Dave Frenchak, 74, of Chicago, died suddenly of a heart attack on May 15, 2016. Born on May 1, 1942 in Butler, Pennsylvania, to Nick and Anne Frenchak, he held a Master of Divinity degree from Bethel Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota and a Doctor of Ministry degree in pastoral counseling from Andover Newton Theological Seminary in Boston.
Whether pastoring a church in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston or leading the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE) in Chicago for 36 years, his ministry brought flesh to the belief of hope for humankind. He crafted an understanding of prophetic imagination that called forth leaders to envision and actualize God’s care for those on the margins of society through grassroots community development.
In the final years of his life, his work birthed an intricate and composite framework for bringing God’s presence to earth through the theological analysis, education, and partnership with Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary on public theology, which energized him as a dynamic mechanism to call on each of us to act on our faith and hope for a better way for human life.
Throughout his career, he continued to teach, educate, and mentor, as well as counsel individuals through pastoral care and therapy, largely informed by Carl Jung’s writings. It is impossible to capture, quantify, and express all that he meant and means. His love of life, justice, mercy, and grace were so deftly interwoven into his spirit and person. And this same spirit permeated all aspects of his life — personal, community-bound, or public-driven. He serenely integrated depth and dimension as he cultivated beautiful souls, foundations, and theology.
The family feels great sadness and deep loss at his passing. His companionship was steadfast and lush, like green pastures. His care was ever present and still, like quiet waters. His love was unending, refreshing both the soul and spirit. His friendship, ever genuine and pure, was replete with guidance and counsel. In each moment, his presence made it known that goodness and love abounded all the days of life.
Dave Frenchak is survived by his wife, Carol Ann; his children and friends, Karis and Janis Frenchak; his grandsons, Kyle and Gabe Becerra-Frenchak; and his siblings, Marjorie (Walt) Danylak, Jim (Debbi) Frenchak, and Steve (Ora) Frenchak.
A gathering reception will be held at 1 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church and Temple, 77 W. Washington in Chicago on June 25.
