Submitted by: Dan Rich

Stanley A. Fras 

Feb. 1, 1925 - July 17, 2006

South Bend Tribune 7/20/2006

Stanley A. Fras, 81, of Mishawaka, passed away at home on Monday, July 17. Stanley was born on February 1, 1925, in Hegwisch, Ill., to Frank and Rose (Zuk) Fras. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Veronica Slagle and Delores De Freuw. On January 18, 1947, in Mishawaka, he married Barbara "Bobbie Lou" Fore. He is survived by his loving, caring, devoted wife, Bobbie Lou; five children, Nancy (Rich) Brubaker, Thomas Fras, Randy (Virginia) Fras and Christine (Leo) Daggy, all of Mishawaka, and Patrick (Barbara) Fras of South Bend; 18 grandchildren, Jennifer (Shane) Hammons, Lindsey (Tim) Callan, Ryan Fras, Jennifer Fras, Christa Fras, Carri Fras, Aaron Fras, Evan Fras, Melanie Hurst, Matt Stumpf, Mike Stumpf, Melissa Stumpf, Anthony Fras, Nathan Fras, L. Scott (Bea) Daggy, Jon (Sonya) Daggy, David (Kim) Daggy and Mark (Dalona) Daggy; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Kylie Hammons; and a brother, John Fras of Grand Rapids, MI.

Stanley was a foreman at Uniroyal for 32 years, retiring in 1989. He served his country in WW II for the United States Army's 104th Timberwolf Infantry Division. He held the rank of sergeant major and was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 415th Infantry Regimental Headquarters. The 104th was distinguished in battle and awarded a presidential citation in spearheading five major combat offensives in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany during the war. Although the 104th was selected for further duty in the Pacific Theatre, the war ended and he was honorably discharged in 1945. Attending annual 104th Army reunions with his family was a passion for him. It instilled in those who attended honor for our veterans and a deeper love for our country. He served as a volunteer fireman for the Penn South fire department in the 1950s through the 1960s. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mishawaka, as well as an usher and choir member. Through involvement in the Cursillo movement within the Catholic Church he became devoted to prayer, study and action. He and a small group of other cursillistas have continued their weekly fellowship for over 30 years. He was also a 3rd Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus. He loved playing cards, woodworking and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, golfing and fishing. He especially loved spending time with his family.