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Frank Szatkowski Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Frank Szatkowski
Theresa Dziemiela
February 24, 2022
Frank, not a day goes by that you are not missed
Theresa Dziemiela
February 24, 2021
Frank, you are missed by all who knew & loved you
Don Hitchcock
November 7, 2020
I miss my Uncle Frank he was there for me when I needed to talk to him. There's so many more thing,s I wish he was here for to see all the things I've accomplished over the years I know he's not physically here but I know he's looking down at me and saying way to go Donnie you're living on your own I truly miss him one day we'll meet again
sophia wolicka
May 21, 2007
Frank u were so good 2 me we shered so many things u thought me how 2 fish and so many other things i will always miss u
April 27, 2007
To the Szatkowski Family,
Frank was more that just our family dentist for 25+ years--he was like part of the family, too. He always took the time to ask how everyone in the family was doing (and at times even passed some news along!).
He was an outstanding dentist and a truly genuine person and will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace for eternity.
With deepest sympathy,
Rose Zaffina
On behalf of the Zaffina family
Rich Cotte jr.
April 24, 2007
To Judy, Frankie, Adam and Dane
It was very sad to here of Franks Passing.
Frank is now able to do what he likes most.
He will be missed!
Frank was always smiling and laughing.
Szatkowski Family at Killshot Handball Tournament Summer of 2000
Jim Smith
April 15, 2007
I met Frank on the courts of his Killshot Athletic Club in 1989.
Frank was one of the best people I will ever have the privilege of being called a friend. He affected many people with his way of enjoying life and left a legacy that will long be remembered by many people. He was always smiling, upbeat and ready for anything.
Here’s a little insight on his relationship with the sport of Handball.
Frank learned handball as an undergraduate at the University of Illinois Chicago “Circle” in the 1960s. He then went on to Loyola Dental School where he met one of his best friends (and fellow handball player), Matt Gryzlo. After dental school, Frank served in Vietnam as a dentist, before returning home to start his own private practice. Eventually, Frank and Matt became dental partners and developed their successful practice in Bloomingdale, Illinois.
In 1978, Frank built Killshot LTD, an athletic club with 8 courts, fitness room and bar. Soon after he expanded the facility to 15 courts, and later added 2 outdoor 3-wall courts.
The Club hosted numerous tournaments including; Valentine’s Day Massacres with a Hands vs. Racquet competition featuring nationally ranked players, many State & Regional competitions, and numerous “just for fun” events such as Turkey Tourneys and Father & Son Doubles where he played all day as a partner with each of his 3 sons until he “crapped out” [Dane] from too many games.
In the ‘80s Frank annually competed in the Illinois State Doubles with his brother Scott. In the ‘90s he partnered with son Frank Jr. at the USHA 3-Wall Nationals in Toledo.
Despite his ALS diagnosis, Frank continued to travel with his family to Toledo from 2002 to 2006, as a spectator. Although he was unable to speak, he always found a way to cheer using an air horn, wheel chair horn and a computer speech board to humbly declare “Who is that kid’s Father?” He found great joy in watching his sons play (and win). He traveled with Judy to many “ProQualifiers” to cheer Dane on, as well as many Collegiate Tournaments to support Frankie, Adam, Dane and the Lake Forest team.
Killshot Club and Frank’s home were frequent host to Coach Mike Dau’s Lake Forest Handball Camp participants for handball practice, fishing, swimming in his lake and barbecues.
He was an avid supporter of the Junior Development Fund.
Frank was team Captain and played for many years in the Chicago Metro League with his sons and all of his buddies at the club - winning Championships several times.
I was fortunate to be his doubles partner frequently; he was a fun and inspiring guy to play with.
This year will be the 4th annual Frank Szatkowski 3-Wall Doubles Tournament in Bloomingdale.
Contributions and proceeds from it allow us to donate thousands of dollars to the Les Turner ALS Foundation (www.lesturnerals.org) each year in his honor. Hopefully, they will someday find a cure for this crippling disease.
Frank’s other hobbies included woodworking in his garage, fishing, hunting and traveling around the world with family and friends for new adventures.
In 2002, while contemplating his terminal diagnosis, Frank wrote a letter to his family & friends, to be read after his passing. The following is an excerpt from that letter.
“HANDBALL - the greatest sport in the world, has helped fuse my family together.
The days of playing with the boys are most treasured. The afternoons sitting around the outdoor courts after playing on a sunny day are too precious to describe. The friends we have met through handball are all special. I wish I could have been a better player.
But NO ONE ever had more fun on the court than me.
… I envy no one, my family and friends are the best in the world.
Thank you God for a great ride.”
WHAT A GUY!!
We miss him. Jim Smith
The Prestia Family
April 12, 2007
Frank's passing is a very big loss. He was a good man and was a very good dentist, through his profession he helped a lot of people and impacted many lives. We're just so sorry for your loss.
