Rev. Franklyn Pekarek

SALINA - Rev. Franklyn Pekarek, 79, passed away on July 10th, 2021 at Salina Regional Hospital.  In the minutes before death, the Lord gave Frank the opportunity to tell each member of his family how much he loved them, gave last minute guidance with their lives, and said “goodbye”.  Throughout this time, he kept telling his family that he was so excited to see Jesus.  He passed  at 7:35 am.  

Franklyn Pekarek was born in Cicero, Illinois on March 27th, 1942 to Frank E. and Mildred (Mesha) Pekarek.  He lived his early life in Chicago, and moved to Kansas where he served as an intern in the Lutheran Church in Lindsborg, KS.  While there, he met his future wife, Shirley.  During his 48-year ministry, he served churches in Kansas and Colorado. 

During his lifetime, Frank enjoyed reading history books, Civil War Reenacting, and visiting with his friends.  His family was always very important to him.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley (Dahlsten) Pekarek; daughters: Jennifer Pekarek of Salina, Leanne Grauerholz (Byron) of Salina; son, Brian Pekarek (Robyn) of Abilene.  Grandchildren are Ellie and Ben Grauerholz of Salina; and Seth, Thad, and Bobbi Pekarek of Abilene.  Other family members include: a sister, Betty Cillo, and nephew, Don Cillo of Temple, TX; and niece, Pat Mitchell, of Las Cruces, NM; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jerry and Lo Dahlsten (MN); and nieces: Jill Dahlsten and Carol Stevens (Jon) and daughter Brooke.     

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to: Smoky Valley Historical Association for the care and upkeep of Coronado Heights, Lindsborg, KS.  A memorial service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Salina, 702 9th Street, at 10:30 am on Friday, July 16th.  Burial will be done privately at Smoky Hill Cemetery at Coronado Heights in Lindsborg, KS.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Rev. Franklyn Pekarek, please visit our floral store.