Frank Pakiz

FRANK A. PAKIZ, 100, of Neillsville, WI, formerly of Greenwood, WI, passed away on October 17, 2021, at Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville.  Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Cuddie Funeral Home in Greenwood.  Rev. Leo Johnson will officiate and burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery in Willard, WI.  Pallbearers are: Becky Hinds, Mike Pakiz, Troy Pakiz, Todd Pakiz, Nicole Pline and Andy Pakiz.  Visitation will be held at Cuddie Funeral Home on Friday, October 22, 2021 from 4pm to 8pm, and again on Saturday, at the funeral home, from 9:30am until time of service.

Frank Anton Pakiz was born July 2, 1921 in Willard, WI, the second child of Vladimir “Mirko” and Olga (Tiran) Pakiz.  He was raised on the family farm, received his education at Willard Grade School and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1938.  He continued to work on the family farm until his marriage to Rosaline Plautz on November 30, 1946 at Holy Family Rectory in Willard.  They farmed together southwest of Greenwood, raised their family and retired in 1980.  Frank and Rose built their retirement home a short distance up the road and continued to live there until Rose’s passing in 2014.  He then resided at Black River Apartments in Greenwood until 2017 before moving to Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville.

Frank had many talents but especially music, getting his first accordion at about age 15.  He played for many decades at countless wedding dances and parties in the area.  He was instrumental in the formation of the “Slovenska Druzba” club where the Slovenian music and culture was enjoyed by many.  He was also a key contributor to the book “Spominska Zgodovina”, Historical Memories of the Slovenian settlers in Willard.  Frank was a charter member of the Clark County Male Chorus for over 40 years.  He also served on the Midland Co-op Board and was a member of the Lions Club.  He was an avid woodworker in retirement and crafted many fine quality furniture projects for family and friends.  Frank and Rose also loved to travel, making 7 trips to Slovenia to connect with relatives and friends.  They traveled widely to all parts of the US and Canada.

He will be greatly missed by his children: Larry (Sue) Pakiz of Greenwood, Dave (Betty) Pakiz of Huntley, IL, Patrice Pakiz (Alton Accola) of Apple Valley, MN; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: Becky (Tim) Hinds, Jack, Abigail, and Theodore of Queen Creek, AZ; Mike (Tara) Pakiz and Logan of Destin, FL; Troy (Jennifer) Pakiz, Amelia, Malia and Brody of Fayetteville, GA; Todd (Kaysie) Pakiz, Brayden and Addison Rose of New Prague, MN; Nicole (Tim) Pline, Ethan and Isaac, Chesapeake, VA; Andy Pakiz and Gavin of Fort Collins, CO; one sister, Marie Kuznacic of Sheboygan; a sister-in-law, Marge Plautz of Chippewa Falls; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose; one son, Dennis; his brother, Gilbert; one great granddaughter, Caroline Pakiz, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

The family wishes to thank Riverside Assisted Living and especially Kati Kunhart for the gentle and compassionate care Dad received in his final months.  Also, thanks to St. Croix Hospice for their comfort and assistance.

Because of Frank's love for reading, his family asks that donations be given in his name to the Greenwood Public Library.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Cuddie Funeral Home, of Greenwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.