Al Francik

Lake Ann – Al Francik, 88, of Lake Ann, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026 at Traverse Manor.

Al was born on December 5, 1937 in Breedsville to the late Albert and Helen (Hadd) Francik.

On April 25, 1959 he married the former Sharon Lee Doty in Hastings.

Al earned his Undergraduate Degree from Western Michigan University, and a Masters Degree in Science from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland OH . He was a high school Math and Chemistry teacher in the 1960 to early 1970's. He then went on to become an Assistant Principal at Hastings High School, Principal at Hastings Junior High School and then served as the Assistant Superintendent of the Hastings Area School district until his retirement in 1988. After his career in education, he and his wife opened an antique business, selling mostly at Wilson’s Antiques in Traverse City for nearly twenty years.

In his free time, he enjoyed golfing, tennis, fishing and reading. He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and lived to see his beloved "Cubbies" win the World Series in 2016. He will also be remembered for his love of people. He was very social and never met a stranger. He will be dearly missed.

Al was preceded in death by his brother Robert and brother-in-law Wayne Sedlak.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years; their children Carolyn (Mark) Kristof, Albert Jr. "Chuck", James (Terri) and Susan (Gabe) VanHorn; grandchildren Michael, Courtney, Justine, Jordan and Alexis; and sister Nancy Sedlak.

The family will celebrate Al’s life privately at a later date.

Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the American Heart Association.