Frank J. Stropich

Resided in Escanaba, MI
Died November 5, 2013

Escanaba, MI
Frank J. Stropich, age 85, Escanaba, MI, passed away Tuesday November 5, 2013 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.

Frank was born May 7, 1928 in Escanaba the son of Mirko and Mary (Kobasic) Stropich. He was raised in Escanaba. At the age of 16, Frank got his seamans card and sailed the Great Lakes for a couple of summers. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 1946, he worked at the family gas station, built homes with his brother John, had his own dance band and played drums with several other area bands. Frank entered the U.S. Army in 1949 and served in the Korean War. He returned to Escanaba to work at the gas station which grew into Stropich Oil Co.

Frank was united in marriage to the former Gloria Bjork on September 8, 1951 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Gwinn, MI. They made their home in Escanaba where they raised their daughter Julie.

Frank was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Escanaba Elks #354, Escanaba Eagles, Croatian Fraternal Organization, Michigan Petroleum Association and the Musicians Union. He enjoyed music, playing golf, socializing with friends and most of all spending time with family.

Survivors include:
Daughter: Julie (Bob) Bartoszek of Gladstone
Brother: Bob Stropich of Stonington
Sister: Marge (Bob) Webb of Crystal Lake, IL
4 grandchildren: Heidi (Bill) Chenier of Marinette, WI, Holly (Kevin) Gumieny of Shawano, WI, Marty (Shannon) Bartoszek of Escanaba and Andie (Kara) Bartoszek of Escanaba.
11 grandchildren: Mariah, Kailyn, Hannah, Harrison, Rylee, Cole, Gracie, Gabbie, Kacie, Kloe and Cooper.

Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins

In addition to his parents, Franks wife Gloria, brother John Stropich and sister Ethel Carlson preceded him in death.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday November 8, 2013 from 1:30 to 4:00 at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Escanaba Elks services will follow at 4:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 5:00 PM at the St. Thomas Catholic Church in Escanaba with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Thomas Church Parish Hall. Burial will be held on Saturday at the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance, Escanaba Elks or the Escanaba Eagles. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Escanaba are assisting the Stropich family.

10 Tributes for “Frank J. Stropich”

    Julie and Bob………Our deepest sympathy to your family at this time, prayers are with you at this difficult time. May your Dad rest in Peace.

    Julie and Bob, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May the good Lord give Frank eternal peace and happiness. God bless you.

    Fr. Jim

    JULIE, SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I HAVE GREAT MEMORYS OF WHEN I TOOK CARE OF HIM. AWAYS THOUGHT OF HIM, ON HOW HE WAS DOING.I EVEN STOPPED IN A FEW TIMES. IT WAS WHEN I WORKED FOR COMMUNITY ACTION. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY. FRANK WAS A GREAT GUY!!

    Julie, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. My thoughts & prayers are with you. Cathy Tolman

    Dear Julie
    I want to say I’m sorry Frank had to go. Over the years I really enjoyed stopping by his place for a visit. It was a pure pleasure to pick him up a piece of pie or cake. His eyes were just gleaming and I always felt so good I could give him something just to brighten up his week. Very much missed …and I am quite sad. Much love and peace to you and your family.

    was proud to be franks customer and aquaintance for over 50 years,a better person washard to be found,he will be missed by all of his old friends,..a good man is hard to find ,..a good honest manis even rarer..bbless him and all his family

    Sorry to hear Frank passed away an that I could not make it to his funeral. I think of the years I worked with Frank and smile, he was a good boss and I enjoyed woking their. You will be in my thoughts an prayers.

    Please accept heartfelt condolences from our family. Our late father Cliff Wagner sold Firestone tires to Mr. Stropich back in the 50s. Our mother Sandra Wagner is out of town and wished she could have attended the service. I recall meeting Frank while running tires and tubes back and forth from Marquette while working for my dad. I appreciated how kind and jovial Mr Stropich was. God be with your family.

    Dearest Julie…..Can’t tell how saddened I was to read about Frank. The memories go back as far as he and Coplan’s doing business together, me working at the Terrace and how he and Jerry Perrault never missed one of my shows when I sang at the House of Ludington and Terrace. Great times and great man. When you and I were involved in Lady Elks we always talked about our parents. Just know and hang on to those wonderful memories and stories. He was quite the character….that little Frank and that’s how I will always remember him. My sincere condolances to you and your family.Love…..Susie Coplan

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