Frank Edward Mudrak

Frank Mudrak, Jr., 73, of Ithaca, NY died peacefully March 29 after a long struggle with Lewy body dementia. He was tended by his family, wife Louise (née Youngquist), daughter Erika (John Mazzello), son Lars, granddaughter Mariana, and many friends including caregivers. Born February 1, 1943 in Oak Park, IL, he was raised by his father, Frank E. Mudrak, in an extended loving family that included his cousins Janet, Scott and Robert McIntyre, and Lauren McIntyre Wilkins. After college at Beloit and graduate school in Wisconsin, and marriage, he was embraced by his added Wisconsin family John and Kitty Youngquist, niece Karen Youngquist (Brian Gerner and daughter Gabriela) and nephew David Youngquist (Rose Smyrski and children Conrad and Svea).We feel such gratitude for having had Frank in our lives. He gave freely of his generous spirit and quiet strength. A true gentleman, he embraced life with unending patience, curiosity and wickedly dry humor. He loved to share the outdoors, theater, music, fine art, baseball (Cubbies), classic cars, baking and travel. Open and loving, he had immense compassion and a drive for justice for all people and the earth.Having found his true calling as a teacher, Frank worked long and hard each day and reaped real joy as a science teacher; he spent 29 years at Odessa-Montour Jr./Sr. High School. "Mr. Muddy" carried out inventive science "demos" with a twinkle in his eyes and a chuckle in his heart. He respected the personhood, creativity and intelligence of his students and he gained endless energy from their honesty and youthful enthusiasm.There will be a Memorial Service and Celebration of Frank's Life Saturday, April 9 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church (in Dewitt Park), Ithaca. A luncheon will follow at the Church.In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed at: Alzheimer's Association, Central NY Chapter, 441 West Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204 (memo line "In memory of Frank Mudrak, restricted to Central NY") OR Odessa-Montour School District, 300 College Ave., Odessa, NY 14869 (memo line "In memory of Frank Mudrak"), which will fund a student award in his name.

Saturday, April 09, 2016 11:00 AM

First Baptist Church 309 North Cayuga Street Ithaca, New York 14850