Francis J Lorence

Francis Joseph Lorence was born on October 11, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph and Mary Lorence in the Hungarian neighborhood of Delray.

Frank grew up in Delray and graduated from Detroit’s Southwestern High School in 1951. It is there that he met the love of his life, Helen Louise Brisbois. They committed their lives to one another on September 26th 1953 and began the journey of a life together including the blessing of five children and 72 years of marriage full of love, friendship, devotion and adventure.

He served his country in the US Army during the era of the Korean Conflict and attended vocational training as a draftsman upon his honorable discharge. Passionate and naturally inclined to engineering he began a long career initially at Cox Instruments of Detroit. With growing confidence and skills, he, together with eight colleagues, founded Testek Inc. in Livonia, MI on July 20th 1969 coinciding with Neil Armstrong being the first man to set foot on the moon. He rose to the position of President and retired after a long career in 1998. He was a skilled engineer, thoughtful teacher, and trusted colleague and Testek continues today as a successful high-tech company.

Beyond his passion for design and building complex machinery, Frank had a greater passion for family. He and Helen established a large and thriving family fulfilling a clear desire in his heart. Together they created wonderful homes at Lido Beach in Sarasota, Florida, Canadian Lakes in Remus, Michigan and Hidden Lakes in South Lyon, Michigan. Homes where family and countless friends could gather to be together, enjoy the outdoors and watch a lifetime of sunsets. At his Michigan cottage he planted a spruce tree for each grandchild as they were born and watched as the children and trees thrived and matured together. He was looked upon for guidance and support by his many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends and was devoted to his beloved mother and father in-law Herb and Ann through the end of their years.

He was very passionate about education and the pursuit of knowledge and supported and encouraged many family members and friends to fulfill their educational goals. His hobbies included golf and fishing, activities he approached with simple pleasure and bowling where his shout of “wahoo!” was heard across the league when getting a strike. In addition, he and his wife Helen enjoyed a love of travel and adventure far and wide together enhancing their appreciation for the world, cuisine, and culture creating a lifetime of memories.

Frank will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, endless optimism, generosity, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His life reflected a deep appreciation for learning, perseverance, and joy.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife Helen; his children, Michael (Julia), Annmarie (Keith) and Robert (Jennifer); his daughter-in-law Angela; his grandchildren, Dana, Robert, Steven, Samantha, Heather, Timothy, Nathan and Zachary; his great grandchildren Veda and Flora.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Debra Jean and son Daniel Joseph who remained forever in his heart; mother Mary and father Joseph; sisters Joan, Ruth and Barbara and brother Michael.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, February 16, 2026 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 711 Rickett Road, Brighton, MI 48116, where the family will receive friends from 10:00 am until service time. The mass will be lived streamed.

A memorial luncheon will follow from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Crystal Gardens Event Center, 5768 E. Grand River Avenue, Howell, MI 48843.

Flowers should be delivered to the church by 10:00 am the day of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Frank's name may be made the local VFW hall or to The Salvation Army.