Frank REMEK

February 16, 1945 - May 22, 2025

Spokane - Frank was born and raised in Fairview, PA, in a rural home his father built by hand. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, served his country in Vietnam, and was stationed at Fairchild AFB (Spokane, WA). At a USAF/Nursing School mixer dance, he met Karen, and they married in 1971, and they grew their life and family in Spokane. Utilizing his certifications as a plumber in the USAF, Frank served the Greater Spokane area as a respected journeyman plumber, working for the City of Spokane, a handful of local companies, and eventually starting his own business. Never fully retiring, he kept his hand in the trade until the time of his passing, often generously providing his knowledge and expertise to family, friends and colleagues. He married Betsy in 2005, and they enjoyed travelling in their RV, showing up for an expanding list of grandkids, and staying active.

A humble and quiet man, Frank was a man of integrity and resilience. His kindness and cheerfulness resonated with everyone in which he interacted, always having a smile on his face and a mischievous twinkle in his brown eyes. Described as the "epitome of ingenuity," he had a knack for seeming to know how to fix anything and everything - and in the off-chance he didn't know, he always figured someway. He was a loving and involved father to his kids, including coaching youth sports, chaperoning band trips, taking photos and spending countless hours with his family. He was a friend to countless people throughout his life, and a father figure to many. He enjoyed spending time with those he loved, cars, camping and being outdoors.

He is survived by his children: Mandie (Adam), Jason (Jennifer) and Sarah; his sisters, Julie and Kristine (Pete); his wife, Betsy; his ex-wife, Karen; his stepchildren, Pete (Amber) and Angel (Jame); and his grandchildren: Brielle, Alyssa, Jacob, Trae, Derek, Jamison, Annalise, Dillon, Hannah, Alex, Corbin, and Eli. He was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Julia; and brother-in-law, James. He also leaves behind many extended family members and friends who loved him deeply.

His resilience and zest for living life was demonstrated in the countless times he overcame setbacks while living in chronic heart failure for the last 12 years. To observe and witness him, his life was filled with smiles, laughter, fun, adventure, and an optimistic and upbeat attitude, always without complaint. His laid-back nature, along with his playfulness and laughter, was a source of calm and peace for those he was around and will be greatly missed.

A service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery (21702 W. Espanola Rd., Medical Lake, WA), immediately followed by a Celebration of Life reception in Airway Heights.