Obituary of John W. Frankila

Frankila, John W. of Saginaw Township Beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at HealthSource of Saginaw with his family by his side. He was 80 years old. John William Frankila was born on March 11, 1938 in Detroit, Michigan to the late William and Helen (Shilhab) Frankila. He was a proud 1956 graduate of Cooley High School in Detroit. Following graduation, John attended and graduated from Lawrence Technological University, receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. While in college, he met the love of his life, Nancy Anne O'Connor and they were married on August 24, 1963; she survives. John was a mechanical engineer in the automotive industry and held 12 patents for his design work in seat engineering. He and his wife Nancy raised their children in the Detroit Metropolitan area and Jackson. They enjoyed vacationing in Cheboygan, later retiring there before moving to Saginaw. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. As a young man, John enjoyed running. He also enjoyed being actively involved in his children's school activities. John also enjoyed working on puzzles, as well as taking his dog, Fred, for walks. Above all, he loved and cherished his family. John will forever be remembered for his wise, thoughtful and intelligent advice and for his incredible kindness to all that loved him. Surviving are his wife of nearly 55 years, Nancy Anne Frankila of Saginaw Township; one son three daughters: Roger Frankila of Jackson; Joan (John) Coopes of Kalamazoo, Helen (Chris) Goertler of Vicksburg and Laura (Mike) Fiore of Saginaw Township; and 12 grandchildren: Ashleigh Roberts, Morggan Frankila, Alex Frankila, Rachel Coopes, Ben Coopes and his fiancée Macy Dietrich, Carrie Coopes, Brad Goertler, Mark Goertler, Lauren Goertler, Michael Fiore, Anthony Fiore and David Fiore. He was preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Lynndy Frankila; a sister, Mary Lou (Joe) Ball. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2018 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Rev. Fr. Richard Bokinskie will officiate. John will lie in state at the church on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Alzheimer's Association. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.