Francis "Frank" Pelehach

Frank Pelehach of Sandusky, formerly of Huron, died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023. He was 94 years old.

Frank was born in Nanticoke, PA the youngest of three sons of the late Andrew and Josephine Pelehach.  He grew up in Nanticoke and Bristol, CT, graduating from Bristol High School in 1946, after which he worked at various jobs before entering the US Army in 1950 during the Korean War.  He was primarily stationed in the Washington DC area, where he worked in the signal corps at the Pentagon.

During Frank’s time in service, an army buddy invited him to visit his home in Cross Plains, WI.  Frank told his friend he’d like to go but would like to date someone while there.  Could he set him up?  His friend showed Frank a picture of his sister’s friends and Frank picked Jean Kalscheur as the one he’d like to meet.  Frank and Jean started writing one another, met when Frank went to Wisconsin on leave, and continued their relationship when he moved to Wisconsin after discharge from the army in 1952.  They wed June 27, 1953, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Cross Plains and were married for 70 years.

In 1954, Frank, Jean and their new son moved back to Bristol where Frank attended night school at Hillyer College of the University of Hartford while launching his business career, later also teaching at Hillyer after receiving a BS in business in 1958.

The growing Pelehach family moved to Huron in 1964 when Frank’s employer transferred him to its Union Chain operation in Sandusky as Chief Industrial Engineer.  Within a few years, he was named President of Union Chain, then part of Litton Industries, holding that position until his retirement in 1987.  Frank was a vigorous and astute leader at Union Chain, investing wisely to grow the business and make it a leading competitor in its markets.  Shortly after retiring, he was approached by Webster Chain Co. of Tiffin, OH, which asked him to help grow its Canadian business, which he did for several years.

Frank was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother and a great role model for his children and grandchildren, always very proud of his family and their achievements.  He greatly enjoyed investing in the stock market and encouraged his children and grandchildren to invest as well, believing strongly that it was the best way for “regular folks” to get ahead. He served on several boards and as an arbitrator for the City of Huron, was a founder of the Huron Swim Club, a regular at his decades long card club, and a long-time member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Huron.  

Frank is survived by his wife Jean, of Sandusky; children, John Pelehach, of Greensboro, NC, Margaret Florek of Perrysburg, OH, Mike Pelehach (Meredith) of Knoxville, TN, Linda Printy (Dean) of Perrysburg, and Laura Pelehach of Chicago; as well as 17 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Heil (Paul); daughter-in-law, Marilyn Pelehach (John); his parents; and his brothers, Joe and John.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 430 Main St., Huron 44839, from 10 - 11:30 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow. Burial will follow Mass at Scott Cemetery, Huron Avery Rd., Huron.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Peter Church, 430 Main Street, Huron, OH 44839 (online through stpetershuron.org) or Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 (online at stein hospice.org).

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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