Frank Leo Simon

Frank was a loyal husband for 64 years, always faithful to his loving wife Barb. He was born July 30, 1937, in St. Johns, Michigan and raised in Fowler, Michigan. The youngest of Otto and Mary (Hufnagel) Simon’s 8 children, and the only one to be born in a hospital. Frank and Barb had 3 children: Jamie (Andy) Flanagan, Beth (Dave) Pratt, and Doug (Amy). They were also blessed with 6 grandchildren: Daryl, Marybeth, Sarah, Nathan, Threse, and Nicholas. Three great grandchildren: Camden, Hudson, and Jack (on the way), along with numerous nieces and nephews who loved Uncle Frank. He is preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Mary, siblings Paul (Joan), Roman (Rita), Theresa (Martin) Donovan, Rita (Carl) Wieber, Annie (Alfred) Koenigsknecht, Wilma (Elmer) Thelen, and Don. Surviving is sister-in-law Shirley (Don).

On May 7, 1960, Frank was united in marriage with Barbara Thelen at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler, Michigan. They moved to Lansing, Michigan in 1962. Frank served in the Army Reserve, worked at Michigan State University for a time, and was a dedicated employee of the State of Michigan, Department of Transportation for 30 years, retiring in 1997. Becoming snowbirds, Frank’s part-time retirement job as a greeter at Sam’s Club, both in Lansing, and New Port Richey, Florida, earned him fame from customers for his always joyful version of “Welcome to Sam’s Club!”. This later transitioned to an unofficial job as a greeter at Starbucks where he become known for the similarly joyful “Welcome to Starbucks!” to anyone who entered while he was there enjoying fellowship and his favorite coffee drink.

Frank’s life was driven by his Catholic Faith, Family, and Friends. He was never happier than to be with Barb, his children, and grandchildren. Every life event (birthdays/anniversaries/holidays) were to always be celebrated, and never missed. Frank’s “song” was sung at every one of them, which he was always happy to lead. It also brought Frank great joy to attend every school/sports event possible for his kids and grandkids. This earned him legendary status as a superfan to the many friends of his kids and grandkids.

Always quick with a fist bump for every willing recipient, Frank lit up any room, school gym, roller hockey rink, or ballfield he entered. His relentless positive attitude was infectious and an example for all to follow.

Here’s to Brother Frank, he is with us today!

Funeral masses will be celebrated as follows:

The Funeral Mass in Florida will be held on Saturday, July 6, 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church with Fr. Gary Dowsey as celebrant, 12747 Interlaken Road, Trinity, 34655. Reception/luncheon to follow at the Gulf Harbors Condominium Clubhouse #1, 5124 Topaz Lane, New Port Richey, 34652. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be offered to St. Peter the Apostle Debt Reduction Fund (to facilitate moving forward with construction on a permanent Church building) electronically via the link provided below. Be sure to select Debt Reduction Summer Challenge.

The Funeral Mass in Michigan will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2:00 p.m. at St. Gerard Catholic Church with Fr. John Klein as celebrant, 4437 W. Willow Hwy, Lansing, 48917. Visitation will be held one hour prior at the church. Reception/luncheon at St. Gerard following mass. In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be offered to St. Gerard St. Vincent de Paul Society in Lansing, or electronically via the link provided below. Be sure to select St. Vincent de Paul under “Donation For”.