Obituary

Rev. Francis “frank” schaffer died suddenly sunday, february 12, 2017, although he had been battling a long term illness. Surviving frank are his amazing wife of 42 years, sandra; sons, jason (fiancã©e elizabeth), jonathan (wife kimberly); daughter, erica (husband christopher); and sister. Maureen. Frank was blessed with three fine young men he welcomed to the family as grandchildren through the marriage of his son jonathan to kimberly (christopher) and jason’s fiancã©e elizabeth (brodie and gibbs). His greatest joy over the past two years has been his role as “pop pop” to his beautiful granddaughter, zoe. A large part of frank’s huge heart also belonged to his cousins, many nieces and nephews, “attie,” and extended family and friends. Born and raised in detroit, frank was an avid fan of the redwings, pistons, lions, and most of all his detroit tigers. His father began taking him to ball games from a young age, and he passed this love of the game along to his own children. One of his most prized possessions was an envelope filled with grass from the field when the tigers won the 1984 world series. Frank also embraced the sounds of detroit. From his time as a drummer in his own band, to his many weekends spent at detroit’s famed grandy ballroom watching the likes of pink floyd, the animals, janis joplin, and so many more, he never stopped loving rock and roll. Frank owned every beatles album aver mass produced, and saw paul mccartney and bob dylan live in the months leading to his passing. Frank’s heart belonged to god. Most of his adult life was spent sharing and ministering to friends and strangers all over the world. His accomplishments include hand to the plow ministry in haiti, time spent ministering in multiple central african nations, and a program that lead him to belarus and russia where he was able to help children affected by the chernobyl disaster. ‘pastor frank’ also shared his ministry in romania, and a difficult but worthwhile endeavor in india. He was also the proud author of “broken cisterns” and counselor to a countless number of people. His work certainly touched many people in ways he could never have known, and his legacy will continue long after his passing. Prior to his illness, frank was an avid golfer, fisherman, and collector. He was always happy with a club in his hands, especially if he was playing with his sons. Lastly, but most memorable to those that knew him was his sense of humor. Always the first with a joke, frank was a serious man, but he never took life too seriously. Even in tragedy there can be a time to laugh. Maybe, this is one of the best lessons he ever could have taught us. Francis w. Schaffer, you will be missed, but never forgotten. You simply made too big of an impact on us all. Celebration of life will be held at 6:00 p.M., thursday, february 16, at barlow bonsall funeral home. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. You may send condolences to the family at www.Barlowbonsall.Com. Barlow bonsall funeral home has been entrusted to handle the arrangements.