Frank Joseph Printke Jr., 98, of Coldwater passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital.
In respect to his wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held Friday, May 6, 2022 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Bill’s Grill House, 270 Narrows Rd., Coldwater, MI 49036.
The family is being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
He was born July 10, 1923 to Frank and Theresa (Nowakowski) Printke Sr. in Toledo, OH. Frank was a Bronson High School graduate, class of 1943, and continued his education at I.C.S to pursue his career in Tool and Die Design. After a long and successful career in the trade, Frank ultimately retired from the automotive division at Borg Warner as a tooling engineer.
On May 14, 1977 he married Wanda L. Stickan and she survives.
Frank had served his country with great pride in the United States Army as a T/3 Tech Sergeant with Patton’s Third Army during WWII. His country called upon his honorable services from July of 1944 to August of 1945 where he earned five campaign medals before returning home. After the war Frank continued to carry out his sense of duty not only to his family but his community as well; he had been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars American Legion and was also a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
Frank had served as a trustee on the Matteson Twp. School board and had even served as President of Lindley School, but his biggest challenge and honor was being a part of the team that was tasked with restoring all the parts and reassemble the Branch County Court House clock. He was a talented woodworker and could also make beautiful pieces of stained glass. Frank found his peace outdoors; whether it was hunting or fishing or the greens of the golf course – he was always at home outside. Frank also enjoyed a good hand of bridge and was always up for sharing a well-detailed story at which he was second to none.
In addition to his wife Wanda, Frank leaves behind his children Cathy (Wayne) Grissim, JoAnna Kehoe both of Coldwater; his step-children Larry Porter, Garry (Pam) Porter, Charles Porter all of Coldwater; his sister Evelyn Swift of Coldwater; 5 grandchildren Terry Lee (Rhonda) Modert, Chris Modert, Niki (Joe) Hoard, Jena (Rob) Thorp, Sean (Jaylee) Printke; 4 step-grandchildren Tim (Lynn) Porter, Tom (Lana) Porter, Todd (Samantha) Porter, Amy (Ryan) VanAken; 11 great grandchildren; 8 step-great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; 1 step-great-great grandchild; his loving nieces and nephews, the friends and family of Legg Ct. and his dog Ava. The family sends a special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. J. Daoud for all of his care.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Barbara Printke, his son James Printke, a brother Bernard Printke, his son-in-law R. Lynn Kehoe and his step-grandchild Brian Porter.
Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society.
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