Francis Kuchmek

KUCHMEK, FRANCIS Francis Kuchmek, age 73, passed away June 26, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Francis was born May 29, 1942 in Joliet, IL, the son of Lloyd and Agnes Szczurek Kuchmek. Francis was a longtime Kalamazoo resident and had served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War period. He was employed for many years with the Upjohn Company prior to his retirement. Frank loved helping others and one of his favorite things in life was playing golf with his friends. He spent many years enjoying Florida before moving back to Michigan. He was also a totally dedicated fan of Norte Dame Football for many decades and was proud of his Polish heritage. He was kind, had a great sense of humor and was a blessing for us to know. A Stolichnaya toast to you my dear husband, father, grandfather and brother until we meet again. God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best. Surviving are his wife Cheryl A. Wood Zylman; two sons, Gregory Kuchmek Kimberly Sheridan and Bradley Kuchmek; two grandchildren, Anton and Dorothea Sheridan-Kuchmek; two stepsons, Brad Karen Zylman, Joseph Robyn Zylman; grandchildren, Hannah, Maya and Alex Zylman, Lance and Austin Yates; siblings, Bernadine Marvin Downey, Mary Clint Gruber, Monica Peter Hodges Prince, Angie Jim Crush and Marilyn Kuchmek. He was preceded in his death by his parents, his first wife Susan Davis and his brother Aloysius Kuchmek. A memorial gathering to celebrate his life and burial in Ft. Custer National Cemetery with full military honors will be held a later date to be announced. Memorials in Francis' memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society.