Frank-Josef Florian Tschakert

Frank-Josef Florian Tschakert, 90, of Winthrop Harbor, IL went to be with his Lord on Monday, December 12, 2016 at home with his family by his side. Frank was born August 1, 1926 in Parchwitz, Schlesien Germany. He was drafted into the German Army regiment Herman Goering and became a tank driver, airplane spotter and in charge of anti-aircraft gun. He was awarded the Iron Cross 2nd Class. Frank worked as an interpreter for the U.S. Military Police and American Express Bank in Germany. He always dreamed of coming to America and in 1954, his dream came true. He loved this country. His journey in America began in South Carolina working for a local dairy in Spartanburg and later moved to Lake County where he studied and graduated from DeVry Institute in Chicago. Frank worked as an engineer at St. Therese Hospital in Waukegan, Warwick and Com-Ed in Zion. He was the building inspector in Winthrop Harbor, later Zion, chairman of planning and commission board, and trustee in Winthrop Harbor. In 1990 Frank was named Winthrop Harbor’s Citizen of the Year. He married Gwendolyn Roberts on November 30, 1964. Frank is a founding member of North Point Church in Winthrop Harbor. Survivors include his children, Cynthia (Gene) Syarto of Vero Beach, FL, Richard (Maria) Johnson of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Michele Szot of Kenosha, WI, and Angela (Dennis) Pearson of Winthrop Harbor, IL; grandchildren, Renee, Jacqueline (John), Michael (Lisa), Kristen, Eric, Cassie, Mark, Amanda, Dacia Cora (fiancé Sam) and Caleb Josef; 9 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Ruth Schleifer; and brother-in-law, Karl Baerthlein. He was preceded in death by his wife Gwendolyn in February 2016; daughter, Ingrid McCoy; parents, Alfred and Hedwig Tschakert; and siblings, Johanna Tschakert, Katharina (Josef) Broda, Christa Baerthlein, and Alfons (Inge) Tschakert. The family would like to thank Vicky and Minnie along with the wonderful staff of Vista Hospice for all their love and support during this time. Visitation will take place Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion, IL. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon at the funeral home with Doug Rendall of North Point Church officiating. Private interment will be held later at Mt. Olivet Memorial Park, Zion, IL. Memorial donations to North Point Food Pantry are suggested.