Frank Switalski, 94, of Gaylord and Taylor Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020.
He was born on January 1, 1926, to Frank and Sabina (Jaruzel) Switalski and raised on the family farm in Gaylord until moving downstate where he found work as a talented plasterer. Despite relocating to Taylor, Frank and his family continued to spend a great portion of their lives ‘Up North’ at the family cottage on Manuka Lake. He and his wife Rose built a beautiful life together that was centered around their family and their faith, within both the Gaylord Catholic Community and Our Lady of the Angels Community in Taylor.
Frank, who was also known as “Hoover” to friends and family, enjoyed travel, especially throughout Michigan (including the Upper Peninsula). He was not just a sightseer but also enjoyed participating in activities such as deer hunting, the annual Run & Walk around Mackinac Island, restoration of the St. Helena Lighthouse, and stopping at casinos to test his luck. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by family, with whom he would frequently share colorful and imaginative tales.
For the last several years, Frank resided at The Brook in Gaylord where he received excellent and compassionate support, made numerous friends, and enjoyed overlooking Huntley’s Park, a favorite spot for adventures during his younger days.
He is survived by his children, Joan Leinbach, Jeanette (Ken) Gawkowski, Chip (Kris) Switalski, Marilynn Hammond, Tom (Wendy) Switalski, Jerry (Lynn) Switalski, and Therese “Terri” McKay; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Julia “Julie” Prusakiewicz, Lucille “Lucy” Dombkowski, Stanley “Styke” (Anne) Switalski; and brother and sisters-in-law, Virgil (Kathy) Dreffs, Polly Switalski, Marcia “Marcie” Goosen and Shirley Dreffs.
Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Rose; his parents; and numerous siblings and siblings-in-law.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord.
Visitation will be held at St. Mary Cathedral on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at 12:00 p.m.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
8 comments on “Francis “Frank” Switalski”
Prayers for his children and grandchildren. Gone but never forgotten. I always enjoyed deer hunting with Uncle Hoover.
Gerry and Lynn,
Reaching out to you to extend our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers for comfort are with you.
Rick and Bernadette
Great, Proud, Polish, Family with many traditions. We are sorry for your loss Jerry and Lynn. Thoughts and Prayers are with you during these disruptive times.
Love Mark and Leah
My deepest sympathy to the family! I always enjoyed seeing Uncle Hoover and Auntie Rosie at all the Switalski events growing up. I know my grandma loved having him back in Gaylord. She will miss her card games. I truly enjoyed his stories! Prayers and hugs to the family- with deepest sympathy- Janet ( Diane Wiechec’s Daughter)
My heart goes out to the family. Sharing in your sadness as we remember Uncle Hoover. I will always remember our visits at family gatherings and grandma’s. Especially enjoyed breakfast with him and Aunt Rosie at the Holiday Inn with my family. Where they shared stories of their travel and family. He was a warm and kind hearted soul. Always reminded me of my grandma. I know she will miss her card and casino buddy. Thoughts and prayers to the family. We are sorry for your loss. With Love ~ Christie Gonzales & Family (Dolores Erndt daughter)
I enjoyed his “colorful and imaginative stories” during deer season. He will be missed.
Dear Switalski Family, When my husband, George and I lived at The Brook in Gaylord before moving to The Brook here in Gladwin, George played Pinochle with your dad and 2 others. Your dad would beat him but he enjoyed Frank very much. May he rest in peace with your dear Mom.
That was a lovely funeral mass. At our house we also called him Uncle Fran! Just to add another name😉 I always enjoyed piling in the station wagon and going to Uncle Fran and Rosie’s house. Mom and Dad would play pinochle with them. and us kids would get to play with our cousins! Then the opposite would happen, they would stop by our house and the same thing would happen. I remember when we put an addition on our house and Uncle Fran did the plastering! I was 7 and enjoyed watching and sometimes I got to help stir it up!!! I remember going on vacation to Grandpa Dreffs house in Joburg and we would always go to the cottage to visit with Uncle Fran and Aunt Rosie. We always had a great time. The last time I was on vacation in Gaylord, we went to see Uncle Fran and Aunt Rosie at The Brook. Of course, Uncle Fran wanted to play pinochle. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time. Love and hugs to you all. 💖🤗🙏 Love, Sue