Frank S. Lekatz, 77, formerly of Ely, passed away June 8, 2024 at Carefree living in Babbitt, Minnesota, where he resided for the past 15 months. He made the most of his stay there, enjoying all the residents and staff and where he and one of his pals (Paul) fondly earned the nicknames of “Mischief and Mayhem” due to their antics. He always made the best of any situation he found himself in. His physical disabilities never hindered his zest for living. 

He was born to Frances Melovasich and John Lekatz, Sr. on July 26, 1946 and spent most of his life in Ely. He entered the Army during the Vietnam War, and was fortunate to spend his entire tour Stateside, where he earned the rank of Sgt. After his discharge, he moved to Minneapolis for a short time, only to return to Ely to work as a mechanic at Ford Garage, a diesel mechanic at Reserve Mining, an insurance salesman, a Forest Service employee, and finally a janitor for the Ely School District. He met and married Jan Johnson in 1972. They spent 50 years together enjoying northern Minnesota traveling in their motor home, summering in Bemidji, and spoiling their dogs until her passing in 2022. 

Frank was an active member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Ely. His faith in his Lord and Savior was evident in the life he lived. He was generous, kind and forgiving. 

He is survived by his brother, John (Mary Ann) Lekatz of Ely and their children, his sister Louise (Andy) Kainz of Ely, sisters-in-law Wendy (Russ) Meyer of Bagley and their children, Diane Trerio of Penguilly and her children and many cousins and friends. 

At Franks’s request, there will be no funeral service. His wish was that he and Jan would be buried in Ft. Snelling. 

His family thanks the staff at Carefree for the wonderful care and support given to Frank where he was considered a part of their family, and thanks to the staff at Essentia Health, especially Dr. Joseph Schwinghamer, for the compassionate care given to Frank over the years. 

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home.