Francis "Frank" Switalski
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Frank Switalski, 94, of Gaylord and Taylor Michigan, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020. He was born on January 1, 1926, to Frank and Sabina (Jaruzel) Switalski and raised on the family farm in Gaylord until moving downstate where he found work as a talented plasterer. Despite relocating to Taylor, Frank and his family continued to spend a great portion of their lives 'Up North' at the family cottage on Manuka Lake. He and his wife Rose built a beautiful life together that was centered around their family and their faith, within both the Gaylord Catholic Community and Our Lady of the Angels Community in Taylor. Frank, who was also known as "Hoover" to friends and family, enjoyed travel, especially throughout Michigan (including the Upper Peninsula). He was not just a sightseer but also enjoyed participating in activities such as deer hunting, the annual Run & Walk around Mackinac Island, restoration of the St. Helena Lighthouse, and stopping at casinos to test his luck. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by family, with whom he would frequently share colorful and imaginative tales. He is survived by his children, Joan Leinbach, Jeanette (Ken) Gawkowski, Chip (Kris) Switalski, Marilynn Hammond, Tom (Wendy) Switalski, Jerry (Lynn) Switalski, and Therese "Terri" McKay; 16 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Julia "Julie" Prusakiewicz, Lucille "Lucy" Dombkowski, Stanley "Styke" (Anne) Switalski; and brother and sisters-in-law, Virgil (Kathy) Dreffs, Polly Switalski, Marcia "Marcie" Goosen and Shirley Dreffs. Frank was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Rose and numerous siblings and siblings-in-law. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 12:00 p.m., at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home & Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.