Frank Praznik

Trenary             Frank Praznik, 84, of N2448 ET Road, Trenary, Michigan passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans in Marquette.  Frank was born in Trenary on April 10, 1928, to Frank and Josephine (Mihelich) Praznik.  During Frank's early years, the family spent time in Hibbing, Minnesota, and he felt a special tie to that area.  After the family returned and settled in the Trenary area, he attended Trenary Schools through the eighth grade.  In addition to working on the family farm, he worked at local businesses in the area including Brown's Sawmill, The Creamery and Theatre.  In 1950 Frank was drafted and served his country in the U.S. Army in Korea.  While in service, he was awarded the Bronze Star on two occasions.   On August 30, 1952, he married Margaret "Margie" Laurich and together they raised their four children.  During the 1950's, he worked in Negaunee at the Mather B Mine and in plumbing shops in the Marquette area.  Later he began his career in the dairy industry until his retirement in 1990 from Jilbert Dairy in Marquette.  Frank was a dedicated union member of Teamsters Local 328.  During his retirement, he enjoyed woodworking projects, hunting, and taking a lot of pride in maintaining a large yard and grounds.  He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in sporting events.  Frank enjoyed people and spent his days traveling and visiting his many friends in the Trenary, Chatham, and Eben areas.  His favorite topics were local sports, Tiger baseball, and current events.    When his wife was ill, Frank devoted many years to her care.  She preceded him in death on April 15, 1998 after forty-five years of marriage.  Also preceding him in death were his parents, an infant brother, brother-in-law Frank Debelak, sisters-in-law and husbands Mary and Robert Debelak and Angela and Frank Bartol.   Survivors include his children - Gary Praznik of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, Michael and Kristine Praznik of Trenary, David Praznik of Trenary, and JoAnne and Mark Maki of Marquette; grandchildren - Pam (Tom) Pecard, Mathew (Rachel) Praznik, Ryan Praznik, and Lucas Praznik; great-grandchildren - Britteny Praznik-Holst, Wyatt Praznik, Mia and Oliver Praznik; sister - Josephine Debelak; brother and sister-in-law - Louis and Aili Praznik, sister-in-law and husband Pauline and John Mikulich; and several nieces and nephews.  Friends may call at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 5th.    A Parish Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m.   Services will be held at St. Rita's Parish in Trenary at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 where Frank was a lifelong member.  Father Jacek Wytklo will officiate Frank's funeral Mass.   Escorts will be Frank's grandsons and nephews.  Interment will be in the spring at the Mathias Township Cemetery in Trenary where the Alger County American Legion and Vietnam Veterans Honor Guards will conduct military honors. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of the D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans Facility for the exceptional care provided to Frank.