Dr. Frank F. Jaszcz
March 18, 1945 ~ July 15, 2010
Frank F. Jaszcz, 65, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday, July 15, 2010, at Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 24, 2010, at the Chapel of Mercy at Mt. Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, by Rev. David Ambrosy. Visitation: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m. Friday at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Cedar Rapids. Survivors include his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Laura Jaszcz of Vancouver, British Columbia; two sisters, Lorreta Naccarato of Clarkston, Michigan and Madeline (Dennis) Tomlinson of Springboro, Ohio; and a brother, John (Judith) Jaszcz of Franklin, Tennessee. Frank was born March 18, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Frank F. and Mildred (Korona) Jaszcz. On August 2, 1969, he married Margaret Whalen in Detroit. He was a biology professor at Mt. Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, for 32 years. An avid sport fisherman, he died doing what he loved in the place that he loved. Frank will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Sharon. Memorials may be directed to the Dr. Frank F. Jaszcz Endowed Scholarship at Mt. Mercy College, 1330 Elmhurst Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402, or the Yellowstone National Park Search & Rescue of the Lake District and Canyon Village, P.O. Box 168, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, 82190-0168.
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MJ~ Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I felt when I found out about Frank’s death and how you must feel living through this awful tragedy.Please know you have been and are in my thoughts and prayers EVERY day.Please let me know if there is ANYTHING you should need. Love and hugs,
Amy
Marge, my heart breaks for you. I wish that there was something that I could say or do to take away your sorrow, but God will be the one watching over you. Please know that you can call on any of us here at the office if you need anything. God bless.
Marge~ I’m so very sorry to hear about Dr. Jaszcz’s death. I couldn’t, and still cannot, believe it. He has left his mark at Mount Mercy College, and he will always be remembered. My prayers are with you and your family in this time of need. I pray that you will be able to celebrate the life that he has lived.
Marge..I am so sorry for your sudden loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult situation. Let us know if there is anything that you would need. You are family…….Lisa
marge my prayers are with you and your family,
please let us your family at Iowa Blood know if there as anything we can do for you and your family
Marge, words cannot express how deeply sorry I am for you and your family. And to be so far away from home! I am so sorry. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marge, I am incredibly sorry for your loss. Frank was a wonderful man, a good friend, and the best teacher I’ve ever had. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.
Marge I just heard about Frank and I want you to know that I’m thinking of you, and hope you have the love and support to get you through this time. Please know that we’re all here for you whenever you need us.
Marge, I am so sorry to hear about Frank. I know how much you two enjoyed your fishing trips. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m not sure what to write. My favorite professor and dear neighbor has moved on. This is such a loss for you Marge but for the world as well. Please let me know if you need help around the home with yard work and such.
We are in such shock and sadness to hear of Frank’s passing. Marge you have been wonderful neighbors to us for the past 18 years. If there is anything at all we can do to help, please let us know. I think what I will miss most will be hearing Frank’s amazing piano skills. It was such a joy on warm summer nights when the windows were open to hear Frank making such marvelous music! We are praying for you and this great loss.
With love,
Kris and Jon
Dr. Jaszcz Was by far the most captivating professor I had during my college career. He was such an incredible man with a zest for life. I really admired him and his style of teaching. The world lost a dear man. I am very sorry for your loss; you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dr. Jaszcz was a great professor, it was difficult not to get excited about the subject he was teaching. He inspired me to look beyond the classroom and to experience life to its fullest. He will forever missed.
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Marge,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my pryaers, and thoughts.
Cheryl
Words are never enough… Dr. Jaszcz was a mentor, a confidant, but most of all a friend. The times we shared hunting and fishing with friends, Biology Club, and just sitting in his office chatting are memories that will last a lifetime. I could go on and on about how much of a positive impact Dr. Jaszcz was in my life but as he used to say, “at any rate” there just arent enough positive words to express it. He will be missed by many and remembered by all of those whose hearts he touched. “Gone but not forgotten”… We Love You Frank! Scott Fruehling
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I have known Frank since we were in grade school at St. Suzanne in Detroit, Michigan. We were friends through grade school, high school, college and beyond. He was one of the kindest, funniest, and happiest people I have ever known. He came back to Detroit when my mother died. He came for my 60th birthday. He was so thoughtful and caring. The world is a better place because Frank was in it. I loved him a lot.
Marge, you will be in my prayers. Weren’t we all so lucky to have Frank in our lives.
