Joseph Franklin Dunnigan

Joseph Franklin Dunnigan (Frank) passed away on December 15, 2025, in Austin Texas, at the age of 90. He was a longtime resident of Fredericksburg, Texas, and previously of Austin and Michigan, where his roots and extended family remained close to his heart.

Frank was born on June 3, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan. A lifelong craftsman, he spent his working years doing what he loved most—working with wood. He owned and operated companies that manufactured wood furniture, building a career defined by his skill and pride. Among his most cherished accomplishments were providing the library furniture for the Perry–Castañeda Library at U.T.-Austin, as well as crafting a desk for President John F. Kennedy. After retirement, he could always be found in his workshop, continuing to create with his hands and his mind.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Benedetta Dunnigan, the love of his life and constant companion. They were married for 70 years and shared 75 years together, starting at Servite High School. Frank was a devoted father to his five children: Steve and his wife, Jane; Bill and his wife, Erin; Bob and his wife, Carol; Joe and his wife, Karen; and Mary and her late husband, Michael Phillips . He was also the proud grandfather of Michael, Amy, Laura, Stephen, Savannah, David, Kevin, Christina, Lauren, Megan, Brooke, Ryan, Micaela, and Marissa, as well as his 21 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him immense joy.

Coming from a city background, Frank took to the land when he moved to Austin. He cherished time spent on his ranch with cattle and horses, and later at his five-acre home in Fredericksburg, where he happily tended to his chickens and doted on his pet squirrel, Rocky.

A devout Catholic, Frank never missed Mass. When it became too difficult to attend in person, he called his priest to ensure that streaming mass on t.v. was ok. He was resolute in his faith.

Above all else, Frank was a family man. He was a loyal and loving husband who always looked out for his bride, a father who never stopped caring for his children, and a patriarch who treasured time with family and friends. He remained especially close to his many Michigan relatives and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.

Frank will be remembered for his strong work ethic, values, faith, craftsmanship, and unwavering devotion to family. He will also be known for his quick wit, lighthearted poems, and his ability to make everyone laugh when he was around. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the family he held so dear. Finally, he let it be known that … “If it wasn’t for me, none of us would be here.”

Services will be held at St Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church in Pflugerville on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 12:30 PM & Burial to follow at Cook Walden Capital Parks Cemetery on Monday at 2:00 PM.