Mr. Frank Joseph Stanitzek

Frank Joseph Stanitzek was embraced in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, October 12, at the age of 84, surrounded by loved ones. Frank was preceded in death by his grandson, Michael Cox. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Margaret (Peggy) Stanitzek and their eight children: Katie (Ric) Rau, Karen (Mark) Cox, Frank (Lynn) Stanitzek, Mary (Rich) Darcy, Fritz (Patti) Stanitzek, John (Anne) Stanitzek, Molly Stanitzek, and Patty (Mike) Joynt; his dear 17 grandchildren: Mario (Toya) Stanitzek, Joe (Kim) Stanitzek, Tara (Spencer) Boorsma, Jenna Darcy (fiance, Chris Gregory), Nathan Darcy, Bryan (Julie) Cox, Kailey Cox, Megan Stanitzek, Natalie (Ryan) Busch, Mitchell Stanitzek, Anissa Stanitzek, Ashley Stanitzek, Miles Wilkes, Liza Wilkes, Eloise Jones, Evelyn Joynt and Lyla Joynt; and his precious great-grandchildren: Elijah, Ella, and Ethan Stanitzek; Isaiah and Oliver Stanitzek, Kyler Cox, and Sylvia Boorsma. He is also survived by his sister, Marian Stanitzek and brother, Karl (Sue) Stanitzek, and many dear lifelong friends. He was born July 25, 1935, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to German and Polish immigrants who instilled in him the value of hard work, gratitude, faith, and family. He attended Catholic Central High School, where the padre assigned him the name Francis, a saint name that appears, as a result, on his high school and college diploma. His high school friends knew him as Monk. As an All-American football player, he received a full scholarship to the University of Notre Dame, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Business and Marketing, while living his dream of playing football for the Irish. He received strength through daily prayers at the Grotto. After graduating from Notre Dame in 1957, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Peggy Rademacher. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where they both attended grade school. Frank served in ROTC in college and for a short period in the US Army. At the age of 23, he took over the family business-- Frank’s Meat Market, on the Westside of Grand Rapids. He owned and operated the market for 37 years, and was known for making the best fresh kielbasa in town and other old-world recipes. After retiring and passing the heritage of the family business to his sons, they spent the next 15 winters in Florida. He absolutely loved to bike and swim. He also enjoyed his time as a special education teacher substitute for the Grand Rapids Public Schools. Frank continued to serve and connect with his community as an usher and parishioner of Holy Spirit Catholic Church for the last 47 years. He was also a coach and sports enthusiast for his many children and grandchildren. In 2017, Frank was inducted in the Catholic Central Athletic Hall of Fame. He was a proud member of the Notre Dame Monogram Club for 62 years. Despite his many accolades, he remained very humble and grateful. He was famous for being a great story-teller who made everyone feel welcomed and valued. With his infectious laugh and memorable one-liners, he instantly warmed a room and captured the hearts of many. He was a good and faithful servant. His legacy will endure forever. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 18 at 11AM at Holy Spirit Church where he will repose one hour prior. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, October 17 from 2PM to 4PM and 7PM to 9PM at Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW. A vigil service will be held Thursday at 8:30pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests sending memorial contributions to the Frank J Stanitzek Endowed Scholarship fund for Catholic Central High School. The family would like to thank the staff at Faith Hospice for their loving care these last 5 weeks.

Tributes

Mr. Frank Joseph Stanitzek

July 24, 1935 - October 12, 2019