Francis J. Skrinak

Francis J. Skrinak, retired postal carrier, died July 22nd at The Stein Hospice Hospital in Sandusky. He was 89. Fran was born in Marblehead, Ohio to Andrew and Anna Klatcik Skrinak. Fran was a lifelong resident of Marblehead. He served in World War II as a medic in the Armys 19th Infantry and was the local postal carrier for 36 years for Marblehead and Lakeside. Fran was a member of the VFW, enjoyed fishing, bowling and bingo. Frans greatest joy in life was spending time with his three granddaughters, his son, Kim, and his dog BC. Fran had a heroic tour of duty in the Asiatic Pacific Theater during World War II as a medic. His medical detachment was assigned to the 24th infantry, Victory Division. Fran was in the front lines for nearly four years helping the wounded and mortally wounded, many times under heavy bombardment and sniper fire. He was there for the 24th infantrys four beachhead landings on the islands of Mindanao, Mindoro, Leyte, and Romblon Island. He is credited with helping to capture a Japanese headquarters on Romblon Island during a surprise night attack. He received the Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon with 2 bronze stars, Philippine Liberation ribbon with 2 bronze stars and the Purple Heart. He was fought in the Southern Philippine battle as well as New Guinea. After the war Fran returned home to his beloved Marblehead where he married his sweetheart, Maise Gerold who waited for him during his four year tour of duty. Fran loved living in Marblehead and often said there was no place on earth any better. Preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Marilyn Gerold Skrinak, Brother Andrew Skrinak, sister Helen Meter, sister Clara Skrinak, Brother Sam Skrinak, and Sister Josephine Huskey. Fran is survived by his son, Kim Liz Skrinak of Catawba Island, Ohio; his granddaughters Andrea Roberts of Austin, TX, Nikki Skrinak of Columbus, Ohio and Krystyn Skrinak of Columbus, Ohio. His sister Leona Kenny Monak of Marblehead, His brother Raymond Skrinak of Sandusky, Ohio; and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of Frans life will take place on, Saturday, July 26, 2008, at 9:30AM, in St. Josephs Catholic Church in Marblehead. Ohio, where the body will lie in state from 9:00AM until 9:30AM. Friends and family are invited to visit and share memories from 5 to 8 P.M, Friday, July 25, 2008 in the Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Clinton, OH, 419-732-3121. Interment will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. Those wishing to offer a memorial donation in Frans memory are asked to consider the Marblehead Police K-9 foundation 513 W. Main Street, Marblehead, Ohio 43440 or Stein Hospice. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.