Gerald A. Franchek, 80

Gerald A. “Gerry” Franchek was born Jan. 25, 1932, in Milwaukee and died of cancer Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012, at his home in Crystal Lake with his family in attendance.

Gerry was employed by the U.S. Postal Service for 29 years and worked out of the North Town Station in Chicago.

Gerry was active in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed his sons’ and grandsons’ baseball and football games and loved watching his grandsons’ hockey games. He also played an active role in the lives of his daughter and granddaughter. Gerry was proud of his children and grandchildren.

Gerry leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Mary L. (Coffer) Franchek; three children, Michael B. Franchek and his wife Patti L. (nee Solberg) of Caves Creek Ariz.; Kenneth J. Franchek and his wife Linda M. (nee Knueer) of Algonquin; and Paula M. Opfer and her husband Timothy of Cary; grandchildren, Shane Franchek of Caves Creek Ariz., Nicholas and Christopher Franchek of Algonquin, Amber Smetana of Cary, Loren Opfer Gregoire (Jonathan) of Arlington Heights, Matthew and Michael Opfer of Cary, and granddaughter by choice Beth Contos of Crystal Lake.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph A. and Mary G. (Begalle) Franchek, and a beloved infant granddaughter, Kelly Lynn Franchek.

His family members wish to extend their thanks and deep appreciation to relatives, friends, and neighbors for their kindness, encouragement, and prayers. Gerry was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be sorely missed.

With deepest appreciation, the family wishes to thank Dr. Apurva Desai, Gerry’s oncologist from Elgin. His kindness, consideration and caring made Gerald’s passing as easy and pain-free as possible.

Memorials may be made in Gerald’s name to Provena Hospice, 799 S. McLean Blvd., Ste. 101, Elgin IL 60123, 847-622-3467.

The people in this organization were a tremendous source of advice and comfort to Gerald’s wife and primary caregiver, Mary. Knowing help was but a phone call away gave her such a sense of security, and she gives her thanks and deep appreciation to all of you.

It was Gerald’s wish to be cremated. The cremation was conducted in a most respectful and dignified manner by of Crystal Lake.

May Gerald rest in peace.