Frank Merlak

Frank William Merlak, Jr., 67, of Sterling passed away, Thursday, January 23, 2014, after a long illness. He was born in Savanna, to Frank and Doris (Hawkins) Merlak on September 15, 1946. Frank graduated from Milledgeville High School in 1964. He married Vicki Reed on December 4, 1965. Frank had been a self-employed carpenter, farmer, and restaurant owner (Frankie's Place in Milledgeville). At the time of his illness, he was employed at E.D. Etnyre in Oregon. Frank loved hunting, fishing, and camping at Timberlake, gardening, cooking, and helping his daughter in her catering business. He was handy and able to fix almost anything. Survivors include his wife, Vicki (Reed) Merlak; one daughter, Michelle (Tom) Neubauer, of Milledgeville; two sons, Lonny (Lori) Merlak, Mt. Vernon, IA, and Heath (Karla) Merlak of Maryville; seven grandchildren, Kenzie and Keegan Neubauer, Alina and Ben Merlak, and Samantha, Matisen, and Ricki Merlak; his mother, Doris Merlak-McCleary of Sterling; and one sister, Rhonda (Lowell) Mest of Gibson City. He was preceded in death by his father and sister, Trudie (Jim) Matznick. Frank will be greatly missed by his family and beloved dog, Lucky. Visitation will be held from 1 to 4 PM, Sunday, January 26, 2014 at Schilling Funeral Home, Sterling. Funeral Services will be Monday, January 27, 2014 at 10:30 AM at the funeral home, with Reverend Mark Oehlert, Paster of St. John's Lutheran Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial following the funeral service at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.