Date of Birth: September 26, 1926
Date of Death: October 11, 2017
Frank was born on Sept. 12, 1926, in Mokoszyce, Poland. At the age of 24, he journeyed across the Atlantic to a land unknown in search of a new and better life.
Frank’s adventure started in Liverpool, England, when he boarded the steamship S.S. Franconia destined for Canada. After weeks at sea, the ship arrived in May 1950 in Quebec City. With his ultimate destination a sponsor family on the prairies, Frank finally settled in the Ituna area working as a hired farmhand and then as a section man with the Canadian National Railways, where he enjoyed a 30-year career. He retired on July 9, 1982.
On Sept. 4, 1965, Frank married Helen and her family of five beautiful children, embarking on a marriage of 52 years. They welcomed a son, Richard, to the family in 1966. As a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Frank’s unwavering love and commitment to family continued to be a central focus throughout his life. He shared his love of the outdoors and enjoyed gardening, farming, fishing and the great game of hockey.
Frank was predeceased by his father, Frank; mother, Maria; brothers, Alphonse, Edward and Bernard; son-in-law, Les Popiuk; and grandson, Scott Broshko.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Helen; sister, Gertrude; children, Cecile, David (Donna), Dennis (Lorece), Cindy (Tim), Yvonne (Dave) and Richard (Kim); 12 grandchildren, Cory, Krista (Chris), Nicole (Mike), Kari (Troy), Claire (Ayal), Spencer, Brittany, Jessica, Morgan, Brendan, Cole and Ethan; as well as eight great-grandchildren, Ryker, Ashton, Terin, Ryder, Ruby, Ethan, Sofia and Keaton. Frank will be missed by all, and his memory will live with us forever.
As we mourn the loss of the man who inspired our family, we would like to take the opportunity to thank Dr. Eshawesh, the health care professionals at St. Peter’s Hospital and all the staff at St. Paul Lutheran Home for their kindness, compassionate care and support.
A vigil service was held Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, with the
Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa, OMI, presiding, and Richard Libner gave the eulogy. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Father Sowa on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017, at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville. The cross bearer was Brittany Jones, and the readers were Claire Levi, Morgan Rohatynsky and Nicole Popiuk. The music was led by Naomi Kapitoler, and Sister Teresa Kreiser served as Eucharistic minister. Interment followed in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery with Brendan Libner, Ethan Libner, Cole Libner, Kari Schwab, Cory Popiuk, Krista McLeod, Jessica Rohatynsky and Brittany Jones acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
