Francis Edward Safranek

Francis E. (Frank) Safranek, 77, died at home on Sunday, May 12, 2013, following a long illness. He leaves his wife of 25 years, Helga Haller; his brothers, Robert Safranek (Ruth Zachary), and George Safranek (Susan); his sons, Jerry Safranek (Ginger Jeffrey), Tim Safranek (Deborah), and Matt Safranek (Susan); his daughter, Leza Groters (Tom); 7 nieces and nephews, three grandchildren; and many close friends. Born and raised in Cleveland, the son of Frank and Cecelia (Pojman) Safranek, he attended the Cleveland Institute of Arts, earning a B.A. in sculpture in 1960. Frank served in the army, and was stationed in Kitzingen, West Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1961, Frank began a 38-year career at General Motors where he was a designer and clay modeler. Much of his career was spent in Warren, Michigan, but he was also assigned for a time to the GM Concept Center in Thousand Oaks, California. Upon his retirement in 1998, Frank & Helga moved to Valdez, New Mexico, near Taos. In Taos, Frank was able to turn his talents to the art of woodworking. In addition to creating award-winning furniture pieces, he enjoyed making pieces for family and friends. He loved to make the frames for Helga’s paintings. He also refitted the adobe house with hand-carved doors, windowsills made of brightly-colored Talavera tile, and other details inspired by the themes of the southwest.Frank loved everyone he met, and was a most generous soul. He took great joy in life and had an ability to see the beauty in everyday experience. He loved opera, feeding the birds (especially the bluebirds), and often summed up the day with the words, “Isn’t life grand?” A private service will be held. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, friends make a donation in Frank’s name to Arbor Hospice, whose staff and volunteers were so kind and knowledgeable, and made a difficult time easier.