Gene A. Franiak

Gene is survived by his “Bunches," Peggy. Dad is survived by his “Pokes," Donna (Richard) Zehner. Papa is survived by his “Little Jobber,” Adam, and his “Princess,” Erin. Gene is survived by his brother-in-law, Perry Segars; and his sister-in-law, Frieda Franiak. He is survived by a few aunts and many cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Lorraine Franiak; his brother, Teddy; and his sister, Jan (Franiak) Hinich.

Growing up, Gene was an athlete. He loved baseball and the Chicago Cubs. He was a wrestling champ and held many swimming records at Thornridge. Summers were spent in New York with his late Aunt Jean, as a lifeguard on the beach of Long Island in the Atlantic Ocean. In 1968, he was drafted into the army and deployed to Vietnam, where he would fight and jump from planes before his honorable discharge.

Gene became a husband, father and grandfather, loving each progression like a king. He also coached sports like T-ball, Little League and wrestling. He was always willing to throw a ball around or show some of his “signature” moves to his grandkids. Gene built a successful business, taught Craps and wrote a book about his favorite subject, Elvis. In his spare time, Gene enjoyed managing musical talents. He was self-taught on the organ, piano, guitar, and in French.

Professionally, Gene was an entrepreneur. He started at the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad as a student-turned educator. He was the Union President with safety as his priority. He was named Safety Man of the Year by the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers. The System Council awarded Gene for his political work and support of the working class. Eventually, Gene became the General Chairman to organize other local unions in distress, and then the Vice General Chairman of the NCFO Local 32BJ - a position he was very proud to hold.

A celebration of Gene’s life will be held at Kuiper Funeral Home, 9039 Kleinman Road, Highland, IN 46322 on Monday, May 12th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm and on Tuesday, May 13th from 10:00 am until the time of his service at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Franiak family.