George Franzak - Obituary

eorge Francis Franzak, Sr. died on July 29, 2008 in Annapolis, MD. He was a 13 year resident of Heritage Harbour. Mr. Franzak was born November 12, 1927, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to the late Sophie and Joseph Franszczak. He served in the U.S.M.C. from 1945-1951 in Tang Ku and Peking, China; Guam, Camp LeJeune, N.C., Headquarters U.S.M.C. Washington, D.C. where he met and married his wife, Anne. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, American Defense Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, China Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal with Palm. After his discharge from the U.S.M.C., he and his wife returned to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he was employed in the Data Processing Department, at A. O. Smith Corporation. He attended night school at the University of Wisconsin and Spencerian Business College. In 1959, he was offered a position with IBM Corporation in Washington, D.C. where he worked at the Education Center and Data Center. In 1975, he was awarded the IBM Service Award. He retired from IBM in 1984 to begin a new career in the travel industry where he worked as a Travel Agent and Manager. In 1988, he began competing in the Maryland Senior Olympics. He won 33 gold, 32 silver and 14 bronze medals in Shot Put, Javelin, and his best sport, swimming. He competed in the National Senior Olympics at Baton Rouge, La; Orlando, FI; Tucson, AZ; San Antonio, TX; Norfolk, VA; and Pittsburgh, P A. During his lifetime, he was an active volunteer in many organizations: Cub master for Boy Scouts of America, basketball coach for St. Joseph's CYO, PTA Treasurer, Helping Hands, Usher at S10 Joseph's Church, Beltsville, and until recently a driver for Caring Network in Heritage Harbour. He was a 14 year volunteer at the Smithsonian Postal Museum. His many hobbies and interests included stamp collecting, gardening, woodworking, traveling. He was a lifelong fan of the Green Bay Packers and the University of Maryland Football and Basketball Teams. He was a member of the Marine Corps League, Annapolis Stamp Club, Knights of Columbus, Fleet Reserve Club, and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Crofton. His survivors include his wife of 57 years, Frances Anne, and six children, Dianne Jimmink of Bowie, MD, Scott Franzak of Mechanicsville, MD, Joyce Cox of Bowie, MD, Joseph Franzak of Jefferson, MD, Mary Ellen Howell of Mt. Airy, MD and George (Chip) Franzak of Damascus, MD; thirteen grandchildren, his sister, Betty Heger of Milwaukee, WI; brother Leroy Franszczak of King, WI; four nieces and four nephews in Wisconsin. Friends are invited to George's Life Celebration on Friday, August 1 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the George P. Kalas Funeral Home, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Saturday, August 2 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1800 Seton Drive, Crofton, MD. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor, 601 Maiden Choice Lane, Baltimore, MD 21228 or Hospice of the Chesapeake 445 Defense Highway Annapolis, MD 21401.