Frank Kotyuk

Frank Kotyuk, 83, of St. Joseph, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2003 at home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Rob Johansen officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by Stevensville American Legion # 568. Friends may call on Tuesday from 5-8 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guestbook on line may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mr. Kotyuk was born on July 20, 1919 in Whiting, Indiana to Andrew & Elizabeth (Gacsko) Kotyuk. On April 19, 1941, he married the former Juanita Scherer in Benton Harbor. Frank served his country during WWII as a pilot in the US Air Force. Frank was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture for 33 years retiring in 1976. Frank also served as the Berrien County Drain Commissioner from 1979-1986. He was presented with the Superior Service Award from the USDA by the Secretary of Agriculture at an awards ceremony in Washington, DC. Frank was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Stevensville American Legion Post #568, & St. Joseph Elks #541 where he was a past exalted ruler. Frank is survived by two daughters-Joyce (Ralph) Barras of New Iberia, LA; Lizabeth (Richard) Renken of Fairborn, OH; five grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and two brothers-Andrew (Mary Jane) Kotyuk of Benton Harbor; and John Kotyuk of St. Joseph. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Juanita on May 22, 1997; and a brother Robert Kotyuk.