Obituary: Frank M. Dvorak - Class of 1937

WAUNAKEE/MADISON [Wisconsin] - Frank M. Dvorak, age 82, passed away on June 9, 2001 at the Meriter Park Hospital. Frank was born in Madison, Wisconsin on December 18, 1918 to Frank and Martha Dvorak. He attended Lincoln Primary School and graduated from Central High School in 1937. He married Clara Ruder on February 19, 1938 and together, they raised three daughters. Frank was employed at Simon Brothers Company from 1936 until 1941. He worked at Gisholt Machine Company from 1941 to 1943 as a production expeditor. Frank joined the US Navy from 1944 to 1945, serving on the USS Arenak and USS Tennessee. His duty was in the Pacific Theatre. After the service, he returned to Madison and worked 32 years for the Madison Water Utility until his retirement in 1979. While employed with the City of Madison, he became president of Union Local 60. He also was a representative of Madison unions on State Council 40 (AFSCME) for 11 years until 1971. In 1955, with the help of family and friends, he built their home where they lived until 1986. After retirement, Frank and Clara spent 19 wonderful winters in Harlingen, Texas. They also enjoyed many years of traveling, both in the US and abroad. In 1997, they moved to Westshire Village in Waunakee and have resided there since. Frank and Clara have been members of the Westport Squares since 1976. They have enjoyed attending many square dance conventions throughout the United States. Over the years, Frank was always active and enjoyed volunteering and helping when needed. He was Scout Master for Troop 26 at Sherman School, and a volunteer for RSVP. Hobbies he enjoyed were shellcraft, carving, watercolors, playing cards, and walking. They have really enjoyed all the friends they have met, both at Bashford Nutrition Center and at Meriter Pulmonary Rehab. Frank is survived by his wife of 63 years, Clara; three daughters, Shirley (Gerald) Ewert, Karen (Curt) Shawkey, and Betty Albertson; six grandchildren, Jerry (Dee) Ewert, Kevin Ewert, Steve Ewert, Brad (JoEllen) Albertson, Kris (Jim) Dockter, and Kathy Shawkey; and four great grandchildren, Courtney and Samantha Ewert, Jacob Ewert, and Lauren Albertson; and two brothers, Ed (Florence) Dvorak and Bennie (Bernice) Dvorak. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Art, Al, and Walt; a sister, Margaret; a granddaughter, Shelley Lyn Ewert; and his son-in-law, Bob Albertson. Funeral services will be held at LAKEVIEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4001 Mandrake Road, on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. There will be a visitation at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, on Tuesday, June 12, 2001 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Wednesday at the church. The family wishes to give special thanks to the staff of Meriter IMCU. Memorials may be made to Meriter Foundation Pulmonary Rehab Fund, 309 W. Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53703. Ryan Funeral Home 2418 N. Sherman Avenue 608-249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 11, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)