obituaries

Dr. Francis "Frank" J. Sobkowski

Edwardsville |

Dr. Francis “Frank” J. Sobkowski, age 83, of Edwardsville, Illinois, died at 6:44 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, Illinois, surrounded by his family. Frank was born August 28, 1933, in Dunkirk, New York, the son of the late Dr. Francis & Martha (Tucynski) Sobkowski. He married M. Charmaine Brown on July 9, 1955, at St. Mary’s Church in Dunkirk, New York, and she survives. Frank is also survived by two sons, Todd Sobkowski of Providence Village, Texas, Jason Sobkowski & wife Tracy of Gallup, New Mexico; two daughters, Tracey Kane & husband Chris of Edwardsville, Laurie Brazier & husband Phil of Sparks, Nevada; three grandchildren, Ben Kane, Andy Kane & Emily Brazier. Dr. Sobkowski had a passion for learning and for passing that knowledge on to following generations and would most want to be remembered as an Educator. His formal education began when he received his BA from Hamilton College in 1950, and then went on to the University of Pennsylvania in 1954, where he attained his DDS as well as his MS in Physiology. From there, he entered the University of Rochester, where he received his PhD in Radiation Biology in 1959. His love for learning and teaching then lead him to the UCLA School of Dentistry as Chairman of Radiology and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs. Then, in 1969, he accepted the position of Special Assistant to the President for Health Education at SIU with the goal of meeting the need for dental education in Southern Illinois. To that end, he founded the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine that same year. Frank then became an Orthodontic Resident and Clinical Professor at SLU School of Orthodontics in 1974, and, on graduating, maintained the role of Clinical Professor and Clinic Director at SLU as well as opening a private practice in Orthodontics.
He continued practicing Orthodontics and working at SLU for twenty years. He then retired from SLU in 1999, and returned to SIU School of Dental Medicine, this time in a role of Professor of Dental Radiology. Frank loved his family passionately including his sweet cat, Puppy. He also was an avid sports fan especially the St. Louis Blues. His other hobbies included photography, riding motorcycles, running, bicycling, boating, sailing, reading and automobiles. A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. Frank was cremated according to his wishes. The family request memorials to Metro East Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed online at weberfuneralhome.com.


Obit Provided By:
Weber & Rodney Funeral Home

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