Frank S. Zielinski
March 26, 2016
Frank Stephen Zielinski, affectionately known by many as "Fritz" or "Fritzy," 72, of Bay City, our hilarious, passionate, and caring husband, dad, grandpa, papa, brother, uncle, and friend was born in eternal life on the morning of Saturday, March 26, 2016 at McLaren Bay Region with his family by his side. Fritz was born in Bay City on December 17, 1943, the son of the late Aloysius and Mary (Sniecinski) Zielinski. He attended St. Stanislaus Elementary and High School and while at a dance club near State Park, he met the former Phyllis Anne Homant. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 2, 1967. Fritz was known for his excellent and meticulous work ethic and worked at Midland Contracting, Linwood Tool, and Cambron Tool. He retired from General Motors (Saginaw Steering Gear). Fritz was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of Corpus Christi Parish (St. Hedwig Church). In his free time, Fritz enjoyed hunting, fishing anywhere possible, golfing, bowling, trapping, trail riding, camping, and spending time at Mid Forest Lodge. Known for his knack with gadgets, Fritz was excellent at making fishing lures and designing all types of helpful contraptions. Fritz also enjoyed spending time at Sand Lake, Pulaski Hall, and was a member of the Crump Fox Club. Throughout life, he received two master angler fishing awards, and caught the second largest brook trout in the State of Michigan. He received many golfing and bowling awards, and even had a 300 bowling game. Fritz was also the recipient of the Archery Buck of the Year Award (Mid Forest Lodge). He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of forty-eight years, Phyllis and their children, Stephen (Jennifer) Zielinski, Victoria (Adam) Funk, Amanda (Andrew) Werling, and Lance Zielinski. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Alek and Branden Zielinski, Leah, Anna, and Gabriella Funk, and Phillip Werling. Also surviving are Fritz's siblings, Mary Jane Sigelko, Jeanette Wolcott, Aloysius "Jim" Zielinski, Nancy (Mike) Nowak, John "Jack" (JoAnne) Zielinski; in-laws, Marjorie (Michael) Sheridan, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to his parents, Fritz was welcomed home to heaven by his father and mother-in-law, Victor and Anne (Boyk) Homant; in-laws, Ben Sigelko, Kathleen Zielinski, James Wolcott, and niece, Karen Martin. Fritz's family will be present to receive visitors on Friday, April 1, 2016 from 9:00 AM until the time of his 10:00 AM Memorial Liturgy at Corpus Christi Parish (St. Hedwig Church), 601 W. Pearl St., Bay City. Fr. Kevin Kerbawy will officiate with the Rite of Committal to be held at 1:00 PM in Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to The Down Syndrome Guild of Southeast Michigan. Final arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.
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dear phyllis and family, larry and i are sincerely sorry for your loss, and that we can’t be there at this difficult time. we want you to know our prayers are with you, God bless. larry & janice nash
Gosh, I have so many fun memories of dad. As much as I hate the cold, ice fishing is one of my fondest memories. Cleaning smelt in the basement, loading wood, and looking for rocks were some of the unique chores we did. I loved hearing him sing in church, to the radio, or just a random Elvis song. He will be greatly missed
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your faith and know that your Dad will always be with you.
During times like this, it is often hard to know exactly what to say or think. I just wanted to share some words from a song that I find comforting. The name of the song is: The
Meditation of My Heart.
Whatever things are chaste and true,
Whatever virtue there may be,
Whatever things well spoken of-
May thoughts of these bring peace to me.
How precious are Your Thoughts, O God!
Beyond all counting is Their Sum.
So may I ponder Your Own Words,
Absorbed in them may I become.
Psalm 19:14
There were so many memorable moments with my dad. Thanks to him I learned how to be a hardworker and devoted person. He lived for the outdoors and taught me how to fish, garden and skin a muskrat!!!! My daughters (his grand daughters) didn’t know him how I did, but they sure did love visiting him and sitting on his lap. I am sure he is looking down on us, and smiling. I love you DAD.
I have so many fun memories of dad. As much as I hate the cold, ice fishing was one of my most fond memories. Cleaning smelt in the basement, loading wood, and rock picking were some of the unique chores we did. I loved hearing him sing in church, to the radio, or even a random Elvis song. He will be missed.
Dad gave me tools to fill my belt with, tools that not everyone has the opportunity to acquire. If I were to go hungry I know how to hunt, fish, grow crops, pick black berries and wild mushrooms. If I were to go cold I know how to cut firewood, trap fur for clothing and construct shelter. If I were to go thirsty……he would probably tell me just to grab a Budweiser from the fridge. He is in a better place and will be missed.
Lovely One Spathiphyllum Plant was purchased for the family of Frank “Fritz” S. Zielinski.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Frank “Fritz” S. Zielinski.
Well said lz.
Where to start…Dad provided some wonderful memories for us, from fishing in a boat or on a block of ice to hunting whitetails, pheasants, ducks and squirrels. Even just riding around looking for deer in the back of the truck are memories that I will cherish forever. His passion for the outdoors lives within me to this day. His love for gardening is the reason why I garden. His strong faith while we were growing up is why we have a very strong faith along with family. I’ll never forget him telling me “don’t forget to say your rosary” when he’d drop me off at my deer blind. We’d make sure to find a church for Sunday mass wherever we were. He gave us everlasting gifts that we didn’t realize were gifts at the time, but they made me who I am today. He was the “Z” for countless reasons and will be missed.