George Franckowiak

George Isadore Franckowiak, 72 of Gnesen, died Monday, February 26, 2018 at St. Luke’s, with his family by his side.  George was born April 11, 1945 in Duluth to Edward and Frances Franckowiak.  He was a graduate of Duluth Central and he received an associate degree from UMD.  He served in the US Army Reserve for six years.  He met Gayle Hermanson and they were married on May 29, 1971.  George worked for Sell Hardware for 42 years, retiring as a shop foreman.  He also was a constable for Gnesen Township for 28 years.  George was a member of St. Joseph’s Church, Gnesen, Minnesota Peace Officers Assoc. and the Polish National Alliance.  He was a member and first responder for the Gnesen Vol. Fire Dept. for 47 years; he was a current supervisor on the Gnesen Town Board and served on the zoning board; he enjoyed farming, logging on his 80 acres, berry picking, gardening, collecting Farmall tractors, but most of all, spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Frances and his sister, Roseanne Franckowiak.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at St. Luke’s Lakeview and 2 West for their loving care of George.  Also, a heartfelt thanks to the first responders of Gnesen Volunteer Fire Dept., who came to his aide several times during his illness.

George is survived by his wife, Gayle; children, Laurie (Jonathan) Beyer; son, Edward Franckowiak and Kimberly (Kurt Blegen) Franckowiak.  Siblings, Pat Gray and Marilyn (Karl) Kasell; grandchildren, Adam, Abigail and Nathaniel and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 4 ^th from 3-5pm with rosary at 5pm in the Dougherty Funeral Home.  Visitation will continue Monday March 5 ^th from 10am to the 11am Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Gnesen, 6110 Church Rd., Duluth.  Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, 600 E 2 ^nd St. Duluth, 9218) 727-3555.