On April 22, 2025, the greatest man I ever knew went to be with his heavenly Father in glory. He wasn't a perfect man while on the earth, but he would strive to know his Savior and Lord in all that he did while on the earth. Even with physical death knocking on his door, he strived to be joyful in the Lord, worshipping Him with family and friends all around him in his last days here on the earth. He taught me so much about what Biblical love really is, even though in my youth, I was quite intemperate and unwilling to receive from his words and actions about Godly wisdom.
Typically, as one gets older, though, they begin to realize those who came before them really aren't as foolish as one thought. As I am older now, I realize that his tough love toward me in my youth was a huge gift. He taught me more than anyone in my life about true biblical love. Love is long-suffering. Love isn't always nice, but it is kind. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth of God. Love can get angry, but in your anger do not sin because love is not easily angered. When you do sin, own up to it, confess the sin, and ask for forgiveness of the one you sinned against. Then it's up to the one you sinned against to forgive. If they don't forgive, that's between them and God. Leave it be, and genuinely pray for them.
He taught me the importance of sacrificing and loving the family God has given to you, and to honor them in action and in word. Love always protects, love always trusts, and love always perseveres. Love never fails. I am so thankful for the Lord allowing me to be the son of the greatest man I ever knew – my father, Frank Joseph DeZurik. Why is he the greatest? Because he pointed me to the absolute greatest man ever, Jesus Christ. See you in Heaven.
Born on July 25, 1945, in St. Cloud, Minnesota, he was the firstborn son to Jerry and Mary DeZurik (Gallus) (both deceased). He had 2 younger sisters, Annette (deceased) and Carol, who survives and lives in Zimmerman, Minnesota. He grew up in Royalton, Minnesota. He married Judy Rose Ginter on October 19, 1968, in North Prairie, Minnesota. They had two (2) children together, Jason (Jaya Greenberg) born on May 18, 1970, and Rebecca (Gary Rakow) born on November 4, 1972.
Frank is survived by his wife, children, and six (6) grandchildren: Ezra Frank, Elijah Paul, Anika Jewel, Katerina Rose, Eva Marie, and Theresa Grace.
He started working for the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1964 and retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in 1999… 35 years later. While working on the railroad in Steele, North Dakota, in 1972, he was nearly electrocuted when 7,200 volts of electricity ran through his body. The Lord was watching over him that day. In 1976, while driving home from the bar, Frank fell asleep, hitting a culvert head-on. The engine of the car was found 25 feet away from the car, and the jaws of life were needed to cut him out of the car. The only injuries he received in this accident were a broken collarbone, a concussion, and a gash in his head. It was at this time, in the hospital, that Frank surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. He never took another drink of alcohol again.
After this time, he started to not only become outspoken about his faith in Jesus Christ but strived to live his life for the Lord in everything he did. In 1978, he was promoted to management on the Burlington Northern Railroad and worked out of the shop in St. Paul, Minnesota. During this time, he was also a part of the music group “The Potter's Clay” with his friend, Lowell Olson. They traveled and performed in churches all around Minnesota.
In 1988, the traveling began for Frank and Judy. With his loving and loyal wife by his side, they began a new adventure together, moving to Snohomish, Washington, for his new position in Seattle, Washington. In 1992, they were transferred to Springfield, Missouri, where Frank could be found at Bass Pro Shop quite often. As he put it, “I thought it was great, as Bass Pro Shop was just starting out.” In 1997, they moved just east of Kansas City to Blue Springs, Missouri, and in 1999, Frank retired from the railroad.
Frank was blessed to lead Bible studies, sing in the church choir, and sing tenor in a 10-man singing group called the “Circuit Riders,” which was blessed to perform in Missouri, Kansas, and even in Pennsylvania. He and Judy traveled to Israel in 2000, to which Frank said, “This was an amazing trip.” He and Judy made mission trips to Juarez, Mexico, and were blessed to build homes and share the love of Jesus while there. In retirement, they bought a lake home near Emily, Minnesota. All were welcome to join him to fish on the lake and help him monitor rogue ATV activity as they jumped his driveway on a regular basis. He loved playing games with the family. Some of his favorites were Cribbage, Rook, and Hearts. Frank was known for holding high standards for himself and encouraging others to do the same. He will be remembered as a man of God who strived to do God's will in all that he did. He will be remembered as a man who loved, in his own words, “This Great Nation.”
He will be remembered as a man who loved his wife with his actions as a protector and provider. He loved his children and grandchildren greatly and will be remembered as a man who showed them and everyone the example of always striving to follow the one true King, Jesus Christ.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1 pm – 4 pm on Saturday, June 28, at Maranatha Church * 24799 Forest Lake Boulevard North, Forest Lake, Minnesota, 55025. An informal service will be held at 2 pm. A light lunch will be served.
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