 1946, Frank returned to Michigan. Life was forever changed for Frank when he met the woman with whom he would share the best years of his life. Her name was Anna Orlikowski and after falling deeply in love, they became husband and wife on October 20, 1951, in Detroit. Just as he had cared for his own sisters, Frank vowed to his wifes mother that he would care for Annas sister, Irene, in addition to his beloved wife. As a result of this solemn promise, Irene lived with them until her death. Frank and Annas love came full circle when they were blessed with the birth of their son, Tim, in 1953, in Detroit. Family always came first in Franks life. In order to support his family he worked at Packard Motor Car Company and was known for his strong work ethic there. Frank next worked at Ford Motor Co. where after 24 years of dedicated service he retired in 1981. Although much of his time centered on his family, Frank enjoyed many other things. He took great pride in his home and with his natural green thumb, Frank always had a plush garden that boasted of glorious roses. Countless hours were spent tending to his yard and gardens, but they were hours well spent as doing so was always one of Franks favorite things. With his Catholic faith as a cornerstone in his life, Frank was a longtime member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Some of Tim's fondest childhood memories are of he and his dad attending major league sporting events, movies, the Detroit auto shows and the frequent Sunday afternoon drives - a family tradition. Those who knew Frank knew of his artistic side, his love for playing Bingo and gambling, and that he was a true outdoorsman at heart. Later in life, Frank and Anna were delighted to become grandparents. Affectionately called Jatke and Babcie, the Polish names for grandpa and grandma, they treasured spending time with their grandchildren. In 1986, Frank and Anna moved to Cherry Street in Twin Lake in order to be closer to their granddaughters, Debbie and Stacie. The girls always loved it when their grandfather picked them up from school and brought them treats. For the first time in his life, Frank lived on his own following the death of his beloved wife in 1994. He was deeply saddened with the death of Anna, but continued to remain on his own for many years until he fell and broke his hip in 2009 at the age of 92. At that time, Frank moved in with Tim and his wife Jan and grew even closer with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When reflecting on the life of Frank Gwozdz, words such as hardworking, caring, and fun-loving rise to the surface of our minds. However, the word that is interwoven throughout every part of his tapestry of time is sincere. Frank was sincere in both word and deed and never tired of thinking of others instead of himself. He was genuine in his love for others and thought the world of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The memories Frank leaves behind will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of many. Frank J. Gwozdz died on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at home. Franks family includes his son, Timothy (Janice) Gwozdz of Twin Lake; grandchildren, Anastasia (Joshua) Geisler, Deborah (Jeff Ribordy) Gwozdz; great- grandchildren, Bernard Geisler, Matthew Gwozdz, Evan Winsemius, Joshua Geisler Jr., Lilian Geisler, Cadance Geisler; sisters, Delores Faligowski, Sally Stanczak and Delphine Fogelman, all of Detroit. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Anna in 1994. Services will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church with Fr. Antony Britto officiating. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visit with Franks family and friends on Tuesday, 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon and Wednesday, 1 hour prior to the service at the church. MEMORIAL: Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.