Francis E. Plonka, Ph.D.

Francis E. Plonka, age 78, died peacefully at his home on October 29, 2014. Frank was born on June 13, 1936 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada; the son of Alvina and Franciscek Plonka. He grew up in Windsor and graduated from the J.C. Patterson Collegiate Institute. At age 17, Frank emigrated to Detroit and continued his education at Wayne State University where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. While at Wayne State, he was a member of the varsity fencing team. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Operations Engineering at the University of Michigan. As an executive at Chrysler Corporation, one of the highlights of Dr. Plonka's professional career was heading the Manufacturing Technical Systems function where he developed Chrysler's first factory information system. In 1991, Dr. Plonka retired from Chrysler and began his tenure as a professor at Wayne State University in the Industrial and Systems Engineering department. He was a past department chairman and was a leader in the launch and active direction of the Engineering Management Master's Program, partnering his industry and academic experience. Dr. Plonka was a member of the engineering honor society, Tau Beta Pi and his social fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi. He was also a member of the Detroit Athletic Club, the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club and numerous engineering societies. A man of strong religious faith and a lifelong learner, Frank's hobbies included walking, boating, downhill skiing, reading, and traveling. He completed a Detroit Free Press marathon and was adept in solving the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle. Frank is survived by his wife of 31 years, Joan (ne Blake); his children, Mary Lisa Plonka Melillo, Alexandra Plonka, D.D.S. and John Plonka; and his sister, Adele Whitehead (Tom). He was predeceased by his parents; his son, Frank McKenzie Plonka; his brother, Alvin Plonka and sister-in-law, Mara Plonka. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. A scripture service will begin at 7:00 Friday evening. Family and friends will begin gathering at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford at Morningside, Grosse Pointe Woods from 9:30 a.m. Saturday until the memorial Mass begins at 10:00 a.m. The family has suggested memorials be made to The Capuchin Monastery, c/o The Province of St. Joseph of the Capuchin Order, Attn: Development Office, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street; Detroit, MI 48207.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236