H.F. "Frank" Schirle's Obituary
H. F. “Frank” Schirle
May 3, 1928 - December 15, 2015
On December 15, 2015, H.F. “Frank” Schirle passed away peacefully at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Frank was born in Stockton, California, on May 3, 1928. He graduated from Santa Clara University (California) in 1950 and later served in the United States Army. In 1952 he embarked on a successful career with the Chevrolet Motor Division of General Motors, from which he retired as the Marketing Center Manager in 1989.
A life-long devout Catholic, Frank was especially proud of his 60-year marriage to the love of his life and best friend, Frances (Fran) Schirle. He had a love of reading and studying history, enjoyed a little fly-fishing and bird hunting in his younger days, and golfing, wood carving and volunteering in his retirement. A California native, he spoke frequently of the wonderful memories and great times he had there, and particularly loved the beauty of Lake Tahoe.
Frank was preceded in death by his father and mother, Bert and Agnes (née O’Connor) Schirle; his brother Reverend Monsignor George Vernon Schirle; and his sister Marian (Floyd) Allen. Waiting for him across the rainbow bridge was his favorite dog, Shawn.
Frank is survived by his wife Fran; his children Jeanne (Gary) Brickner, Paul (Phyllis) Schirle, and Lynn (Brad) Currelly; grandchildren Kyra Brickner, Kelly Brickner, Rose Schirle, and Nathaniel Schirle; three great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Ron (Pat) Sobrero; sisters-in-law Rose Sobrero and Colleen Sobrero; and many loved nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his cherished friends and neighbors, with whom he enjoyed so many good times and laughs over the years.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 20, 2015 from 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 7:30 PM, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home, 469 W. Wheatland Avenue, Remus, MI 49340. Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Michael Burt on Monday, December 21, 2015 at 11 am, at St. Michael Catholic Church located at 8929 50th Avenue, Remus, MI 49340. Family will greet friends on Monday from 10:00 AM to the time of service at church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Parish School, God’s Helping Hands, or Mecosta County Senior Center.
Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home, church or online at www.janowiczfh.com.
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