Frank "Parzy" J. Parzatka

April 10, 1917 - July 30, 2018

Frank J. Parzatka On July 30, 2018, Heaven gained a true hero. Frank Joe Parzatka (Parzy), passed from this life peacefully in his sleep at the grand age of 101 years old. He was born on April 10, 1917 to Albert Joe Parzatka (1884-1956) and Mary (Bedznar) Parzatka (1897-1922) in Chicago, Illinois. After Frank’s mother passed away when he was 5 years old, his father remarried Frank’s step-mother, Anna Barbara (1877-1958). Frank had one brother, Albert Paul Parzatka (1918-1999) and one sister-in-law, Ailie M. Parzatka (1916 - present). Frank’s family moved to Armstrong Creek from Chicago in 1923 when he was six years old. He attended Engelking School through 7th grade, and then began working on area farms. At age 18, he joined the “CCC Camp” (Civilian Conservation Corps) and worked there for 3 years placing telephone poles and planting trees for $1/day. Frank then moved back to Chicago for a time, working for Illinois Tool Works where he got paid .55 cents/hr when most jobs nearer to Armstrong Creek were paying .28 cents per hour. In 1942 he enlisted in the Army and had basic training at Fort Sill, OK. When the war began in 1942, Frank was a PFC in the 82nd infantry, and then was a member of the 101st Airborne. On June 6th, 1944 (D-Day), Frank was on the Susan B. Anthony when the ship struck a floating mine. The ship was destroyed and they lost most of their belongings and weapons. Miraculously, there were no casualties, and they were picked up by other destroyer ships. They arrived on Omaha Beach, Normandy on D-Day + 1, where they scrounged for equipment and weapons from the already deceased. He was then sent to Holland, and on September 17th, they invaded Holland by gliders, which were made of only plywood and canvas. The gliders were nicknamed “flying coffins”. Frank recalled there was 73 days of rain in Holland, during which time they had to sleep on the ground. After that, they were in constant combat including the Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne,Belgium. He was Honorably discharged on December 2, 1945. For his heroic service and achievement, Frank was decorated with many medals and awards, including the Bronze Star, 4 Battle Stars for his involvement in 4 major battles during WWII, a Glider Badge, Good Conduct Medal, and a Presidential Citation. After the war, he moved back to Armstrong Creek and worked at the Goodman Mill until 1947. He then went to Chicago again and worked for Zenith for a short time, and then back to Armstrong Creek and worked for the Soo Line railroad until he retired in 1979. To travel back and forth, he either hitchhiked or took a 7 hour train ride for $6. Frank’s first vehicle was a Model T truck that he paid $10 for. He also owned a ‘31 Model A and a ‘73 Mustang to name a few. He always wanted a Harley but never owned one. Frank’s simplicity and humbleness, along with his love of God and the bible, brought him happiness for many years. Anyone that knew him, knows that he lived simply. He lived in the same two room cabin his parents had bought, without any plumbing, running water or conveniences of any kind. He exercised or walked every day, as well as doing outdoor work daily.. He lived there until 2007 when he moved into a new house on the property. His first home with a bathroom, running water, and “modern conveniences” as he called them. He learned how to use a washing machine (not a wringer washer!) and a microwave. The house has a beautiful view of the Armstrong Creek and wildlife. He would look out big window and say “This is as close to Heaven as I’m going to get, until I get there”. In 2011, after he was unable to drive any longer due to his declining eyesight, he decided to move into King Veterans Home in Waupaca, where he resided until his death. There he was described as “one of a kind”, “a cool guy”, “always cheerful”, “a sweetheart”, “always helpful” among many other accolades. He would push the people in their wheelchairs to the dining room, and help with setting tables, while being one of the oldest people there. While at King, in 2012, Frank took part in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. to visit WWII War Memorials. The veterans received an unforgettable and emotional welcome home upon their return. Frank wanted for nothing, and gave of himself. He was frugal in his own life, but one of the most generous people around when it came to others. He donated regularly the the Catholic Church, the VFW, Salvation Army, local schools, as well as many, many other charities. Money was not the only thing he was generous with; he gave of his time on a regular basis. He volunteered with the local Meals on Wheels program and delivered meals “to the elderly” when he was in his 80’s and early 90’s as well as giving rides to people who needed to run errands or go to church. He put flags on every veteran’s grave in surrounding cemeteries every Memorial Day, he worked for every pancake and porkie breakfast, ushered at church, and volunteered for countless other activities. Frank always enjoyed life. He loved company and conversation, but also his solitude and time to read the bible and pray and listen to music. We thank Frank the soldier, Frank the benefactor, Frank the citizen, and Frank the friend for the Blessings he bestowed upon all of us who were part of his life. A sincere thank you to the staff of King Veterans Home and Heartland Hospice Care who cared for Frank for the last few years. A visitation and Catholic Mass will be held at St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic parish in Armstrong Creek, WI on Friday, August 17th, 2018. Visitation will be at the church from 9:00 - 10:00 am with Mass to follow at 10:00. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery in Armstrong Creek, next to his parents. There will be a luncheon at the Armstrong Creek Community Center after burial. Online condolences may be left at www.weberhillfuneralhome.com