Francis Sitkoski

Francis "Flash" D. Sitkoski, age 88, 174 North Trybom Drive, Iron River, MI died Sunday July 6, 2008 at the Iron River Care Center, Iron River. Born: January 3, 1920 in Stambaugh, MI The son of the late Joseph and Loretta (Coine) Sitkoski was a lifelong resident of the area. He attended the Iron River schools, graduating with the Class of 1939. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, participating in battles on Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. On December 4, 1946, he married the former Emeline Trybom at the St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River and the couple made their home in Iron River. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary in 2007. Francis was employed for M.A. Hanna Mining Company for 17 years and worked for the City of Iron River for 17 years retiring in 1985. He and his brother Marvin were well known bartenders at many community functions throughout his life. He was a member of the St. Agnes Catholic Church where he was an usher for 20 years. He also was a member of the Iron River Elks Lodge #1671, V.F.W. Ottawa Post #3134, American Legion Alfred Branchini Post #17 and was a fireman for the Iron River Fire Department for 17 years. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Bernard and Marvin Sitkoski and two sisters, Virginia and Marie Owens. He is survived by his wife, Emeline, Son, Geoffery (Debby) Sitkoski of Iron River Daughter, Gail (Ron) Olson of Stillwater, MN 5 grandchildren; Shawn (Amy) Sitkoski Kristy (Michael) Young Dan Olson Jeff (Beth) Olson Michelle (Serge) Utin 5 great grandchildren, Merissa Martinelli Katelin Sitkoski; Charlie, Sam, and Maggie Olson Nieces and nephews Visitation: Thursday, July 10, 2008 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River. The Iron Range Fire Firefighters will attend the visitation at 6:00 p.m., a Liturgical Prayer Service will be conducted at 6:45: p.m., and the Elks will conduct a Lodge of Sorrow Service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Service: Friday, July 11, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Iron River with the Rev. Norman Clisch, pastor, and Rev. Aloysius Hasenberg to concelebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment: Bates Township Cemetery, Iron River The West Side Veterans Council will accord Military Rites. Pallbearers; three grandsons; Shawn Sitkoski, Jeff and Dan Olson; Mike Goriesky, Tom Guzowski, Al Perlongo. Funeral arrangements by the Jacobs Funeral Home, Iron River.