Frank J. Dres

On September 20, 2012 Frank passed away quietly in his sleep at the grand old age of 94. The prostate cancer finally caught up with him, but he had a long and interesting life and will be missed by friends and family. Frank was born in Hudson, Ohio on August 10th, 1918. He grew up on a small farm without any of the conveniences we take for granted today. As a young boy he helped his neighbor mow a field for an airplane in exchange for some rides; the plane was a WWI biplane that hangs in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington today. He saw dirigibles launched from where they were built in Ohio. Much later in life he watched the first moon landing on TV and he remarked at how many changes he had witnessed during his life. Computers, internet and smart phones weren't even around yet! When he was a young man and WWII had started, he tried to enlist in the Navy but was turned down because he was missing part of a finger. He had lost it due to an infection he had when he was about 14 years old. Despite his finger, the Army took him and that led him to many adventures over the next few years. During this time he met Anna Popson, an Army nurse from Pennsylvania, aboard the hospital ship Wisteria. They made many trips back and forth across the Atlantic, bringing wounded soldiers back from England, France and Italy. When they were discharged from the Army after the war, they were married on October 6, 1945. They moved to Detroit and raised a family. They had a daughter, Joann, and twin sons Michael and Frank. Life was simple but they taught their children well and instilled in them strong values for faith, hard work and honesty. Dad also taught us how to fish, we fished often and he showed us how to outsmart those fish. During the last few years he was sadly unable to get out and fish. He watched the fishing shows on TV but just didn't understand why they threw all those fish back in. Frank was also quite an accomplished carpenter. He made lots of furniture, crafts and even remodeled several homes. His gardening skills were also amazing, it must have been due to his being raised on a farm. He always had a garden and could produce more vegetables than anyone and was always very generous in sharing with friends and neighbors. Frank lived in his own home until about a year ago, by then he knew he needed more help every day. He moved into a retirement home in Romeo, Michigan where he enjoyed living until the time of his passing. Frank and Anna were married for 59 years; Anna preceded him in death in 2004. He always missed her and he has now joined her for eternity. In 2010 their daughter Joann passed away. He is survived by his two sons Michael Julie and Frank Linda, also by 5 granddaughters, 3 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Visitation will be Tuesday 4-8 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W. 11 Mile Rd. 4 blocks E. of Woodward, Royal Oak. The funeral will take place Wednesday 11 a.m. at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery in Troy. Memorial contributions to American Cancer Society are appreciated.

Frank J. Dres

August 10, 1918 - September 20, 2012