Frank D. Brazinski, Sr.'s Obituary
Frank D. Brazinski, Sr., 98, of Coulterville, IL, passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023 at home. He was born June 22, 1925 to John and Helen (Augustinas) Brazinski on the family farm near Coulterville, Illinois.
He married Georgirene Epplin on May 28, 1955, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage until her passing on July 6, 2023.
He is survived by sons Frank, Jr. (Lynne) Brazinski and James Brazinski of Coulterville, John Brazinski of Columbia, IL, and Mark (Ann Marie) Brazinski of Valrico, FL; daughters Jeanne (Raymond) Wacker of Carbondale, IL and Elaine (Joseph) Michlitsch of Edwardsville, IL; grandchildren Lindsay (Mike) Puckett, Brittany (James) McElveen, Jordan and Jacob Brazinski; great-grandchild Noah McElveen; sister-in-law Shirley Epplin of Marissa, and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves his full-time caregivers, Jena Hopkins and Lexi Johnson, to mourn his passing.
He is preceded in death by all six of his siblings.
He was a very proud Korean War Veteran and enjoyed participating in local VFW and American Legion activities, as well as Army reunions with his buddies.
"Big Frank" was a lifelong farmer and also worked full-time as a coal miner. He was a member of the UMWA and believed in its mission. As a farmer, he and his wife instilled a strong work ethic in their children and taught them anything was possible. In a bygone era, he could fix anything, bolstered by the advice of "the guys at the mine". His guiding principle was that there was always a right way to do things, and most of the time "his way" was the right way.
As a one-time door to door encyclopedia salesman Frank understood the value of education and knowledge. He and Georgirene took great pride in sending all six of their kids to college on his farmer's/miner's wages. Frank was also an honorary initiate in the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho, the National Agriculture Fraternity in which all his children belonged. Like any father he was very proud of all his children and loved to brag about their accomplishments.
In retirement, when not traveling to see friends and family with his wife, Frank put his coal-mining trackhoe and bulldozer skills to work on the farm digging ditches and building waterways. When mobility issues crept in, the boys assisted him into the machines where he'd work all day until they released him from his duties.
As Frank progressed in age, he directed his attention to taking care of his beloved Georgirene, who suffered from Alzheimers. Turning in his overalls and shovels for an apron and potato peeler to ensure that she and Jim were well fed, he could be seen pushing a shopping cart weekly at the local grocery store.
With mobility issues in recent years, he needed caregivers as much as Georgirene. The caregivers toughed out his frustrations, showering him with loving care, and developing bonds as strong as family.
He was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church, Lively Grove. His Funeral Mass will be held there on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., with Father Christopher Anyanwu officiating. Visitation will be at the Church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Rosary will be recited at 8:45 a.m. Interment will be in the church cemetery and include a military service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Missouri's National Veterans Memorial (Perryville, MO) or to St. Anthony Church Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the church.
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