Frank Anton Sramek

Frank Anton Sramek, age 99, died peacefully in Duluth, Minnesota, on April 24, 2025, while listening to Frank Sinatra. He was born October 1, 1925 in Elmer, Minnesota to John and Mary (Zubalik) Sramek, attended Elmer Grade School and Toivola High School (class of 1943).

Frank enlisted in the Navy at 17 and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a Seaman 1st Class.

He married Jo-Ann Michaels on August 6, 1960, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Meadowlands. They lived on his home farm in Elmer until 1980 when they moved to Hermantown, and lived there until last year.

In his early adulthood, Frank worked as a farmer and logger in Minnesota and California, but the trajectory of his life changed in 1955, when he became a union ironworker. He treasured what he called “a sacred bond with his brother and sister ironworkers,” and served Ironworkers Locals 563/512 continuously for well over sixty years--not only as a dedicated journeyman, but as an executive board member, recording secretary, apprentice instructor, convention delegate, and pension fund architect.

Frank spoke three languages and was an avid reader and researcher. He was particularly interested in political change-bringers John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama, and revolutionaries Che Guevara and Bernie Sanders. He was passionate about his support for the National Farmers Organization, progressive politics, and numerous humanitarian causes.

Frank was a renowned storyteller, and his bewilderingly keen memory was legendary. He was often called upon to clarify family lineage or to provide the history of community events.

Frank listened religiously to Minnesota Public Radio news and was a generous patron of the arts. His interests ranged from genealogy to the natural world, especially his beloved Northern Minnesota, where he planted thousands of trees to create wildlife habitat and restore forests. At Christmas, he was known for supplying his church and loved ones with trees harvested from family land.

Inspired by his son, Jim, Frank started running in his 50s. He had so much fun that on some weekends he ran two races in one day. He even ran Grandma's and Twin Cities Marathons in the same year. A lifelong Catholic, Frank served many volunteer roles at his parish, and for numerous communities throughout Minnesota.

In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his son, Jim (Sramek) Davis, his sister Ann (William) Czeck, his brother Joseph (Rita) Sramek, and an infant brother.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jo-Ann (Michaels) Sramek, his daughter Jean (John Bankson), his son Jordan and a large extended family of nephews, nieces, and cousins, and his cat, Mystic.

Frank lived a remarkably full life and will be greatly missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 5779 Seville Road, Pike Lake with a Visitation beginning at 10:00am. Luncheon to follow. Burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Elmer, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.