Frank Chornak

Apr 26th, 1923 - Apr 24th, 2014
6 Guests

Service:

Rose Hill Cemetery

Mon, Apr. 28th, 2014 11 am

Burial:

Rose Hill Cemetery

Mon, Apr. 28th, 2014

Frank Chornak, 90, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 10:30 p.m. at his family home with his son and daughter by his side.

Frank was born April 26, 1923 in Royalton, Illinois, the son of Frank and Verne Chornak. He married Mollie Hogg on May 25, 1947, in Piggott, Ark., and together they shared over 64 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on November 14, 2011. Frank was a member of First Baptist Church in Marion.

Mr. Chornak grew up and graduated from West Frankfort High School in 1941, where he enjoyed and excelled in many sports. In 1941, he won the State Championship in the Pole Vault. In December of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, stationed in Europe. He participated in D Day, landing on Omaha Beach, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Liberation of Paris. Following his honorable discharge from active service at the conclusion of the war, Mr. Chornak returned to the area and completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Southeast Missouri University. He went on to teach and coach for 39 years in southern Illinois including schools at Benton, Mt. Vernon, Waltonville, Flora, and Marion. Coach Chornak was honored to be inducted into the West Frankfort Athletic Hall Of Fame and also the Mt. Vernon Athletic Hall of Fame.

Coach Chornak enjoyed hunting and fishing the lakes in southern Illinois and Canada and being with family and friends. Also he loved to attend and watch athletic events in his retirement years.

Survivors include two children, son Mike Chornak and daughter Kathy Dallas and husband Mark of Marion; four grandchildren Marcy and Brax Dallas, and Collin and Sydney Chornak.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and one brother of West Frankfort.

Per his wishes, friends may gather at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion for graveside services which will be conducted on Monday, April 28, at 11:00 A.M. at Rose Hill Cemetery. Dr. Bob Dickerson will be officiating. For those who wish, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 N. Market Street, Marion, Illinois, 62959.

6 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Martha Flota

    From: Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Illinois

    Date: April 27, 2014

    Mike and Kathy and families, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. It is like losing a member of our family. I remember your dad telling me that the Flota family would always be a part of your family. I feel that way too. Many memories of long ago as our families grew up together. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow. I am sorry I cannot be with you. Please keep in touch. Love to you both, Martha

  • Guest: Scott Grobe

    From: Winchester, California

    Date: April 28, 2014

    I was a student of Mr. Chornak’s many years ago at Marion Junior High. I just wanted to echo the comments of many of my friends on social media who have expressed nothing but fond memories of him. He was tough but fair and beyond the gruff exterior (required for teaching a bunch of 13 year old boys) it was obvious he cared about our well being and helping us grow into strong young men. My sincerest condolences.

  • Guest: Roger Irvin

    From: Mt. Vernon, Illinois

    Date: April 28, 2014

    Mike, Kathy and families. Just found out about your father’s passing. My condolences to you and your families. Frank, Mollie and you both were like a family to us in Mt. Vernon, during your growing up years. Scat cars with Mark and toys all over the sidwalk at the Flota and Chornak houses. Fond memories of all that. You are in my prayers today. I know Frank and Mollie were proud of you both.
    God Bless you in this difficult time.
    Roger

  • Guest: Mark Flota

    From: Mt.Vernon, Illinois

    Date: April 28, 2014

    Mike and Kathy we are all thinking of you. Mike and I reflect back often of our childhood memories and our families. It is hard to look back at our childhood photos and not see Mike and Kathy right there with us. Thank you Frank for your service to this Country and all of the great memories you and Molly gave us. Frank was a great Man and a great athlete.

  • Guest: Mary Landes

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: April 28, 2014

    Good bye to a good man.. love and sympathy to his family.

  • Guest: Yolonde and Guy Peterson

    From: Marion, Illinois

    Date: April 28, 2014

    Dear Mike, Collin, Sydney, Kathy, Mark, and Family,
    Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. You are in our prayers. Frank Chornak had a military career which was awesome before he started his successful, professional career. He was, and should be, admired in both cases.

    Yolonde enjoyed teaching with Frank even if for a short time. He always had a smile and greeted one graciousliy. Pete (and Yolonde) admired his own prowess at pole vaulting, and for his coaching of several successful young athletes. We are sorry that we could not see you in person so please know we are witih you in thought.

    Mike, we ae doubling down on prayers for you. Again, sympathy, One and All.