Your Cousin, Mary Rose Bertucci
April 7, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bernard Pennino
March 18, 2007
Dear Judy and Family,
I just found out about Frank's passing. Frank was a great dentist and a dynamic person. he was always very kind to me. He will be greatly missed. My sympathies to you and your family.
Rosemary Zaninovich
March 12, 2007
Dear Judy,
I an an aunt of Kathy and was sorry to hear about your loss.
Ray and Carole Jones
March 9, 2007
Dear Judy and Family,
We were saddened to hear of your loss. Since we moved to Rockford area, we got news of 'back home' and Frank's illness third hand... Rubin told Stacy and Stacy told us. Knowing how strong Frank was and the family is, we pray that God's love will help you through this time.
Megan Murphy
March 7, 2007
Hay ALl,
I know how it is really hear to lose someone that we all loved so much and all that I was really sad when my older brother told me about uncle frian and all that but I had my boyfrind there to help me when I was really unhappy and all that and we are all going to miss uncle friank so much and I am going to miss seeing him when i go over there and all that so talk to you all later
Frank, Judy & Family
March 6, 2007
Frank & Judy 2006
March 6, 2007
Theresa Dziemiela
March 6, 2007
Dear Szatkowski Family,
I was moved by the amount of people who came to see Frank. We knew he was special, I'm happy others knew it too. Frank had a beautiful life thanks to his family. He was the most "up and positive" person that I know.
I think he was more devastated when I got cancer than he was about his own illness. He will be missed.
I like to think that Frank is at a big card table playing poker with all of our loved ones that have passed. Just like the old days in the garage.
We will miss him.
Marji Zimmerman
March 5, 2007
Dear Szatkowski Family,
Frank was so loved by so many people-we are proud to be counted among them! May all your happy memories give you strength in the days ahead.
Love, Mike, Marji and Brad
Bob Koenig
March 5, 2007
Judy and sons; My memories are for
only 30 years but I wrote my first
letter to Frank right after we received his retirement letter, but Frank never retired from anything he just kept going as we all would like to do.From putting the black band aid on my daughters tooth to the family city versus slums memorial day celebrations he always treated our family as his! I know there will be many handball memories but scores do not count. when a member passed prematurely it was Frank who organized first a bus trip to greek town and then supported the cancer fund with an
all day marathon for charity for many years. That's a champion!!!!
Bill Mehilos
March 5, 2007
Frank was one of the first players I played with when I first joined killshot. He helped make me feel at home, and always included me (as he did with everyone). He was right when he said that no one else had more fun. He always had a big smile on his face, and he always made the game that much more enjoyable for everyone else. He genuinely cared about everyone, even when one of us beat his boys :)
Jim DeVito
March 5, 2007
I meet Dr Frank in 1994 at the Bloomingdale Handball club. He was the first person I played with. Dr Frank and his family are Great,Great people. My wife and I went on Vacation with there family after only knowing them for a short time. We had a great time fishing, they made us feel like family. The Szatkowski's have a way of doing that to all the people around them. friend forever,JD.
Mike Munson
March 5, 2007
Dear Szat's,
When I first came to Chicago from Vermont for school, Frank was the first person who put his arm around me and said that I was welcome at his house any time. I will never forget that nor will I forget him. My thoughts are with you all.
Love,
Michael & Abbey Munson
FRED--MARIE HEPP
March 5, 2007
FRANK, YOU NEED TO REALLY PRACTICE YOUR GAME IN HEAVEN AND SPOT ME AT LEAST 7 MORE POINTS WHEN WE PLAY OUR NEXT GAME. WE REALLY MISS YOU AND WE'LL MEET AGAIN ONE DAY. ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. MARIE AND FRED
Scott Szatkowski
March 4, 2007
Eulogy from Scott Szatkowski, Frank's brother:
Frank was proud of his heritage, singing the St. Rocco song and making homeade wine. He was proud of the Polish Eagle on the flag he flew over his lake. After he moved to Itasca, he made time for his family, traveling to my mother's house every Sunday so we could keep our family close and see Judy and the boys. He went to the garage to visit with our uncles Lefty, Bruni and Bibi. We drank our wine, and had a great afternoon together before dinner.
After my Dad died, Frank made sure to look after me. He took, me hunting, fishing, and camping. The Canada trips became a tradition for 30 years and are a source of great memories for me, his boys, Tom and a few good friends. He would sing the "Fox Song" after he caught a big one to let you know you had something to worry about. We were going to be like the two old men we met up there, and carry our canoes over the portages until we were 75!
How about Handball? What a great sport! He built many memories and another extended family through Killshot.
Another great part of Frank's life was hunting. He shared himself and his time, making many good friends in the woods and marshes hunting. I will never forget the many Thurs. and Friday afternoons spent talking on the road back and forth to Joliet to hunt deer in the winter.
Frank was a great dentist. He took interest in all of his patients, not just their health needs, but in their lives as well. He cared about them and their families.
I admire his wonderful family, how they've cared for him and how they care for each other. They always took time for themselves and made many memories on their many trips to Mexico and Michigan.
