Frank Paul Bazeli

1931 - 2025

FRANK PAUL BAZELI
Born: January 15, 1931
Died: May 29, 2025
Frank Paul Bazeli, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at the age of 94. He is survived by his cherished wife of 51 years, Marilyn Weerts Bazeli; his loving stepdaughters Susan Greene Russick (John) and Carolyn Greene (Kelly Corn); and his son, Peter Bazeli (Lisa Nathan) and grandchildren Leo and Sofia Russick; Elsa and Helena Corn; Desmond, Nate, and Margot Bazeli. He was predeceased by his stepdaughter, Sara Greene, as well as many beloved family members in Detroit.
Born in Detroit on January 15, 1931, Frank was the youngest of four children. His parents, Peter and Elsie Skorupski Bazeli, raised him alongside his sisters, Lottie (Clem) Kukielka, Jo (Bernard) Hickey, and Dolores (Cass) Sokolowski. Growing up during the Depression and World War II instilled in him a lifelong passion for history, civics, world affairs, democracy and community service.
Frank attended parochial and public schools in Detroit, graduating from Cass Technical High School in 1949 before enlisting in the U.S. Army. He served four transformative years during the Korean War period, concluding his service as Operations Chief of the Arctic Aircraft Operating Center in Fort Rochester, Alaska.
After his military service, Frank returned to Detroit and pursued both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Secondary History and Social Studies Education at Wayne State University. His love for teaching flourished during a decade-long tenure in the Detroit Public Schools, where he taught history and social studies and later chaired his department. During this time, he also earned a second Master's degree from the University of Michigan and his Doctorate in Administration and Supervision of Secondary Instruction at Wayne State University. In 1967, he moved to DeKalb to join the College of Education at Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he taught for over 30 years.
In 1971, Frank met the love of his life, Marilyn (Weerts) Greene. The couple married in 1973, raising their family in DeKalb.
At NIU, Frank received the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching award in 1971 and was honored with the prestigious Presidential Teaching Professorship in 1993. He was Chair of the Department of Secondary Education. During his last decade at NIU, he served as University Faculty Instructional Consultant, mentoring faculty members across the University to enhance teaching methods and student engagement.
Frank was a respected scholar, publishing and presenting papers at national and international conferences, occasionally alongside Marilyn. He contributed to educational excellence by chairing several North Central Association Accrediting teams, evaluating and accrediting high schools throughout Illinois, including DeKalb High School on two occasions.
Community service was integral to his life. He served as President of the Northern Community Council in Detroit, was a longtime member and president of the DeKalb Rotary Club and was an active board member and president of the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, among other local educational and civic initiatives. Music held a special place in Frank's heart, particularly classical and choral music. He sang in church choirs and community choral groups in Detroit and at St. Mary's Church in DeKalb. He also loved the occasional polka!
Frank lived a rich and meaningful life, devoted to his family and the ideals he held dear-freedom, equality, tolerance, opportunity, and justice. A gifted teacher, compassionate leader, and a source of wisdom, kindness, and much laughter, he left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known him. His legacy lives on in the many educators, community leaders, civic and service organizations, and friendships he touched.
Frank will be dearly missed by his family. We are profoundly grateful to have been part of his journey. Remember him with us in the sound of a familiar melody.
Private funeral services will be held for the family. Family and friends are invited to Faranda's in DeKalb on June 21 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM to reminisce and honor his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank and Marilyn Bazeli Fund at the DeKalb County Community Foundation, supporting music and education, among other important causes.
For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.