Francis "Frank" C. Marzolf

Always happy and upbeat, Frank Marzolf was a man who made friends easily, and kept them. Popular amongst his peers and even those much younger than himself, there was something about Franks personality that drew others to him. He was a truly kind man, who accepted people at face value and always saw the best in others. Franks can-do attitude, kind heart, and zest for life will live on in the hearts and memories of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Frank was born on May 31, 1920, the second child of proud parents Francis Xavier and Catherine (Gibson) Marzolf. Francis worked in HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning), and for many years was a salesman with Minneapolis Honeywell. His job required him to travel widely to open up new sales territories, and as a result their first three children " Pat, Frank, and Betty " were each born in different states (Frank was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota). The Marzolf family eventually settled down in Detroit, Michigan, where Franks younger siblings Tom, Joan, Jim, and Bill were born. Frank was a hard-working and motivated teenager, whose part-time jobs included filling prescriptions at a drugstore, delivering newspapers, and working as a soda-jerk. It was common in that era to be compensated with cigarettes and Frank was more than willing to accept that as part of his wage. As a result, Frank was already a smoker by the age of 14. His best buddy in those days was Jack Donner, and they often could be spotted cruising around Grand River in a Model T (without a floorboard). Frank also enjoyed golfing, a sport he started playing as a kid. He figured out how to sneak on to the Plum Hollow Country Club in Detroit " and did so frequently enough that club members assumed Frank actually belonged to the club! After graduating from St. Marys High School of Redford in 1938, Frank went on to work at Western Electric installing telephone equipment. It wasnt long after that he met the young lady who would be the love of his life " Barbara Whipple. Frank and Barb were introduced by Franks sister, Betty, who was best friends with Barb. Frank and Barb hit it off right away, and before long realized that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together and so they planned to marry. But with World War II having already broken out, Frank decided to serve his country first and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Due to his experience at the telephone company, Frank was assigned to the Signal Corp in North Africa and Naples, Italy. He served for three years, and was honorably discharged in 1945. Safely back home in the States, Frank returned to his job at Western Electric, and more importantly, back into the arms of his soon-to-be wife, Barbara. The happy couple was married on January 19, 1946, at St. Marys Church of Redford, Michigan. In the years to come, Frank and Barb were blessed with three children: Tim, Pat, and Sue. Frank loved being a father, and was very involved in his childrens lives. He wanted only the best for them, and sacrificed his own needs in order to put the kids through the Catholic School System. At first, Frank supported his growing family through his work at Western Electric. Later, this job led to a position at Michigan Bell, where Frank started as a switchman, and was successively promoted to instructor and then to manager. The family belonged to Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Farmington, Michigan, and Frank often volunteered his time for various church activities. When the kids were young, the Marzolf family made many happy memories vacationing at Higgins Lake. Years later, in 1976, the whole family traveled to Hawaii. Frank and Barb had been there a few years before, and wanted their children to have a chance to experience the beautiful islands for themselves. Unfailingly kind, happy, and upbeat, Frank was well-respected by his children, and a source guidance and wisdom to them throughout the years. Frank retired from Western Electric and Michigan Bell in 1980, after a combined 40 years of loyal service. The following year, Frank and Barb moved from Farmington to Lake Isabella, Michigan. Frank made many friends in his new town, in particular a group of golf buddies. They would make an annual pilgrimage to Wheeling West, Virginia, for a week of golf, and even though Frank was older than the rest of the group he fit right in. Frank was an avid golfer " in fact, their home in Lake Isabella adjoined the golf course. Barb picked up golfing as well after retirement, and they routinely golfed as much as five times a week. Frank was a natural organizer, and often donated his time to organize golf leagues and tournaments. To this day, Lake Isabella has an annual golf event called the Marzolf Shootout. In his free time, Frank enjoyed wood-working and following his favorite sports teams, especially the Lions and the Tigers. He also looked forward to the annual Marzolf family reunion, and even hosted the event several times at Lake Isabella. Active and outgoing, positive and kind-hearted, Frank was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Francis Frank Marzolf died on November 9, 2012, at the age of 92. Franks family includes his children, Tim (Linda) Marzolf of Kalamazoo, Pat (Steve) Rose of Ada, and Sue (Bob) Chmielewski of Haywood, CA; his grandchildren, Leigh, Holly, Heather, Kathryn and Mike; his great-grandchildren, Katie and Sydney, Reagen, Casey, Ellie and Benjamin, and Natalie and Colin; his siblings, Betty Chandler of Milford, Tom Marzolf of San Francisco, CA, Jim (Carol) Marzolf of Whitmore Lake, and Bill (Joanne) Marzolf of Auburn Hills; his brother-in-law, Jay OBrien of Novi; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara, in 2006; and his sisters, Pat Thill and Joan OBrien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 13, at St. Joseph the Worker Church in Beal City, with Father Patrick Jankowiak presiding. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home, 2300 S. Lincoln Rd., Mt. Pleasant, on Monday from 4-8 p.m. with the Vigil beginning at 7:30 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to Mass. Memorial contributions may be made to Woodland Hospice, 2597 S. Meridian Rd., Mt. Pleasant. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Please visit Franks personal memory page at www.CharlesRLux.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.