"Yo, YO, Yo", "check it out", "the world is roses" and "no deer" were familiar phrases to us all. I laugh when I look at the pictures!
Frank made sure he enjoyed life. He structured his work schedule so that he would have time for all the things and people he enjoyed, rather than waiting to enjoy them later in life.
The # of people during his wake and funeral are a reflection of the way he shared himself and his time with others throughout his lifetime.
To Sophie, George, and Augie, thank you for the excellent care. I wish you could have known him before he became ill.
I couldn't imagine a better brother and friend. I was lucky to have you.
I am sure we will all miss you.
Rev. Dan Tutwiler
March 4, 2007
Judy and family,
Rest assured you are in our prayers and in God's arms.
The message of Jesus is the message of life, trust in his promises.
Love, Dan & Lyn Tutwiler and family
Philip Kalas
March 4, 2007
I only met Dr. Frank once as a friend of Sophia's. I noted that although he was afflicted with a terrible desease, he was a man of tremendous spirit and fortitude. I liked him immediately. My deepest condolences to his family. Sophia ALWAYS spoke of him with warmth and love and related what a wonderful man he was. He WILL be MISSED!
Camille Ziemann
March 3, 2007
I remember my first visit to ADC, I was pregnant with our first child and a filing/tooth cracked. My husband immediately called Dr. Frank(whom I'd never met), and I was taken care of with Kid Gloves.
He was truly a kind and gentle man who always showed his love of life. It was so hard to see him suffer.
May you, his family, hold his memory in your hearts and cherish the time you had with him. He will indeed always be with you.
And to the many, many patients whom he cared for as friends, there's some one in Heaven just waiting to help that eternal smile be just as beautiful as the ones he made here on earth.
God Bless you all~ and thanks for everything, Frank. Hope you're reeling in some of the best catches ever!
Jeff & Camille, Monika & Jennifer Ziemann
Jeffery Cook
March 3, 2007
Dear Judy, Frankie, Adam and Dane,
It was very sad to hear of Franks passing. Frank was a part of my life for over 30 years. Sue and I held our wedding reception at Killshot, on the way home from the hospital with our first born we stopped by the house to visit. Frank gave me my start in dentistry and for that I will always be grateful. Frank was a doer, he never sat back and waited for life he went out to find it. He was a risk taker and loved a good adventure. It was always fun to talk about the last canoe trip or hunting and fishing. I took many of the lessons he had to offer and made them a part of my life. In some small way his life will go on in all of us that took the time to know him. I think that all any of us can hope for is to leave behind a part of ourselves that will have made a difference in somebodies life. We all want to have made a difference. Frank made a difference and the ripples of his influence will be felt for generations to come. His grand children may not know it but they are being influenced by his having been with us for such a short time. May he rest peacefully with no more pain. Dr Jeffery Cook and Family
Christine Malkowski
March 3, 2007
My deepest condolences to the entire Szatkowski family.
I will never forget the generosity and patience that Frank showed me during the time that I had both the honor and privilege of working with him at ADC.
The world has lost a truly great man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My heart is broken.
Evelyn Mytyk
March 2, 2007
To the Szatkowski family:
I was new to the area and was searching thru the phone book for a "Polish dentist". I was lucky enough to find Frank. For quite a few years, I was the last appointment on the Saturday before Christmas (our fudge and champagne day). I couldn't have asked for a better dentist or a nicer man. It was a privilege to know him.
The Robert Benson Family
March 2, 2007
To the family of Dr. Szatkowski,
We are very sorry to hear of Dr.Franks passing. We have and will miss him much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Bob, Denise, Kirsten and Kayla Benson
Monica Soldan-Maniez
March 2, 2007
To the Szatkowski Family
Frank was my first dentist. He was always kind to me and my family. We are so sorry to hear of his passing. May God bless you all and show you the strength you need during this time.
Lee & Vonda Spanbauer
March 2, 2007
Dear Judy and family,
Span and I have been remembering many happy events and times spent with you. The numerous volleyball competitions, the infamous hearts games and very early morning raquetball bouts will always be linked with Frank so many years ago. Your friendship and support will not be forgotten. We feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to share parts of our lives with you and your family.
God Bless you all at this time and help you through the days ahead.
Span and Vonda Spanbauer
Sandra Murray
March 2, 2007
Dear Judy & Family:
My deepest sympathy goes to you and your family. Dr. Szatkowski will truly be missed by all. He had a great relationship with his wife and sons for many years. He was loved by his mom and will be truly missed by her as well as by his sisters and brother. Although his loss is great we need to realize that he is now at peace, he will no longer feel pain or discomfort due to his illness. May he rest in peace. Again, my condolences to the family of Dr. Szatkowski.
Mike and Kathy Underwood
March 2, 2007
Dear Frank and Kathy,
We heard from Jim last night about your Dad. We know this has been a long, hard road for all of you. May you take comfort now in precious memories and the knowledge that your Dad is free of pain. Jim thought the world of your Dad and I know he has only the very best of memories of times spent with your family.
In sympathy,
Mike and Kathy Underwood
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