Frank "Sheik" Denslaw

Gary, Indiana / Franklin, Indiana

Frank Denslaw (Dzienslaw), age 94, formerly of Gary, Indiana, passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at Johnson Memorial Hospital in Franklin, Indiana. He was born on May 18, 1917 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Jakub Dzienslaw and Aniela Jusinska Dzienslaw. He married his loving wife, Lydia R. Steinbrenner, on October 18, 1941. She preceded him in passing on April 11, 1986. Also preceding him in passing are brothers, Joseph "Slew" (Violet) Denslaw and Henry "Hank" (Donna) Denslaw and sister Jane (Pete) Ogiego. Frank worked as a steelworker, retiring in 1979 after 43 years of service with United States Steel in Gary, Indiana. He was a World War II veteran who served with the United States Army. His service included 18 months in the European Theatre, Northern France Campaign, with the Headquarters Company of the 12th Port Company.

Frank is survived by his loving family including two sons, David (Melba) Denslaw of Franklin and Scottsdale, Arizona, and Larry (Cindy) Denslaw of Tempe, Arizona; one daughter, Debra (Ken Kavanagh) Denslaw of Indianapolis; two sisters, Helen Dzienslaw and Lillian (John) Peck, both of Gary, Indiana; three grandchildren, Riley (Chris Hawkins) Denslaw, Rachel Denslaw, and Alex Denslaw; four step-grandchildren; and five great step-grandchildren and other loving family and dear friends.

A visitation for Frank Denslaw will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 17, 2012 at Rees Funeral Home - Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road in Hobart. A celebration of life service will be conducted at 10:00 am on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at Rees Funeral Home with Reverend Gary Nagy, officiating. Burial will be at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville. Memorials in Frank's memory may be made to the donor's choice. For further information please call Rees Funeral Home at (219) 942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com.