In Memoriam: Frank Wieckowski

Frank Wieckowski of Sarasota, Florida, a longtime elevator man, passed away on September 25 at age 91. A U.S. Army veteran, Wieckowski worked at Chicago Rawhide in the synthetic rubber lab following his military service. He discovered his true passion — elevators — when he began working for Chicago’s Automatic Elevator as a helper in 1956, eventually working his way up to becoming partner. He later acquired full ownership of the company before selling it in 1999. Wieckowski was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Association of Elevator Contractors in 1995. In 1983, he helped his wife, Michele, start Quality Elevator, and, in 2008, launched Vator Accessories with his stepdaughter, Lisa Grimes. In his off time, Wieckowski consistently gave back to the community, whether it was through feeding the homeless or raising money or dressing as a clown to visit sick children with the Shriners. He also loved restoring classic cars, a hobby that began in high school when he purchased a 1911 Model T for US$10. Wieckowski’s survivors include his wife, Michele; children, Kathleen, Joanne, Patricia, Nancy and Sandra; stepdaughters Debbie and Lisa; 14 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.