Franklin Gale Siemon

Franklin Gale Siemon, February 11, 1934- March 9, 2025, Born in Lansing, Michigan to August and Hazel Siemon, graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and served in the US Army, stationed in Ulm, Germany where he met his first wife and mother of his children, Elke Vietzen. As a young father, he drove an airport limo and took on tax preparation during the tax season to make ends meet, eventually managing most of the mid-Michigan H&R Block offices for nearly 20 years. He became an advocate for his oldest child, Robert with leadership involvement with the Michigan Association for Emotionally-Disturbed Children. He coached Little League for a season for his younger son, Frank and without fanfare came to the rescue for his daughter Carol when her car died in Canada and needed a new engine. He proudly served as treasurer for the campaigns for State Representative/State Senator Earl Nelson, one of the first Black legislators in the Michigan Legislature.

After his marriage to June Ellen Olsen in 1985, they began a new life in Tallahassee, Florida, ultimately both working for the State of Florida. Together they built their “dream home” with a quilting and crafts room for June and a marvelous kitchen for Frank’s love of cooking. He continued his membership with the Elks Club, became a member of Toastmaster’s International, and enjoyed gardening in the new climate. After retirement, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, served as a volunteer tax preparer for AARP, visited numerous nursing homes and prisons as a volunteer minister, receiving a Bill Glass Association of Recognition of Service Certificate. He was also recognized for his efforts in development of a Health Maintenance Organization Consumers’ Guide. His lifelong advocacy was often quiet and always tenacious. He had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed bad puns. For many years, he enjoyed tropical adventures in Hawaii and the Caribbean and the photographs he immortalized of those trips.

He is survived by his son, Frank and daughter, Carol and numerous nieces and nephews, and predeceased by his parents; his three beloved brothers, August, Patrick, and Bobby; his oldest child Robert (Tracy) in 2017, ex-wife Elke in 2024, and wife June, in 2019. Frank’s faith became of great importance to him during his years in Tallahassee and he was grateful to the members of his church family at Tallahassee Heights Methodist Church for their friendship, comfort, and support. His family would like to thank his friends, neighbors, new friends at St. Augustine’s Assisted Living, and others who offered love, support, and comfort during these last months.

There will be no service. If you choose, donations to a local humane society, Habitat for Humanity, or food bank in his honor would be a fitting and appreciated tribute to his long, honorable life.