Francis "Frank" Leo Gietzen

Francis Leo Gietzen, age 82 and known more affectionately to all as "Frank," died Sunday, June 26, 2016 at the Waltonwood Senior Living facility in Canton, Michigan. He was born July 14, 1933 in Detroit, son of the late Anthony and the late Rosalia (nee: Priemer) Gietzen.A long-time resident of Warren and faithful parishioner of St.Clement in Center Line, Frank enjoyed a satisfying and rewarding career as a Draftsman in the automotive industry and extremely proud of being part of the FoMoCo team. When he wasn't working on the job, you'd often find him busy at home tinkering away on all kinds of projects using the many skills and talents that were simply ingrained in him. He was the master when it came to tooling on cars, working around the house and yard to keep everything in order, or simply filling in as Mr. Fix It when those little repairs required a bit of wrenching or screw-driving. Frank could work mini miracles with wire and duct tape. As for another special skill, Frank's younger days found him mastering the technique of brewing beer and wine, a talent that many came to enjoy,…and savor.Frank was also known for enjoying some of his downtime with a good book or magazine. His favorites were National Geographic and Popular Mechanics. He loved to read and expand his mind, which also kept it quite sharp. He was also a lover of beautiful music and was especially fond of the sounds of accordion, banjo, tuba, and bass and enjoyed the orchestrations of Lawrence Welk, Guy Lombardo, Mantovani and many others. And then there was his love of traveling, a pastime that drew him to many varied and picturesque destinations and helped create a host of wonderful memories.He lived a life of service, including the U.S. Army. In retirement years, Frank volunteered in patient transport at St. John Macomb Hospital. He was also lended his voice in People Making A Difference – a local sing-along group that entertained at nursing and retirement homes. For many years, he and his wife ministered to church shut-ins.Yet of all that brought him the most joy, nothing could match the love he held for his precious loved ones. To those family members and friends that became part of his life, he leaves a legacy of love to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Frank was the beloved husband of the late Ruth. Dearest father of Diane (Sam) Jett, Dawn (Warren) Hardy, and Daniel Gietzen. Loving brother of Theresa Piasecki, Anthony Gietzen, and preceded in death by siblings, Lucille, Clement, Paul, and Norma…and precious grand-dog, Tele. Francis also adored his Special Grand-puppy, Grant Gietzen. Visitation for Frank will be held Thursday, June 30th from 3-9 pm, with an evening Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Rd. at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd.) in Warren. He will lie in state on Friday from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Site at 25252 Van Dyke Ave, north of 10 Mile Rd. in Center Line. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families would be welcome. (Mailing address: 12255 Frahzo Rd., Warren, MI 48089)Please share memories of Frank at his memory book above.