Joseph Addison Frank, Jr., age 93, passed away peacefully on Friday June 26, 2026 after a brief illness. The love of his life, his wife, Gail Marie Frank, passed away soon after Joseph, on July 16, 2026.
Joseph (“Joe”) is survived by his four children, Timothy (Mary), Karen (Paul), Connie (Robert) and Nancy. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Alexander, Nicholas and Christopher and one great granddaughter, Jeannie Rose.
Joseph was the only child of Joseph Sr. and Rose Frank, born on December 28, 1932. He was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. After receiving a Bachelor of Business degree from the University of Michigan, Joseph enjoyed a successful career in sales, earning multiple awards with his company. After his many promotions, he moved his family from Dearborn Heights, Michigan to Kalamazoo, Michigan and eventually retired as a District Manager in East Lansing, Michigan. His children fondly remember going into his offices and enjoying drawing on the pads of paper he would give them.
Joseph served in the Army at the end of the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany, which nurtured his love of travel. Joseph and wife Gail travelled extensively all over the world. They traveled to Italy, France, Russia, Turkey, China, Africa, Greece, Australia and many others. However, what Joseph enjoyed even more than travelling, was spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Joseph and Gail shared 68 loving years with one another building memories. Many happy memories were made with family at the family cottage on the lake in Northern Michigan. His grandchildren spent many summers at the lake, much to his delight. Joseph was a big fan of University of Michigan and Detroit Lions football and always enjoyed watching Jimmy Kimmel.
Joseph had a friendly personality, pleasant sense of humor and could always bring a smile to one’s face. He was a fantastic husband to Gail Frank and father and a joy to be around. He will be greatly missed.
A Memorial service will be held on September 27th, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. A gathering to celebrate Joseph and his wife Gail and greet family, friends and all who knew them, will follow from 2p.m. to 5 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home in East Lansing, MI.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at donorservices.alz.org, the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy at GTRLC.ORG or a charity of your choice.
