Franklin D. Schnick, 86 of Valparaiso, passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023. He was born March 27, 1937 in Thomaston, IN to the late Arnold and Elizabeth (Eggers) Schnick. Frank retired from U.S. Steel after 25 years of service and later worked in maintenance for Bob Evans. He enjoyed classic movies, was a train enthusiast, and loved to dine out, especially with family. Whether it was using his carpenter skills or just to lend a hand, Frank was always willing to be of help. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
On August 23, 1957, Frank married Sandra Dorin who preceded him in death in 2010. He is survived by his companion, Tina Huff; children, Suzanne (David) Hall and Edward (Laura) Schnick; grandchildren, Zach (Ashley) Hall, Ethan (Amanda) Hall, Cayley (Alec) Fink, Makenna Schnick, and Carter Schnick; great grandson, Jackson Hall; and siblings, Ruthie, Mona, Kenny, Roland, and Danny. Frank was also preceded in death by five brothers and sisters.
A memorial gathering will be held Wednesday, September 27, 2023 from 1:00-3:30 PM at Frank’s favorite place, Bob Evans 2201 Morthland Dr., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
GUESTBOOK
Frank was such a nice guy. We are sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Schnick family during this time. -Jay and Nancy Hawkins
Katy and I would like to express our deepest sorrow for all of you as you begin the healing process. Frank was very special to us, and we enjoyed his visits to the Northland as well as the time I was able to spend with him on my visits to Indiana. He always made each visit interesting, and I truly treasure each one. Katy and I hope that you are all able to find peace and comfort as you work through the healing process. -Tom and Katy Dorin
Most of my memories of Frank come from my teenage years, when he and Sandy graciously hosted me in their home for numerous sleepovers. I cannot picture Frank without thinking of his quick wit, for he usually had the ability to make me laugh in an instant. That could take a bit longer with his dry humor, uttered as I remember if from a from a poker face, slightly turned away to hide his irrepressibly twinkling eyes. He made sure to turn when a full smile broke out. I felt glad if I got the joke before then. He and Sandy are likely two of the first folks many of us intend to look up on the better side of eternity, but until then, may we lean on God's comfort. --Jen (Pauley) Stahl
Franks absence leaves a big hole to all that knew him. Sooo many memories and stories will keep him close though. He was a tremendous influence on me. I've tried to be as upbeat and kind as my buddy was with everyone. We put in a lot of miles just to drive to a place he hadn't seen in awhile. (But it usually had an ice cream shop.) He could tell you something about every railroad line that went through NWI and beyond. He knew every highway within a 200 mile radius of home, and how long it would take to get to the best truck stop on all of them. He smiled when he didn't feel like it, he made sure everyone felt welcome and included in whatever was going on, and Frank for sure listened to both sides of a conversation! I am not ashamed to say that I'm weeping as I write this. Frank never thought of himself as important...but he was the essence of the word "friend". -Dave Lain
So sorry to hear of Feank's passing. I enjoyed working with Frank at Landgrebe Motor Transport. He was great to be around. I ran into Frank at Bob Evans a few years ago and had a nice visit. The family has my sincere condolences. -Ron Egli
It saddens me to hear of Frank's passing. I met Frank and Sharon while working at Bob Evans. When they would come in on a busy Sunday morning when I was hosting, he would always come to the potium and tell us a joke. As time went on and I began to serve there, Frank not only made me laugh, but he also became a helpful and caring friend. I remember being excited to see him and would sing "Hey it's Franklin, coming to Bob Evans. Hey it's Franklin!" (After the TV show Franklin) He never held out from helping those around him and always had a smile. He was so much more to us then a maintenance man in the restaurant. He brought joy to all the staff and those who were around him. RIP Franklin. I feel so blessed to have known you. -Tracie Worden
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. He was such a great guy, with an infectious smile and personality. Frank and my late husband, Woody, were good friends from the Sheet and Tin Mill. Woody loved Frank's sense of humor and awesome work ethic. I appreciated it so much when Frank and his caregiver came to Woody's funeral. We became friends with Frank and his sweet wife, Sandy. We would look for Frank's truck at Bob Evans and stop in to chat. We would talk about old times and laugh as he teased the waitress. It was obvious all of the employees loved him. May he rest in peace! -Jackie Woodward
Suzanne and Edward, Frank was my best friend, that showed me the best jobs to learn in the Tin mill. I learned how to run the over head crane from Frank. Then when Frank made Forman I was his Roller. He was a one only friend. I miss you very much Frank. RIP My Friend. Love, -Jerry Kapica
