Frank Rosynek (01-02-12)

Frank Rosynek, 89, was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a kind and generous man. He passed away on Monday, January 2nd, 2012, after a courageous battle with cancer.

His sense of humor and quiet caring will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Frank was born in Chicago, oldest of three brothers and one sister. One of his greatest sources of pride was his service to our country during World War II, serving in the Pacific theatre for three years as a Staff Sergeant to the Colonel in charge of operations. Some of his experiences were recounted in the recent book "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. Frank was very proud of this collaboration and it inspired him to write his own book about his experiences titled "Not Everyone Wore Wings." Frank had a lifelong love of writing and was a wonderful speaker and storyteller. He used these skills in many leadership roles, including his 21 years as a Manager at Rich's Department Store. He was a talented carpenter and a creative problem-solver. But the greatest love of his life was his wife of 65 years, Elsie. They grew up across the street from each other. Through their love and devotion, they were blessed with six daughters, the first three born on St. Patrick's Day in three different years. "An Irishman's Dream" Frank used to say, leading to a huge birthday celebration every year with loud, off-key, and animated renditions of Danish birthday songs. His wife and daughters and their families were happy to join him for his 89th birthday celebration on Friday, December 30th. LYM.

Survivors include his wife, Elsie Godsted Rosynek; six daughters, Sandra Beem, Commerce, Karen Cox, Orlando, Fla., Ellen Khoury, Atlanta, Pam Carter, Jefferson, Mimi Sullivan, Alpharetta, and Katherine Rosynek, Smyrna; along with nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include brothers, Ralph Rosynek, Boynton Beach, Fla., Jack Rosynek, Palm City, Fla., and his sister, Jeannie Ripkey, Boynton Beach, Fla.

He will be interred in a private ceremony at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, GA, on Friday, January 6, at 2 p.m.
Donations can be made in Frank's honor to the Admiral Nimitz Foundation, 328 E. Main St., Fredericksburg, TX 78624, or www.pacificwarmuseum.org/MakeDonation.asp.