Frank Rybiski, billed by this publication as “Wayland’s Greatest Bowler,” died Friday afternoon at his home in Leighton Township. He was 78.
Rybiski rolled more than 30 perfect 300 games in his career and still was able to roll a 266 at Spectrum Lanes last January in Grand Rapids.
Bowling has been in the blood for him and his family. He started by working for Haven Tarnutzer at Airport Lanes as a pin setter in the 1950s for 10 cents a game. Tarnutzer reportedly tried to get Frank to buy the business, but daughter Sherry said, “I think Mom and Dad had just gotten married and bought their house and didn’t want to go further in debt.”
Sherry Rybiski Miklusicak currently is boys’ varsity bowling coach for Wayland High School and her father had served over the past several years as a volunteer assistant coach. He also has been a longtime friend of girls’ varsity coach Eric Bottrall.
Bottrall said, ““Frank is an amazing man that has been a huge influence and inspiration to me!”
He continued to rack up impressive scores on the lanes over the years, even into early this year until he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Rybiski was a Grand Rapids USBC Hall of Fame member. His description as ojne of the area’s top bowlers applied to him for the better part of five decades.
Frank’s bowling could easily be described in numbers: More than thirty 300 games; ten 800 series, with a high of 857; more than twenty appearances on the Traditional or Senior All-City Team (most recently in 2018).
A spokesperson for the GRUSBC said, “But Frank was so much more than that — he was a great teammate, coach, mentor, and one of the kindest men around. Those who knew Frank looked up to him, and although his passing leaves a hole in our hearts, it’s comforting to think back on the great memories that so many of us have with him.”
Sydney Urben, who bowled for Wayland High School and was Division 2 state champion, said, “An inspiration to many in the bowling community. Frank was one of the greatest people I’ve ever met, and I’ll continue to strive to be more like him. He will be greatly missed.”
He spent most of his working years as an employee at White’s in Middleville.
Among his survivors are wife Mary Lou, daughter Sherry and son Brian.
More information about funeral arrangements will be forthcoming.
One of the nicest guys I have ever met!! Frank will be missed by many of us in the bowling community! My condolences to the family at this time!! R.I.P. Frank!
I used to go with my dad when he bowled on a league at Airport Lanes. They used to bowl for nickels and dimes for strikes and spares! It was my job to hand out the nickels and dimes. When we had to bowl against Frank, I brought extra dimes! He was the best! Heaven gained an angel today!
Frank was a wonderful man, he will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with Mary Lou, Sherry and Brian
I didn’t know Frank as long as others have, but he always was nice to me and said hello. I remember him seeking me out when he heard I had just bowled my first 700 series. I thought that was very cool of him. He was still competitive until the end. May he rest with our Lord and Savior!
While growing up in our neighbor hood. I spent most of my childhood at the Rybiski home. One of the best family’s I ever got to send time with. I will always remember when I called Frank Mr Rybiski. He’s said call me FRANK. I said ok Mr Rybiski. I could never call him Frank out of respect. The neighborhood lost a great man. Our family’s thoughts and prayers go out Mary Lou sherry and Brian
Frank and I were the best of bowling friends in the late 50’s into the mid 60’s. He and my Dad taught me much about bowling. It was common for us to roll 30+ games over a weekend. He was a kind person with a great soul. I express my sadness to Mary Lou, Brian, Sherry, and Teresa.