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Donald J. Frantz

Donald J. Frantz

  • September 17, 1920 - January 8, 2012
  • Dowagiac, Michigan
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Memories & Candles

“If you could see me now I'm walking streets of gold. If you could see me now I'm standing tall and whole. If you could see me now you know I've...Read More » ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Melody - plymouth, IN

“I had a great uncle and aunt. They were there for all of us. Loved them both so much. our love to the family. barb &Larry ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Barbara &Larry Migedt - Englewood, FL

“Sorry to hear of your loss. He was an awsome Uncle. we shared a lot of good times together. Thinking of and saying a prayer for you guys. Love Dal...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Arlne Benning Small - Dallas , TX

“I will never forget you and what it meant to have you in my life. My heart is broken. Dozi Potts ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: joann zelenak - st. clair shores, MI

“I have so many great memories of Uncle Don…he was so good to us…we were never cold or hungry before the bus and we watched many “Spanky and Our...Read More » ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Cyndi Holcomb - Goshen, IN

“Dear Carolyn and family, The lost is to great for words. Don certainly has the best family on earth. You could definatly could see the love he...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Sandra Bowman - Niles, MI

“Don was great guy. I worked with him on various shows at The Beckwith Theatre and even had an opportunity to direct him in a show. To this day, I...Read More » ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Scott Swisher - Lompoc, CA

“It's hard to distill my thoughts about Don because I have so many good memories: shows he was in, times outside of the Beckwith, jokes, cigars (his...Read More » ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: Paul Pugh - Dowagiac , MI


Donald's life began on September 17, 1920 in Detroit, MI the son of Lester and Julia (Halley) Frantz. He was a graduate of Detroit School of Business and worked as a financial officer for Clark Equipement. Donald served his country during WWII and was awarded 6 bronze stars for his service. He was united in marriage to the former Dorothy Hickey on May 10, 1943, At age 70, Don embraced a new interest: acting. For the next fourteen years, Don appeared in many productions, primarily with the Beckwith Theatre, but also with the Tin Shop, the Barn Swallow, and others. He took a special interest in acting with his many talented grandchildren, which he was able to do at both the Beckwith and Barn Swallow. Donald passed away on Sunday January 8th, 2012. His loving family includes his children Diane (Jim) Leiman of Bloomfield Hills, MI., Carolyn (Kary) Callahan of Rochester, IN., Richard (Teri)Frantz of Dowagiac, grandchildren Jeff, Chris and Jon Leiman, Jennifer Jones, Stacey O'Hara, Ashley Jones, Josh, Justin and Aislinn Frantz and Anna Callahan, great grandchildren Katie, Charlie, Ethan, Eliza, Margot, Sema, Ayla and Jillian. Donald was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy. A private memorial service will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions in his name can be directed to Beckwith Theatre Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Donald at www.yazel-clark.com