Frank Foitek

Frank Foitek, 83 left this world to continue his journey in heaven with all who preceded him on October 17th 2019 AD. These past few weeks his family and friends visited him often, all left with what was to become, his last words on earth: "I love you too." "I promise to find hope through the heartache, to find joy through the sadness, to find strength though incredible weakness, to love even when it is hard, to live freely and bravely, even when I am scared, to make the most of my days to live in a way that would make you proud." We are very proud of the man who sought only to protect his family and his country. Frank enjoyed his time on earth with his family. He traveled to many states and countries following family as often as he was able. He loved us. He loved Johnny Cash, the Grit channel and going to church on Sundays. Always ready with his quick wit and humorous responses to any situation. A special thanks to our neighbors, Carlos Archield, Betty and Betty and of course the Gatson family. Mr Sherman for his constant guidance. I would also like to thank his best friends, Jim Hubbard and Darryl Fontenot who spent many a day just hanging out discussing the Astros and football. Thank you to the Knights of Columbus and the VFW Post 3619 both of which have given Frank and our family many of our fondest memories. He was born a child of God on December 27th 1935 AD in West, the son of Frank and Estelle Foitek. He was the oldest of eight. He was a big brother to Jerry & Mary Rose Foitek, Bill & Katherine Foitek, Daniel Foitek, Rosalie & Edwin Marek, JoAnn & Tommy Wolf, Patsy & Garry Drews and Donna & Jerry Charanza. He was the loving husband of Mary Ann Ruzicka for 47 years. He was an incredible father to Belitha & Earl, Joe, Joanna & Dave, Valerie & Marty. The Pawpaw to Christian, Dacia & Mike, Misty, David & Katherine, Kelsey, Chayton, Elias, Noah, Norman & Breanna, Sloan & PJ. Great Pawpaw to Amber, Izzy, Adam, Gabriel, Mikey, Addie, Justin, Violet, Ari and Hope. Special Friend of Barbara Bolton of DeRidder. Frank Foitek earned his Associates Degree in General Studies, a Bachelor of Science Degree and a Masters Degree in Business from Northwestern State University all while supporting and raising a family of 6. He has been a St Josephs Catholic church member since 1962. Frank was a founding member of the DeRidder chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He was a 4th Degree Knight, financial secretary and the Faithful Navigator for the Knights of Columbus. Frank Foitek Served in the United States Army for 20 years and is a Vietnam Veteran. After serving his country he then went on to work in the post office for 22 years, retiring in 1998. By Merrit Malloy When I die Give whats left of me away To children And old men that wait to die. And if you need to cry, Cry for your brother Walking the street beside you. And when you need me, Put your arms Around anyone And give them What you need to give to me. I want to leave you something, Something better than words Or sounds. Look for me In the people Ive known Or loved, And if you cannot give me away, At least let me live on in your eyes And not your mind. You can love me most By letting Hands touch hands, By letting bodies touch bodies, And by letting go Of children That need to be free. Love doesnt die, People do. So, when all thats left of me Is love, Give me away. A Rosary will be recited at 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 25, 2019, at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel in West, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 26, 2019, at St Marys Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Paul Hudson as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Marys Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Services will be held Wednesday and Thursday in DeRidder, Louisiana under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home.