Frank Sopicki

Frank Walter Sopicki, age 87, of LaFollette Twp., WI, passed away Friday evening, November 6, 2015. Frank was born in Chicago, IL, on February 25, 1928, a son of the late John G. and Sophia (Mruczek) Sopicki. He attended public schools in Chicago. Frank enlisted and entered active military service in the U.S. Army on June 18, 1946, and was honorably discharged on April 17, 1948. Primarily stationed in Korea, he was awarded the World War II Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal Japan. On June 7, 1952, Frank was united in marriage to Phyllis Mae Smith at the First Methodist Church of Irving Park. He was employed 50 years at “Z” Frank Chevrolet, a major dealership in the Chicago area. He was a member of Auto Mechanics Union local lodge 701, part of the IAMAW, and is the largest mechanics union in the United States. After retiring on October 30, 1990, Frank and Phyllis moved to the Webster area. He became associated with Larson Chevrolet in Frederic, WI, and also worked on vehicles at his private garage. Besides his love for automobiles, Frank enjoyed gardening, receiving a great deal of pleasure and self satisfaction. Frank and Phyllis had been members of First Methodist Church, Irving Park, and later became members of First United Methodist Church, Park Ridge, IL, where Frank was an active usher. They also enjoyed spending time at the Methodist Campgrounds in Des Plaines, IL. Frank and Phyllis are currently members of Lakeview United Methodist Church, on County Road X, south of Hertel, WI. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Sophia Sopicki; brothers, Bill (Sylvia) and John Sopicki; sisters: Vickie (Charles) Baran, Helen (Stanley) Jarecki, and Mary Sopicki; and a niece, Tina Baran. Frank is survived by Phyllis, his wife of 63 years; a son, Phillip (Valda) Sopicki; a daughter, Lori (William) Wixted; grandchildren, Gregory Wixted and Kelly Anne (Troy) Klatt; nephews, Charles and Don Baran; as well as other nieces and nephews. The memorial service honoring the life of Frank Sopicki will be conducted at 12:00 pm (visitation 11:00 to 12:00 pm), Thursday, November 12, 2015, at Lakeview United Methodist Church with Pastor Jack Starr officiating. The service will conclude with full military honors. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service. Arrangements have been entrusted with Swedberg-Taylor Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Siren, WI. Online condolences may be expressed at www.swedberg-taylor.com.