Obituaries

December 2, 1932 to June 19, 2013

WINAMAC - Richard Franko, 80, Winamac (formerly of Chicago and Fontana, CA), passed away Wednesday, June 19, at his home in Winamac.

He was born Dec. 2, 1932 in Chicago to the late Joseph and Mary Hochevar Franko.
He is survived by:
Many Nieces and Nephews
Edith Michielsen, Winamac, Companion

Preceded in death by:
Joseph "Joe" (Josephine) Franko, Brother & Sister-in-law
Edward (Molly) Franko, Brother & Sister-in-law
Marie (Louis) Kukman, Sister & Brother-in-law
Virginia (Thomas) Langbeen, Sister & Brother-in-law
Frances (Steve) Kasperzyk, Sister & Brother-in-law
Raymond W. (Mary) Franko, Brother & Sister-in-law
Lawrence Franko, Brother
Albert "Skip" Franko, Brother
2 Nieces

Mr. Franko grew up on the East Side of Chicago. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. When he returned from Korea, he moved to Fontana with his family. He served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves. While living in California, he worked at Kaiser Steel. He retired from the steel mill and went to work for the Fontana School District. He retired from the school in 1994 and moved to Winamac in 1995. He enjoyed living in Winamac very much.

Mr. Franko was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #748 in Knox, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #220 in Chicago. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Winamac. He was a member of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Winamac. He was a caring and generous man. He acted as a caretaker for many family members over the years. "Uncle Rich" will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m., Sunday, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac. A funeral mass will be at 10 a.m., Monday (June 24), at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Winamac, with Rev. Ambrose Ziegler officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery, Winamac. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project or Knox VFW.