Frank G. Pochyla

Frank Gerald Pochyla passed away on January 16, 2024 at the age of 66. Frank was a loving son, brother, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

Frank was born March 18, 1957 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Gerald and Inez Pochyla. Their first child was a blessing and brought joy to their lives. Frank grew up in Portage and attended Lake Center and Pershing Elementaries, Portage Central Junior High and High School, where he graduated in 1975. He was a member of the cross country, track, and swim teams, and he swam on the inaugural swim team for Portage Central. As a young boy growing up on West Lake, Frank loved to fish, play hockey on the ice, water ski, and hang out with his neighborhood friends. He was particularly excited when his parents purchased a Jeep when he learned how to drive. Frank went on to college at Michigan Technological University, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. He was a member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity, and he earned a varsity letter in swimming. After college, Frank worked in the oil industry which took him to places like Texas and Louisiana, and he worked overseas in Angola, Africa, Turkmenistan, and Siberia, Russia. Those that knew him well know how much he enjoyed sharing the many tales of his time spent working abroad.

Frank also loved to cook. His brisket was always mouthwatering and appreciated by those who were lucky to get a bite. Once at a family reunion, he cooked breakfast for more than 30 people in a huge cast iron pan set on an old cook stove set in the middle of a farmhouse yard. When the fire was built in the cook stove, we all laughed at the bugs hustling out of the stove to escape. That was a great meal.

Frank was a man with a kind heart, always willing to help people when they asked. He also had a lifelong love of dogs, starting with his childhood buddy Sam, and continuing through adulthood with Alfred, Bowser, Hooch, and Finley who each brought him joy.

Frank was the proud father of two very talented children, Angus and Maggie, and 2 grandsons, Neal and Davis Pochyla. He loved being a grandfather and was always excited to hear about their adventures. Frank was preceded in death by his father, Gerald Pochyla and his son, Angus J. Pochyla. He is survived by family that loves him: his mother, Inez Pochyla; daughter, Maggie Pochyla and her husband Chris Emery; daughter-in-law, Cassie Pochyla and grandsons, Neal and Davis Pochyla; sisters, Amy Pochyla and Becky (Bob) Klose; niece, Marah Klose; nephew, Elliott (Kristin) Klose and great-nephew, Charlie Klose, as well as aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Frank’s life will be held in the summer. Date to be determined.