Memories of Frank go way back to Elementary school…teen dances…double dates…fishing trips…his working at his dads store…his piano talents…his basement “experiemnts” with fruit fly eye color(lol)…his happy nature…his sweet dispostion…his friendship…his “essence”..he will be forever young in our memories…never forgotten and that’s he’s now, just, “gone fishing” with our Father in Heaven…RIP Frank!
Dr. Jaszcz was one of my favorite professors. I was shocked to hear of his passing. Your family will be in my prayers.
Frank, your jokes support and insight was a highlight for me while at Mount Mercy.
Whenever I use Ninhydrin or see a box of toy caps I will think of you.
God Bless
Marge, I am so sorry in your loss of Frank. I will remember him fondly for his smile and kindess that he shared with everyone. I am grateful for the opportunity to know him. Much love to you, will see you soon. Love always in Christ, LouAnn
Marge and family,
What a shock to hear about Dr. Jaszcz, he was a wonderful professor, man, and friend. It was fun listening to his fishing stories during our Biology Club meetings.
My prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Dear Marge, both Linda and I were so saddened to hear about Frank’s death. He was such a good man. For me, I will always have such fond memories of our trip to Northern Michigan in the early 1990’s–watching Frank fish with such passion, laughing with him and at myself as I got the fly cast stuck in my waders and stumbled around all over always calling out to him to help me, eating at Bob’s Big Boy at midnight, and watching Shane in your van at 200 in the morning (he watched it, I fell asleep, he never seemed to get tired). He had a such a good soul, and even though we drifted apart in the later 90’s, probably because MMC so often got so tough for both of us, I always was happy to run into him up here. He was such an original. I can just imagine how tough this time must be for you, but again, you are with Linda and me in our thoughts and prayers. Frank was such a good man.
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. The lost of a loved one is the most painful experience we have in life. It would be great if death didn’t exist, if life never ended in a world that was beautiful and peaceful and everyone loved one another. This can be a reality for us, if we learn to love Jehovah and Jesus Christ.
My sympathy for you, Marge, and all his loved ones. What a great professor he was!
Marge, the news of Frank’s death made me sad as I recalled how much you two enjoyed each other’s company, traveling together, and looked forward to a lovely retirement. It was truly a shock, and the loss was felt by everyone throughout our office. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am one of the Michigan people who knew Frank in grade school, high school, and college. I consider Frank my friend even though the only time I’ve seen him in the last several years was at Mrs. Delaney’s funeral. He was the lector at my wedding and I can still hear his voice as he welcomed people to the church. All my memories of Frank are happy ones. I am so sorry for your loss.
Frank was a great man, that I had the privilege to have as a professor. I still recall many fond memories from our fishing trip to Michigan. I am sorry to hear of his passing, there were a lot of fish yet to meet him.
Marge and family, we were so sorry to hear about Frank’s unexpected death. We will miss talking with him as we passed by on our walks with Lacy. And I know Lacy will really miss him. Our prays and love go to you all. Barb and Dave
My thoughts and prayers are with your family
Dr Jaszcz will be greatly missed. I enjoyed having him as a professor for many classes. Enjoyed a great fishing trip with him to Manchester on the Maquoketa
River for our parasitology class. Your family has my sympathy and condolences in your time of loss.
Tara Ebensberger Kress~MMC class of 1999
Marge and family,Kim and I want to tell you how sad we were to hear the news regarding Frank’s untimely death. What a great man and a dear friend. It will be his passion for life , his love of his family and students, both past and present that I will fondly remember him for. I would not be who I am today, both professionally and privately had I not had the honor and privilege of knowing and loving this man. He showed me so many things, and taught me so much beyond academics, that I could never repay him. He was a blessing to all that knew him and he will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. I embraced him at his retirement reception, and I will always treasure that moment and all the moments that Frank lit up my life. I Love Ya Man! Marge and family, God Bless and know you always have a place in our thoughts and prayers. ..Eric Stenberg
Marge, Laura, and family…I was so sad to read of Frank’s untimely death. Know that I send you all love and light during this time of tragic loss. I was just getting to know Frank and his wonderful sense of humor, sweet smile and that twinkle in his eye. Marge, I will always smile when I think of your story of coming home to find Frank shortly after his recent surgery. He was smiling down from the roof as he made repairs, serenading you with selections from “Fiddler on the Roof”. I wish I had the good fortune of knowing him better. I do know, however, that he was a fine man, a true friend, and a wonderful husband and father.
