Frank Joseph Baranski

Frank Joseph Baranski of Caro, age 97, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2014 at the Heartland Hospice House in Troy. Frank was born January 24, 1917 in Caro, the son of the late William Bernard & Antionette (Potruszki) Baranski. At age 16, he went to work in the Upper Peninsula with the Civilian Conservation Corps, a work relief program created by F.D.R. during the Great Depression. He would go on to work at a foundry in Vassar for several years and was united in marriage with JoAnn Louise Dudek on November 21, 1942 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro. In April of 1943, Frank was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served overseas during World II as a fireman and interpreter. Upon his return from the service, he worked as a foreman at Arrow Metal in Detroit before beginning a thirty year career with General Motors at Fisher Body Tech Center in Warren. He retired in 1985 and moved with JoAnn back to Caro where they would spend the remainder of their lives. Frank was a natural innovator, and could improve almost anything he touched. He could most often be found working in his barn where he would build, repair and tinker. His family fondly remembers him as a self-sufficient jack of all trades and a constant perfectionist, always willing to help others. His love of children was palpable, and he enjoyed showing grandchildren how to fish, build something with their hands, or drive a tractor or go-cart. He leaves a legacy of hard work and love. Frank is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Cheryl & George Drukas of Troy, Judith & Michael Zahn of Lisle, Illinois; four grandchildren and their spouses, Nicholas & Syndi Drukas of Henderson, Nevada, Alexander & Andrea Drukas of Rochester Hills, Aryn & Neal Mestling of Lake in the Hills, Illinois, Andrew & Jessica Zahn of Cortland, Illinois; three great-grandchildren, Gia Grace Drukas, Ava Marie Drukas and Allison Burns; one brother, William Baranski of Vassar; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his loving wife, JoAnn Baranski on June 10, 2012; siblings, Edward, Cecelia, Genevieve, Raymond, Dorothy, John, Marion and two infant siblings. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2014 St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Campus, in Caro with Rev. Dennis Kucharczyk officiating. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Caro with military honors rendered by the Caro VFW Post #4164 and the U.S. Army. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Christopher Catholic Church in Caro. Visitation Information Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2014 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Tuesday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Wednesday, December 3, 2014 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Campus Address: 140 Atwood Street Caro, MI 48723 989-673-2346 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 3, 2014 St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Campus, in Caro with Rev. Dennis Kucharczyk officiating.