Francis Rajnicek

FRANCIS RAJNICEK, beloved husband for 69 years of Catherine (nee Gerber); loving father of Christine Posner (husband Stuart), Joan Churchwell (husband Ron), Kathleen Plautz (husband William), Susan Watson (husband Victor), and the late Mark; devoted grandfather of Tamara, Scot, Mark, Trevor, and Taylor and great-grandfather of 2; dearest brother of Irene Pogras, and the late Albert and Stephen; dear uncle and great-uncle of many. U.S. Army Veteran.

Fran was born on May 12, 1925 in Cleveland and passed away on February 28, 2019. He was a lifelong area resident. After graduating from West Technical High School, he entered the United States Army, where he fought in WWII’s Battle of the Bulge. As a proud veteran, he received and held the honor of National Commander of the 80^th Division Infantry for one year. When returning home from the Army, Fran joined the Members of Stephen’s Club. This was a club created by St. Stephen’s Catholic Church for veterans returning home to meet other young members. It was in this group that Fran met his wife, Catherine, and on February 18, 2019 they celebrated 69 wonderful years together. Upon completion of an apprenticeship through Thompson Products, he began a lifelong career in mechanical engineering. He worked several years for the company, until moving to Ford Motor Company, to which he retired from after 25 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, scuba diving, and reading National Geographic’s. He also loved traveling, whether it was with his family from coast to coast, or to Australia, New Zealand and Europe, you could find him eager to explore. Fran was a very meticulous and organized man, who could tell you anything and everything about any topic. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Francis to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.

Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at St. John of The Cross Catholic Church, 140 Richmond Rd, Euclid, OH 44143 at 10 AM. Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Francis at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) MONDAY from 3-5 PM and 6-8 PM.