Frank Junior Dame

July 01 , 1929 - April 06 , 2025

VISITATIONS:

Wednesday, April 9, 2025

3:00 ~ 8:00 PM

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home

SERVICES:

Thursday, April 10, 2025

10:00 AM

Michigan Memorial Funeral Home Chapel

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Obituary

Frank Dame, of Flat Rock, MI, died peacefully in his sleep on April 6, 2025. He was born on July 1, 1929, to Frank and Emma Dame, and grew up on their Flat Rock farm on the Huron River. At age 21, Frank joined the U. S. Army, serving in Germany during the Korean War. Afterwards, he married his wife, Phyllis. Together they raised four loving children.

Frank worked for Link Engineering as an electrician and applications engineer, designing brake dynamometers for the auto industry. He was known far and wide as the man who could fix anything. It has been said that the only thing he could not fix is a broken light bulb. His garage was full of other people’s broken things. When not fixing things, Frank spent his spare time fishing and hunting. In his later years, he delighted in visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Frank was a devoted husband to Phyllis for 56 years until her death in 2010. A day never went by without him saying, “I miss that gal.” When his children were young, he spent memorable time with them fishing, playing baseball, working on school projects, and building a cabin up north. He and Phyllis often enjoyed traveling to Las Vegas, Frank always winning in Blackjack.

Frank’s legacy lives on in his four children (Charlene (Hal) Smith, Lynn (Tom) Wallen, Patricia (Tim) Grove, Frank (Susie) Dame), 21 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, 8 great-great-grandchildren and close friends. He is also survived by two sisters, Josephine Rawlings and Irene Baker, and one brother, Henry Dame. In addition to his wife, two sisters, Emma Lou Hatcher and Anne Therese Struble preceded him in death.

Throughout his life, Frank exhibited a strong faith in God. Toward the end, he longed to join Phyllis in the presence of the Lord. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to a memorial visitation on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The memorial service will be Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 10:00 am. Interment with military salute and bagpipes afterwards at Michigan Memorial Park.

Condolences

Knew Frank primarily as a poker player. He was one of the most successful players at our local tournaments. Frank was not only a skilled player but a pleasant and affable competitor whose presence elevated everyone’s enjoyment. He will be greatly missed. Paul Herron
I must apologize for not being able to make it to the viewing or the funeral tomorrow. There just happens to be too many moving parts in my immediate circle at present. I truly mourn at Frank’s passing and offer my sincere condolences to your extended family. Not only was Frank a great person, he went above and beyond to mentor and transform my brother Joe. Frank means a lot to Joe and probably always will. The video memorial is quite touching. The picture of the old house and dear Emma drew a bit of moisture right from the beginning. In Mark 1:29-39, we get a glimpse of Jesus revealing his compassion and his deep sense of purpose, reaching out to those in need. This moment holds great spiritual significance for all of us, especially in remembering Frank who cared for others in any capacity he could. Bob Wells
Fond memories of Frankie! It was always fun being around him. He was the “electronics guy”. My dad would call Frankie when our TV broke. He would come and check the tubes. It seems he was always able to fix it. My mom (Gertrude) loved him and always talked about him. “Frankie and Phyllis” were two names that just went together. I am proud to have known them both. God bless you Frankie and Phyllis! Gary Soloway
What fond memories I have of Frankie and Phyllis. As a kid I remember how Frankie made little Frankie a go cart that he would run around in the backyard. Our mom (Gertrude) loved both Frankie and Phyllis but had a special place in her heart for Frankie and I know the feeling was mutual especially in their later years. Frank obviously loved his family and all the relatives by having annual reunions, this was a gift to all who attended. Rest In Peace and in your gals arms. 💕 Gail (Soloway) Drozd
I'm sorry that I couldn't attend the memorial service. I love you Uncle Frank. He took me under his wing as a wayward kid out of high school. He was my teacher, my mentor, even a coach many times to challenge me and push. And I didn't make it easy for him. Yet he never gave up on me. He should have fired me a hundred times. I'm sorry for that. Frank was a man after God's own heart."He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." That's what Frank did, how he lived. He was a man of integrity. He shared of himself, his knowledge, his skills, his genius for problem solving and design. He cared for his family and for others. He loved God. I'm grateful to have been his apprentice and to have been loved by him. Jimmy Struble
My special Dad Heart friend Papa Frank will always be remembered in my heart by his sweet Welcome to me each time I was blessed to be together with him and all of you! He is a very important part of my life HIStory! Papa‘s sincere love, care, interest, support and appreciation for my life will be specially remembered for our forever faithful friendship and extended family blessing! A favorite and repeated event are the memories and many photos of Papa always holding each new grandchild on his lap! As each grand, great, and great great grandchild grew he learned about them and seemed to have a special relationship with each one being interested in their individual and specific interests. I will always remember and treasure Papa’s warm heart towards everyone!! I do have a few Papa stories!!; Driving with or for Papa he was emphasizing to speed up our slow down with the sole purpose of making the green light! Ever since when I am driving I have a smile remembering Papa’s style that he liked quite well. In all his family Papa said that one grandson has accomplished the challenge in his steps to beat the red lights. When we first met, 1980, I believe it was Katie’s 1st birthday in Traverse City, MI! when Papa💖 Grandma arrived with blessing and ready to help!! My own family were blessed to know and appreciate Papa’s heart for each member of his family!! Forever Love with Joy in Papa’s awesome memories!! Gail Pardy Gail K Pardy