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Johanik, Frank J. was born on Westmont, IL on May 2, 1924 and died at his Westmont residence on April 18, 2010 at age 85. Mr. Johanik, a firefighter of 43 years, started as a volunteer in 1950 and rose to the rank of Chief of the Westmont Fire Department, serving in that capacity from 1967 until his retirement in 1993. During World War II he served in the U.S. Marines in the South Pacific Theatre. He was a founding delegate which formed the Cook-Du Page Mutual Aid Association, which is now known as the M.A.B.A.S. Division. He was also on the committee which formed the Du Page Fire Chiefs Association. The Headquarters Fire Station was dedicated in his honor. The North and South Westmont Fire Protection Districts were formed by him in the early 1950's, where he served as a trustee of the North Westmont Fire District. A life long resident of Westmont, Mr. Johanik moved to Westmont at the age of nine months, residing in the North-East Acres section of town at that time. He was a member of the first E.M.T. class held at La Grange Community Hospital to institute the Emergency Medical Technician program and in later years he spearheaded the successful referendum for the paramedic program. In 1956, with one ambulance, service was started with the purchase of a 1955 GMC Panel Truck by the Westmont Fire Department. During those early lean years the Fire Department held scrap and paper drives, pancake breakfasts, and spring and fall dances in order to raise money for equipment. In addition to his work with the Fire Department, Mr. Johanik served as Director of Building Inspection during the 1950's and 1960's. He and his brother, Joseph Johanik, operated the F.J. Johanik Builders. He had a great love for antiques and enjoyed going to various flea markets. Mr. Johanik is survived by his two daughters, Marie (Joseph) Guzzo and Marilyn (Gary) Bray, two grandsons, Mitchell and Nicholas Sellinger, his step-granddaughter, Allison Bray, his step-grandson, Nicholas Bray, his sister, Mildred Bazata, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine (nee Stanley), his parents, Frank and Marie (nee Turek), and his brother, Joseph Johanik. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Toon Funeral Home, 109 N. Cass Ave., Westmont. The funeral Mass will be on Thursday, at 9:30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Church with interment at Clarendon Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Illinois Fire Chiefs Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 7, Skokie, IL 60077, c/o Frank J. Johanik Memorial Scholarship Fund will be appreciated. Info 630-968-2262
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Our deepest sympathy to Marilyn and Marie, Frank and Lorraine always treated Sherry and I as family, when Frank moved back to the Westmont area we have missed him deeply. Our prayers will always be with you and your families.
Dennis Imbior
December 19, 2010
Thank you Chief, for the many smiles that could light up the room! My deepest sympathies to Marie and Marilyn and all the family and friends who will miss you dearly.
Kate Camerano
June 19, 2010
Thank you Chief for your smiles that would light up the room! My deepest sympathy to Marie and Marilyn and to the loving family and friends who will miss you dearly.
Kate Camerano
June 19, 2010
My dad, C. Staffeldt, worked with the Chief many moons ago and my aunt and uncle(R. & L. Staffeldt) knew him and always told me what a great man he was. My sympathies to the family for their loss.
Deborah Staffeldt
April 29, 2010
Chief Johanik was an extreme influence on me. When I joined Westmont in 1991 I saw a great man who was an honest sincere and straight forward individual. He knew what was right and stood by it. I will miss him but will not forget what he had taught me about life. He reminded me of my father who too grew up with the same morals and ethics. God Bless you Chief, for you were a true leader and friend. A great firefighter and mentor.
Richard Bocek
April 24, 2010
Chief Johanik was a father, grandfather, brother, and boss to many. Most of all he was a friend who truly cared for others. He will be missed by many. My prayers are with his family. May he rest in peace.
Peter Dyer
April 22, 2010
Frank "Dad" Johanik, he will always be the Westmont Fire Chief in my book. He was the Chief when I got hired at PSSI and then as a POC in Westmont, a very well liked and respected man. He will be missed.
Sean Smyth
April 21, 2010
My son met Nick (his grandson) in the third grade when his daughter Marilyn moved back to Westmont from Florida. They have been like brothers ever since. He was not only a wonderful grand father to Mitch and Nick, but he was always there for Zach too! Thank you Frank for sharing your grandson with my son and your wonderful daughter, Marilyn who has also become one of my closest and dearest friends! You will be missed by many!
Jill Kerrigan
April 21, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
From the Staff of Toon Funeral Home
April 21, 2010
He was my Chief when i started in 1985. He was a great person to talk to. RIP
Lori Christensen
April 20, 2010
Frank Johanik was the Fire Chief when I started with the Westmont FD in 1974.
He volunteered countless hours to the Village of Westmont. He was known to respond to just about every fire and ambulance call even in the wee morning hours. He was a good friend to our family and will truely be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family from us.
Jeff Dziatlik
April 20, 2010
Frank Johanik was a wonderful, warm, kind man, and a pioneer in many aspects of fire and EMS. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Patrick Sennett
April 20, 2010
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Toon Funeral Home - Westmont CLOSED109 North Cass Avenue, Westmont, IL 60559
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