Frank G. Schlezes, 88, Rochelle, Illinois passed away at 3:30 P.M. Tuesday, December 26, 2006, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Sioux City, Iowa April 6, 1918, to Peter & Anna (Bulizak) Schlezes. On May 8, 1948, in Sioux City, Iowa, he married Victorine M. Simon of Lebanon, South Dakota. Born to this union were Judith and Ken.

He graduated from Sioux City East High School with a football scholarship to the University of Iowa. While in high school he also excelled in basketball and track & field. He held the State of Iowa pole vault record for many years. He also had a passion for boxing, competing in the Golden Gloves, and was fondly known as "Slugger."
During World War II he served in the Air Force with the 4th Fighter Group Squadron 334 in England for three years. He was a life member of Rochelle V.F.W. Post 3878.

He worked at Swift & Company in Sioux City, Iowa as a supervisor, and later transferred to Rochelle, Illinois where he retired after 40 years. As a dedicated worker he received the award for perfect attendance.
Frank was a devoted father and grandfather and was involved in all of his children's and grandchildren's activities. He also enjoyed bowling and gardening.

In retirement, he continued his active role in the Catholic Church. He was a Prayer Group Leader in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at St. Patrick's Parish in Rochelle, Illinois. He gave frequent teachings on the Sacraments throughout the Rockford Diocese and attended Mass daily.
Frank and Vicki traveled to Egypt, Jordan and Greece and several pilgrimages to Israel and Medjugorje. They also traveled extensively within the United States.
He was predeceased by his parents, and brothers Anthony and Joseph.

He is survived by his wife Vicki of Rochelle, Illinois; and their two children Judith A. Faaborg of Rochelle, Illinois and Kenneth G. Schlezes, and his wife Peggy of Wilmington, Delaware; their five grandchildren Jason A. Faaborg and his wife Marcie of Snohomish, Washington, Jodine R. (Faaborg) Debbrecht and her husband John of Berkley, Michigan, Andrea R. Schlezes of Baltimore, Kyle M. Schlezes and Kimberly A. Schlezes of Wilmington, Delaware; and four great-grandchildren Jakeb and Chelsea Adams of Snohomish, Washington, and Grace V. and Dane M. Debbrecht of Berkley, Michigan; sister Berniece Poskevich. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many close friends.

Funeral Mass will be Saturday, December 30th in St. Patrick Catholic Church Rochelle, IL at 10:00 A.M., with Rev. David Peck. Visitation Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. at Unger-Horner Funeral Home 400 N. 6th St. Rochelle, IL. A rosary service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Friday. A Memorial fund is being established. Military burial rites will be held at St. Patrick cemetery by V.F.W. Post 3878.