Obituaries

 

Gilbert A. Frank

Died Sept. 2, 2014

TRAVERSE CITY – Gilbert Arthur Frank, 85, of Traverse City passed away Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

  Gilbert was born Sept. 26, 1929 in Detroit the son of Harold and Leona (Buerhle) Frank.  On Aug. 25, 1950 in Detroit he married his loving wife of sixty four years, Lois A. Cochran who survives.

  Gilbert attended Edwin Denby High School in Detroit before joining the navy to serve in the Korean conflict.  He worked on the boiler systems on the aircraft carriers Essex and Saipan.

  After the war Gilbert went to work for the Ford Motor Co. and was a licensed millwright.  He eventually left Ford and moved his family up to their beloved vacation cabin in Suttons Bay.  He went to work at Chef Pierre (now Sara Lee) in Traverse City.  He was the foreman of the fabrication shop, building custom conveyor and production lines when he retired in 1994.

  After retiring, Gilbert had more time to pursue his passion for woodworking.  Family and friends marveled at his talent as he created items ranging from a child’s barn, complete with internal stalls made from miniature planking, hinged gates and ornate trim, to grandfather clocks. Anyone lucky enough to own one of Gilbert’s pieces will surely treasure it their whole life.

  A voracious reader, Gilbert was a frequent visitor to the Traverse City Library.  Among his favorite reading topics were aviation and the civil war.

  Those who knew ‘Gibb’ will miss his quiet demeanor, his wit, loyalty and generosity.  His is a story of hard work and devotion.  A good man.  A very good man.

  Gilbert is survived by his wife, Lois; two sons, Mark M. (Cynthia – deceased) Frank, Chris R. (Carole) Frank; two brothers, Donald G. Frank, Richard H. Frank; a grandson, Daniel P. Frank, a granddaughter, Sophie L. Frank; three great granddaughters, Alaina A., Danielle J. (Bean) and Katherine E. Frank.

  A celebration of life will be held at the Frank residence 5800 N. Long Lake Rd. Traverse City MI 49685, from 11:00 a.m. thru 3:00 p.m, on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014.

  Memorials may be directed to National Emphysema Association at www.emphysemafoundation.org/index.php/about-uss/support-the-nef; and or the National Kidney Association at www.kidney.org/support/.

  Please share thoughts and memories with Gilbert’s family online at www.martinson.info

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.