Frank E. Niemiec

Frank E. Niemiec LAFAYETTE, IN - Frank E. Niemiec, 77, of Lafayette, IN, formerly of Griffith, IN, as well as Calumet City, IL, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 29, 2018. Frank was born in 1940 to Michael and Josephine Niemiec (who preceded him in death) in Chicago Heights, IL. Frank graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, IN in 1958. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Smith, who would become his wife in 1960. They had three sons of whom they were very proud: Frank Jr. (Suzanne), Michael (Anne) and Joseph (Kate). He was also the proud grandfather of four grandchildren: John, Elizabeth, Matthew and Andrew. Frank was an active supporter of his sons' and grandchildren' activities: he was involved in scouting, cheered on little league games and attended too many musical concerts to count. All of his children and grandchildren knew how much Frank loved his family, and that he was always willing to share his advice, encouragement and love of laughter. Frank was the long time owner of Niemiec and Grelecki Auto Shop in Calumet City. In his retirement, he enjoyed his time working as a bus driver for the Tippecanoe County School System, volunteering with the Lafayette Friends of the Library (where he has been honored as a distinguished contributor) and singing in the Parish choir at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. Frank is survived by four of his siblings: Josephine Knoerzer, Trudy Niemiec, Phyllis Czarnecki and Steve (Anna) Niemiec; his brother-in-law Bill Golon and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph Niemiec and his sister, Virginia Lundsten; sister-in-law Mary Smith Golon and his brothers-in-law Ralph Knoerzer, Dr. Leslie Lundsten and Dave Czarnecki A prayer service will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit at Geist Catholic Church in Fishers, IN. On Saturday, May 12, 2018, there will be visitation at Kuiper Funeral Home in Highland, IN from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m., followed by a memorial mass at St. Mary Catholic Church in Griffith, IN. Luncheon to follow at Hildebrandt Hall.