Obituary of Frank M. Naessens

Francis M. "Whitey" Naessens Merrill, Michigan Surrounded by his family, our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend was called home by the Lord on Friday, March 18, 2016 at Meadow View Manor. He was 90 years old. Francis Maurice Naessens was born on October 6, 1925 in Merrill, MI to the late Maurice and Evelyn (Siler) Naessens. Frank served his country with the US Army during World War II. He married Irene D. Fordos on May 21, 1949 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Ryan, MI. She preceded him in death on March 12, 2008 after nearly 59 years of marriage. In addition to working at Dow Corning as a pipefitter for more than 40 years, Frank also took great pride in running an 80 acre farm in Merrill with his wife and children. It was on that farm that Frank & Irene instilled in their ten children the importance of hard work and an even stronger desire to love and serve God; these traits are still exhibited by the Naessens children to this day. As a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus Fr. Neuman Council #2291, Frank actively lived out his faith. In their spare time, Frank and Irene enjoyed square dancing, gardening and spending time with their family and friends. Frank is survived by his ten children: Angeline Dammann of Haslett, Janet and John Snider of Kalamazoo, Barbara and Allen Bierlein of Bay City, Cheryl and Mark Snyder of Traverse City, Richard and Linda Naessens of Midland, Joan and Ray Welke of Merrill, Carol and Curtis Fillenworth of Lawton, Elaine and Patrick Murphy of Hope, Robert and Becky Naessens of New Lothrop, Ann and Todd Brunner of Portage; 25 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Ernest "Sam" Naessens, of Merrill; Rev. Fr. Philip Naessens, O.F.M., Cap., of Detroit; brother-in-law: Bill Scott of Midland. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Irene; two sisters, Joyce Scott and Evelyn as well as her husband, Ernest Fordos; sister-in-law, Mary Naessens. FUNERAL: A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at St. John the XXIII Parish - Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 415 S. Midland St., Merrill. Frank's brother, Rev. Fr. Philip Naessens, O.F.M., Cap., and Rev. Fr. Dennis Kucharczyk will concelebrate. Burial will take place in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery with military honors under the auspices of the United States Army and V.F.W. Post #7302. Arrangements are entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home. VISITATION: There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Friends may visit at St. John the XXIII Parish - Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 419 S. Midland Street, Merrill on Monday, March 21, 2016 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service for Frank will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday at the church with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:30 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus Fr. Neuman Council #2291. Frank will lie in state at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. John the XXIII, Fr. Solanus Casey Guild or Jonesfield/Lakefield Township Fire Department. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com