We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Not only did I have Dr. Jaszcz as a professor as a Biology major, but had the pleasure of working with him during my time with the MMC Admissions team. Once we had a bat in Warde Hall, so I caught it and took it to the Bio Dept and marked the can “Live Bat” as I thought either Frank or Neil may want it. I was at lunch a couple of days later when Frank was telling of some wisecracker putting a live bat in his area and nearly scaring him to death. Loved that man! God bless the family during this tragic time.
The first time I met Frank, I was playing with Joe’s kids. He came over and asked me who was playing with HIS “grandkids”. I said I believe they are mine. He replied, “Then I guess I will let you play with them.”
Marge, we are all deeply saddened by your loss. You are in all of our prayers. We wish you strength in your sorrow. Remember to breathe…
I knew Frank throughout our school years. Marge, you had the most radiant smile on your wedding day. I was fortunate to see Frank 3 yrs ago at a reunion in MI. He brought framed photographs and a tape of a movie Laura’s was that we all watched. My dad was very fond of Frank and was hospitalized at the time. When I told him I had seen Frank, he practically leapt out of bed. Frank and my dad had the same piano teacher in common, Mrs. Allinger. Frank wrote me a very kind dad after my dad died. I will always remember Frank’s humor, passionate love of people, fishing, music, dancing and singing. He had a special talent for making others feel important. May you find comfort in the company of family and friends.
I have such pleasant thoughts of Dr. Jaszcz. He was a great advisor. He was excellent at motivating his students to work hard and learn alot. He also believed in playing hard. We had such fun in the Biology club. He will be missed by many but his memory will be carried on through his many students, friends and family members. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.
Michelle
This is to all of Frank’s family, and friends.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. I remember Frank as my professor at Mt. Mercy College as he taught 2 interim classes in fishing. He was so passionate in his teaching. He introduced me to ice fishing…spoon plugging…..and the art of his passion. Not only myself learned alot but I know for a fact other fellow students did as well and not only did we learn from him but Frank made if so very fun!
He was a great teacher and a great person as well and I will treasure him in my heart forever.
May God Bless… Eric
My dear Marge and Family! I will never be able to find all of the words that describe that “rascal” Frank, except these: my very dear friend for MANY years, the friend who always brought a smile to everyone he touched, the friend who introduced me to my first beer(Blatz), the friend who made me laugh so hard when he burned his chin while pulling the pizza cheese off of a slice, the friend who always wanted me to join him in a Big Boy whenever we could. However, Frank was first and foremost a friend I cherished like a brother. God Bless you, Marge and Family. I am deeply saddened on your loss of this wonderful man and will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Marge, Kristine and I are so deeply saddened to hear about Frank’s passing. I shall always remember Frank as a dedicated professor with a true passion for his students and teaching. His lectures were always an exciting journey into the world of science for me. I was always impressed with Frank’s diverse knowledge in not only the sciences, but also music and the arts. Most of all, it was apparent that Frank had a great appreciation for life, his family and friends. Frank saw life as a journey to be shared with others, and he freely explored all of his friendships and gave of himself in those relationships. He cherished all of us, and shared his hobbies, whit, sense of humor and love with us all! My fondest memories of Frank: I will never forget sitting in Frank’s office watching him perform a full act of Donald Duck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. Watching Frank catch a record bass at Table Rock Lake (MO). Frank, teaching Dale and I karate during work-study hours – bruises and all. Frank driving our Desert botany class all over the American Southwest, while Dale and Linda fell in love. Frank getting mad at me for stretching out his socks at the Death Valley Junction laundry. Pizza and beer at Mabe’s in Decorah for biology club and Frank always keeping Christmas and his family in his heart. Marge, thank you so much for sharing Frank with all of us, he was such a wonderful man. We shall pray that you find a lasting peace in the celebration of Frank’s life.
Frank was avery good freind and customer of ours at Hawkeye Marine. he was the type of person who could brighten your day when you were down. We are very sorry for your loss. May god be with you and your family.
Larry and I still can’t believe this tragic news. It’s a little strange to read what people say about him being a great college professor when we just remember him as a crazy little kid.
Larry remembers fishing with him in Canada during high school. I always said he was my favorite fast dancing partner. We still talk about the great day we spent with you a few years ago in Iowa.
