Frank "Sonny" L. Deak Jr.

Frank Loren "Sonny" Deak Jr. of Osceola/Elkhart passed away on his 96th birthday Sunday, August 11, 2024, at Woodland Manor in Elkhart.  Frank was born August 11, 1928 to the late Frank and Vivian (Bills) Deak Sr.  After graduating from Jimtown High School in 1946, he worked for Studebaker's in South Bend until he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  Frank served his country until his honorable discharge in 1952.  Upon his return to civilian life he went back to Studebaker's and worked until following  in his father's footsteps, opening his own garage where he was owner and mechanic for over 20 years.  Subsequently Frank began delivering travel trailers across the country for Traveline Enterprises in Elkhart until he fully retired in his early 80s.

Frank is survived by a son, Stephen Deak of Florida, and daughter Lori Ryan of Elkhart, along with 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving are his sisters Arloine Ernest of South Bend and Yvonne Maxson of Florida.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, infant Donald Deak, Dorothy Clem, and Louis Deak.

There will be one hour of visitation prior to the 12pm Celebration of Life service and military honors on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Cruz Family Funeral Home in Osceola.

Frank was a man that truly loved what he did.  As a longtime mechanic he spent countless hours tinkering around in his garage for his own enjoyment as well as helping his own family, friends and many acquaintances to keep their automobiles running and in good repair.  Frank was also a passionate fan of auto racing.  He served as owner and mechanic of several open-wheel race cars with his team racing at numerous tracks both locally and across the country and winning many races!

In addition to his love for cars, Frank had a passion for sports.  He played baseball on his high school team as well as the local Osceola team.  Later he was always happy to watch a game at a local ballpark or at Four Winds Field to see the South Bend Cubs play.

Frank was as about an easy-going guy there was.  He never raised his voice, and he was rarely in a hurry.  In recent years, he could never pass up a child without reaching into his pocket for his stash of mints, just to see the smile on their face.  He was a good guy, and he will be forever missed by those that loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baugo Lions Club.  To light a virtual candle, share a story of Frank's life or leave a message of comfort to his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall above.