Frank Anthony Karwoski

Frank Anthony Karwoski, age 85, of Gaylord, Michigan, passed away on September 4, 2022.

Frank was born on September 22, 1936, to Anthony and Rose (Masonovich) Karwoski in Orient, Illinois.

He and his mom, Rose, came to Gaylord in 1948. She married Clarence Lehmann, and together they owned and operated The Chatterbox Restaurant, at 610 South Otsego Ave. in Gaylord.

Frank was a four-sport athlete throughout high school; three years in Gaylord, and one year in New Athens, Illinois.

In college, Frank spent summers cooking with his stepfather, Clarence Lehmann, at The Chatterbox. He graduated from Western Michigan University, where he played baseball. During this time, Frank's team participated in the College World Series, achieving 3rd place in 1957 and 1958.

Frank tried out for minor league baseball with the Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, and Milwaukee Braves. He signed a contract with the Houston Colt 45's (later known as the Astros). After only two months, Frank was hit in the left eye by a hot ground ball by Joe Torre. This injury ended his dream of a baseball career and began his teaching career. He taught history, biology, phys ed, and driver's ed, at public high schools in Eaton Rapids, Frankfort, and Cheboygan. Throughout his career, he loved coaching baseball, basketball, and football.

After teaching in public schools, Frank accepted a position at Hyde Park Baptist School in Austin, Texas. He later moved to Red Bud, Illinois, where he coached the girls' basketball team to the District Tournament.

In 1978, Frank came to know his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Frank was passionate about Christian ministry and teaching, with a local congregation. He was also very involved with the prison ministry.

Frank enjoyed listening to old-time gospel music, Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Marty Robbins, and he loved playing Kingston Trio songs on his guitar.

He is survived by his children, Kathy Alston and Kevin Karwoski; his grandchildren, Madeleine (Bryan) Galvani and Michaela Alston; and his brothers, Gordon "Butch" (Peggy) Lehmann and Gary (Dana) Lehmann.

A celebration of life will be held at Nelson Funeral Home on September 16, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. A private burial for the family will be held afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that in Franks memory, you do something nice for a loved one, a friend, or a person in need.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.