Frank W. Vlcek
Frank William Vlcek, 87, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2023, in Sarasota, Florida. Frank was born on September 13, 1936, in East St. Louis, Illinois. Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His gentle manner, warm smile and Big Bear Hugs will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Frank was a proud 30-year (1955-1985) Air Force Veteran, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. He served around the world as a weather forecaster, solar observer, Inspector General team member and finally as the Senior Enlisted Advisor of the 5th Weather Wing. Upon retirement he continued to serve in the Postal Service in Yorktown, Virginia for another 13 years.
Frank loved to garden and it’s where he spent most of his retirement. He was well known for his green thumb, he could “root a stick.”
Frank is preceded in death by his father, Frank, his mother, Alvina (nee Hrasky), his loving wife of 50 years, Shirley (nee Louvier), and his wife of 8 years, Debbie (nee Chandler).
Frank is survived by his daughters Christine Ford (Brian) of Ojai, California, and Linda Sturdivant of Sarasota, FL; his four grandchildren Jason Sturdivant of S. Carolina, Kevin Ford (Heesoo) of Oregon, Shelley Terbilcox (Dan)of Virginia, and Cara Yeager (Travis) of St. Louis, Missouri; his eight beautiful great-grandchildren; as well as many sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A Military Graveside Burial and Memorial Service at Kassly Funeral Mortuary in Fairview Heights, Illinois will be held at a later announced date.
Frank’s family thank the wonderful and caring staff at Tidewell Hospice House in Lakewood Ranch, FL, the Pines Rehabilitation and Senior Care Facility of Sarasota, and the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Care. To honor Frank, please consider donating to Tidewell Foundation, or an organization of your choice.
