Frank A. Varga

Frank A. Varga, age 99, of Battle Creek, Michigan passed away Tuesday, March 5, 2024. He was surrounded by his family. 

He is survived by his loving family, daughter Beth (Sam) Enskat; grandchildren Kelly and Sarah Enskat, Thad Varga; great grandchildren River Enskat-Costeas and Tyler and Areell Varga, and many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his brothers Frenk, Steve, Mike, and Joe, his sisters Mary and Victoria, son Dana Varga, and grandson Danny Varga. 

Frank was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on January 28, 1925. He was the son of strong, hard-working parents that immigrated from Croatia. Frank was also a hard-working man, a man with true grit. He served in the Army Air Force from 1943 - 1946; “the best time of my life” as he referred to it. Frank traveled the world. From Fort Sheridan, IL to Camp McQuaide, CA to Key Field, MS, to Hammond Airfield, LA where he fondly spoke of his time as an armorer, and then overseas where he ended his time in China working in the motor pool and riding his Harley 45 down the streets of Shanghai. He received several medals and citations. 

After his time in the service, he became a carman on the Grand Trunk Railroad from 1947-1986. Whenever there was a wreck, Frank was the first call. He loved to tell stories of his time in the service and time spent working on the railroad. 

Frank never stopped. He worked hard to provide for his family and his friends. He was a do-er, a builder, a fixer. At 99 years old, he had just gotten his license renewed and was still shoveling his driveway in the snow (no matter how many times his daughter told him to stay inside). Frank loved spending time with family. He loved watching westerns. He enjoyed feeding the birds. He was a wonderful cook. A story-teller. A beloved father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. 

Friends will be received 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home in Battle Creek. Mass will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024, at 10: 00 a.m. at St. Philip Church in Battle Creek. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation online at www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate or by mail at PO Box 40726 Nashville, TN 37204. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.