Gerard Arthur Frankowski's Obituary
Gerard Arthur Frankowski passed from this life on Monday, June 23, 2025. He was born on January 20, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Paul and Marguerite Frankowski. He graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1965 and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
With an unwavering commitment to his family, Gary excelled at and provided for them in a variety of occupations. Initially, Gary owned and operated a restaurant at the Krey Packing Company for 15 years. Upon moving his young family to Arkansas and personally constructing their family home, Gary had a brief stint in the dump truck industry before opening their restaurant and delicatessen, The Meat Corral, in 1981. He and his wife Susan served the Mountain Home community an amazing array of meats, sandwiches, homemade cakes, and soups for 27 years before closing in 2008.
Gary enjoyed attending Corvette club meetings, of which he was president for 5 years, and serving his local parish of St. Peter’s, where he and Susan were members for 44 years.
In addition to his hometown St. Louis Cardinals, Gary loved corvettes, hiking, lake life, his children, and his grandchildren. Most notably, Gary loved all things red, including his home, cars, beloved Irish Setters, and most dearly his auburn-haired wife of 59 years this June, Susan.
His family will miss his amazing organizational skills, mind for details, and extensive knowledge of all things automotive, fiduciary, and home/lawn care related. He will be remembered for his “discerning” food tastes, for making waves with Sea-Doos, Saturday morning cheesy eggs, and his loving witticisms- “Choices and consequences”, “Don’t get water in the boat” and “You get what you get and don’t pitch a fit.”
Mr. Frankowski was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Frankowski; and sisters, Margie Sullivan and Judy Morris.
He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Gary(Kristin) Frankowski of Little Rock; daughter, Kathleen (Raymond) Webb of Rogers; brother, Francis Frankowski of St. Louis, grandchildren, Sara, Ryan, and Adam Frankowski of Little Rock, Katelyn (Riley Heasley), Lucas (Emory), and Matthew Webb of Rogers; and one great-granddaughter, Clara Webb of Rogers; as well as brothers-in-law, Raymond and Lawrence (Linda) Finke of Houston and Robert Finke of Arlington; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A private family mass is planned in the days to come at St. Williams Catholic Church in Gainesville, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Circle of Life Hospice at https://nwacircleoflife.com or St William’s Catholic Church, PO Box 367, Gainesville, MO 65655.
The family would like to thank their Twin Lakes neighbors for their prayers and support, and express deepest gratitude for the amazing level of care provided by the entire staff of Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. They are angels here on earth.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerard?
Share a story where Gerard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerard you’ll never forget.
How did Gerard make you smile?