Alger E. Frandsen's Obituary
Lakeview - Alger E. Frandsen, age 88, of Lakeview died April 10, 2017 at Blodgett Hospital following a short illness with his family by his side.
He was born in Trufant to William and Christina (Albertson) Frandsen and grew up on the family farm. Alger attended Elementary School in Trufant and High School at Lakeview Community Schools graduating in 1947. It was during his high school years he met and dated Shirley Buckley.
During his teen years he worked for Trufant Elevator and Trufant Lumber Co. In 1950 he began working for Wallace Petersen, International Harvester dealer in Lakeview. When the Korean War broke out he was drafted in January 1951 and spent a cold winter at Camp McCoy, Wisconsin. Later his unit was deployed to Occupational Germany where he spent 17 months. When discharged he returned to his job as a mechanic at the IH dealer in Lakeview. In those years the mechanic often went to the field when a machine broke down. During this time Alger met and made friends with the local farmers and family. Repairing and restoring tractors and farm machinery became a lifetime interest. In 1967 Alger began working at MichCon Gas Co in Six Lakes and received a letter of commendation for 26 years without missing a day at work upon retirement in 1993. Many friends and memories were made during his years at MichCon.
On August 30, 1951 he married Shirley Buckley at the Ashbury United Methodist Church in Lakeview. They celebrated their 65th Wedding Anniversary last summer. Alger was a member of New Life United Methodist Church, Six Lakes. He has been an active worker on the New Life ramp project and other church activities. He has been blessed by great friendships and a loving church family.
Alger is survived by his wife, Shirley, a daughter, Marcia (Duane) Tisdel, a grandson, Mark (Krista) Tisdel and a granddaughter, Darcie (Rich) Jackson, all of Spring Lake, MI. They have 8 great-grandchildren, Grace, Joy, Gavin, Christian, Mason, Luke, Madelyn, and Elijah. Also, a sister, Virginia Christiansen, a brother Albert (Betty) Frandsen both of Trufant, a brother-in-law, Jack (Deloras) Buckley of Jenison and sister-in-law, Leone (Alwin) Whittum of Lakeview.
Alger was preceded in death by his parents, brother Andrew, sister-in-law Mary Frandsen, brother-in-law Charles Christensen, and Father-in-law, Lewis Buckley.
While his interest and expertise have always remained in farms, friends, and mechanics, he was most often found in his workshop fixing something. Many tales have been shared by friends sitting by the wood stove. He greatly enjoyed the deer season spent in the UP with Wally Petersen and the "dane" camp. His true love was home and family. 88 years - greatly lived - greatly loved. A remarkable, quiet, interesting man.
Funeral services for Alger will be held on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 11:00 am at New Life United Methodist Church in Six Lakes with Pastor Sue Babb officiating. The family will be accepting visitors on Saturday, one hour prior the service from 10:00 - 11:00 pm at the church. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Interment will follow in Trufant Cemetery at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made payable to New Life United Methodist Church.
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