We will never think of Frank without a smile on our faces. Sorry we can’t be there with you.
Yaszcz you were a good man. It was pleasure being taught buy you.
All the trout and salmon in the US will rest easier tonight knowing that their greatest hunter sleeps eternal.
You were really something special and one that will not soon be forgot..
It was a true privilege to study under “Jaszcz” THank you for enlightening us!!
God Bless, Lee Van Hyfte Palo IA
Marge & Laura: We are so sorry to hear of Franks death. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Carol & Pete
From Hawkeye Marine
Marge and Laura – I was so sad to hear about Frank. We used to live next door to you many years ago when Laura was probably in jr. high school. We used to talk over the fence kind of like “Wilson” and just chat about gardening and life. At the time we had 2 little boys, and he just loved them! For years he would bring them their very own Christmas ornament. As we put them on the tree each year the boys would always say “yeah, this is the ornament Frank gave us!” Also, I remember him showing the boys his huge train set in the basement. I know we have lost touch with all of you over the years, but I just wanted to extend my sincere sympathies to you. It makes me so sad that he didn’t get to have a retirement after working so hard for all those years. But, he probably enjoyed his job! Take care. He was a good man!Peace to you.
Margaret and family
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many people he has touched over his years as an educator and there isnt a day that goes by that I dont remember his lectures, labs and jokes. His style was the inspiration for my teaching of anatomy to x-ray students. Although he’s gone he left us doing what he loved. My families deepest sympathy.
Margaret and Family. My name is Chester Dziobak. My wife, Rose, and I am so sorry to hear about Frank. I use to work with Frank at his father’s grocery store when we were teenagers.
I remember when we were teenagers Frank and I went fishing. We left at 5 a.m. and returned at 11 p.m. Boy did I get a sunburn.
Frank stood up to our wedding with my sister back on September 10, 1966.
I enjoyed seeing Frank at my restaurant and bar on June 16, 2010. We had a great time together. We are having another get-together on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 11:30 a.m. at Masons Bar and Grille. We would love it if you could join us. We hope you can.
Well Margaret, I will sign off now. I have great memories of Frank.
Best regards,
Chester and Rose Dziobak
Marge,
I am so terribly sorry to hear about your loss! I am praying that God will wrap his arms around you and comfort you as only He can.
Love & Prayers,
Sarah Teaney
I’m sorry for your loss. I do not know you nor your husband but we were there in Yellowstone on that day. We heard the sirens and saw the rescue efforts at the river. Our day was heavy hearted after that knowing someone’s wife and children will be heartbroken. Looking at his photo, he seems a very nice and happy person. Glad to know he was doing something he loved that day.
Once again, our condolences to you and your family.
Bill and I were shocked to hear the news about Frank. He was the neatest neighbor for 20 years! We will never forget the times we spent together at your home, we had so many good memories! I wanted to share a story about our son who was only four years old at the time he decided to “run away from home.” He was always afraid of the dark but that did not stop him. We called Frank and said “our guess was he would be coming to your house”, Frank said “he is ringing the bell now.” Frank made him hot chocolate. When our son was 8 Frank offered to pay him $50 if he would learn all the states and capitals also. Our son did, Frank could not believe it. Then he said he would pay our son to take care of his garden when on vacation. Frank had the best garden! He loved Adam and Adam loved him. We did too and we are so sorry for your loss Marge and Laura. Please call any time. We love you both!
I just heard about Dr. Jaszcz passing and was so sad discover he had such a short time after retiring. He was my favorite prof at Mt Mercy. He gave me a chance and really taught me what I was made of. He also taught me what the best chilli tasted like. While he did die doing what he loved in a place he loved, he would appreciate the terrible irony of it better than anyone. God had to love you Frank, ‘cuz we all did.
Dear Jaszcz Family,
I am heartbroken to have learned of Frank’s untimely death. Frank and I were contemporaries at The Ohio State University and students of Dr. John L Crites.
My search for Frank was related to my personal desire to re-connect with him, as well as to let him know about a fall 2013 reunion that is in the works at Stone Lab, Put-in-Bay, OH.
Dr. John L. Crites died January 9, 2010. The news came so suddenly that I could not remember everyone to
contact.
Please know that Frank was well-liked and respected. We had some wonderful days of laughter and hard work as a member of the John L. Crites graduate student family.
May you always be blessed with the fondest memories of him. We will always remember him fondly as well.