Gladstone, MI
Francis “Skip” Fryczynski Of Gladstone passed away peacefully with his family and friends on February 6th, 2015.
Born on the fourth of July, 1948, Skip leaves a lasting legacy of 39 years of teaching English and Automotive at Gladstone High School. He was very well known and loved. A natural people person, with a broad smile, quick mind and keen sense of humor, he instantly connected with anyone and everyone he met. He also loved his hobbies, martial arts, collecting historical guns , and especially restoring antique cars. “He could take nothing and ingenuously build it into something.” But mostly, he was a loving husband and devoted father and family man. “We couldn’t have asked for a better Dad or brother. He was our hero.”
He was preceded in death by his wife Berniece and his parents Francis and Jean Fryczynski.
He is survived by his wife Dianne Dunning Fryczynski, and sons Jeffery (Jodi) of Osh Kosh WI, and Jeremy & fiance Ellie Schatz of Gladstone, Mi.: grand children Somer and Jeffery Jr. brothers David, Doug, Gary (Julie) Bob (Dorinda) of Petoskey, and sister Nancy & fiance Steve Papageorge of New York: step chidren Terra & Mark Stenberg, DeAnna & Bill Carlson, Angela & Jim Stevens, and Amanda Bennett; Aunts Kay Taylor and Bev Ford and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 12 from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 6:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Skip’s name may be directed to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, www.jdrf.org.
Patrick Ziems
I will miss you Skip. You made the trip back to Gladstone worth the miles with our conversations in your garage as you were putsing with this or that car part. God bless and keep you.Pat Ziems
Sandi Goodman Peterson - Negaunee, MI
Nancy, so sorry to hear of your brothers passing. I have many fond memories of him even though I didn’t have him as a teacher. He was always happy and had an amazing sense of humor. My deepest sympathy to you and your family
Allen F Salmi - LAKE WORTH, FL
R.I.P. My friend and teaching colleague of many years at Gladstone High School. Ride your motorcycle high in the sky over the clouds Skip. You are going to be dearly missed.
Jenny Miller - Milwaukee, WI
Jeremy, Jeff and Family – deepest sympathies on your dad’s passing from Rich Severinsen and all of Marking Services Installation
Kevin Dick - North Muskegon, MI
Goodbye, Skip. You were always fun in the classroom, and you’ve touched many, many lives. You always had time to talk with a former student. You’ve left a wonderful legacy. We’ll see you on the other side.
Pam Schmeltzer - Marquette, MI
So sorry for your your loss Jeremy, Ellie, and family. Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Uncle Jim & Aunt Barb Weber
Jeremy (and Niece Ellie),Our deepest sympathy to you on the passing of your Dad. We know he was a wonderful Dad because he raised a wonderful son. He will live on forever in your memories.
Mark Johnston - Meridian, ID
Skip, I still consider you my “best friend” even though I moved from Gladstone in 1980. I only visited you a few times over the years, but the hours that we did spend together reminiscing about the six and a half years that we taught English together at GHS were special. We had very different political views and interests, but we were “brothers” in my heart. I love you, Skip.
Scott Bakran - Norfolk, VA
I recently became aware of Skip’s passing so I am posting this several years later (2021). I have fond memories of English classes at GHS in the late Seventies. Some teachers leave lasting impressions on their students and Skip certainly did for me as did Mark Johnston whose touching tribute to Skip prompted me to write this. It is only with the wisdom of years and cumulative life experiences that we are able to contextualize the effects of the individual events that shape us. Thank you, Skip, for the positive effect you’ve had on me, even after all these years.