Published: July 24, 2008 10:51 am         

Francis 'Frank' J. Kuchefski Jr.

Francis “Frank” J. Kuchefski Jr., 63, of Massillon, Ohio, died suddenly July 13, 2008 at his home in Massillon.

Arrangements were handled by Paquelet Funeral Homes, Massillon. A memorial service will be held at a later date when the American Red Cross and U.S. Army arrange for his son’s return from Iraq.

Frank was born Oct. 10, 1944, in Danville, the son of Francis “Kuch” J. Kuchefski Sr., and Leona Heischmann Kuchefski. He married Rebecca Harrold on Oct. 7, 1966, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Danville. She survives.

Survivors also include a son, Thomas (Jennifer) who is serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq; grandson, Thomas Patrick Kuchefski and step-granddaughter, Ashlee Dawn Crawford of Grovetown, Ga.; a daughter, Sally (Michael) Adams and grandchildren, Kathryn Claire Kuchefski and Christopher Joseph Adams of Spencerville, Ohio.

Other survivors include his mother of Hegeler, brothers, Stephen (Phillis) of The Villages, Fla., Mark (Olivia “Libby”) of Bloomington, Ind., and a sister, Claudia (Kenny) Ohl of Covington; several nieces and nephews and a special niece, Laurie (Mark) Lewis Hamilton of Mooresville, Ind.; and his father-in-law, Thomas Patrick Harrold of Fithian.

He was preceded in death by his father, granddaughter, Lauren Nichole Kuchefski, and his mother-in-law, Norma Harrold.

Frank graduated from Schlarman High School in 1963 where he was a standout on the football team.

He spent his entire career in the cheese industry from his start at Kraft in Champaign to the last 10 years with Brewster Dairy in Brewster, Ohio, as cutting, packaging and distribution manager.

His hobbies included fishing and woodworking. Other special interests included environmental protection and the Save the Wolves program. His love of nature was shown when helping at his father-in-law with tree farming in Hackensack, Minn.

Frank and Becky had a special relationship many people would envy. They practiced the rules of never ending the day angry with one another, telling each other I love you often and thanking each other every day for all the big and little things they did to help one another through both the good and bad times that enhanced their lives both separately and together.

Frank’s respect, kindness and gentle way with his family extended to all with whom he came in contact.

Frank was known for his tongue in cheek sense of humor and brought joy with his zest for life, which ended much too soon.

Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.