Francis C. Fraley

Francis C. Fraley, 89 of Gaylord, passed away peacefully with family by his 
side on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at McReynolds Hall. Born July 13, 1932 in 
Columbus, MI., he was the son of Neil and Evelyn (Seifert) Fraley. 

He grew up with his13 siblings on the family farm in Columbus.  
Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He was 
stationed in Germany for two years under the Seventh Army Training 
Command.  

On April 30, 1955 he married Mary Ann Biskner in Marine City where they 
also started their family.  Shortly thereafter, they settled in St Clair.
He started his fabricating career in Rochester, working 15 years for Detroit 
Brosche Fabrication.  In 1979, they decided to move up north for the “good 
life”.  He then continued another 17 years, working as a welder for Perfecto 
Industries.  After retiring for one year, he went to Treetops Resort 
maintaining the grounds for 15 years.  To this day, Dad is known as “Papa 
Frank” to his Treetop family. To keep himself busy and helping others, he 
had his own side business, Franks Welding. You would often find him 
tinkering around the garage, thinking of something to invent. He loved 
playing Keno and had the knack of picking out the lucky numbers along with 
searching out the winning slot machines.  Many evenings were spent sitting 
on the front porch with Mom enjoying the wildlife that visited their yard.  He 
was one of those people that was always happy and content, living a simple 
but fulfilling life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-
grandfather, brother, and friend that will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Ann; his children, Mike 
(Lisa) Fraley of Vernon, Dale (Doris) Fraley of Parker, CO., Christine (Eric) 
Kosche of Brownstown, Toni (Howard) Biscarner of St. Clair and Jodi (Al) 
Rider of Gaylord; 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; brothers and 
sisters, Phyllis Schweiger, Melanie Preihs, Denny (Joanne) Fraley, Richard 
(Mary Lou) Fraley, Alan Fraley, Cheryl (Jim) Russell, Steve (June) Fraley, 
sisters-in-law, Joyce, Christine, and Loretta Fraley and many nieces and 
nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Gerald (Deloris) Fraley, 
Margurite (Jerry Mugridge), Ken Fraley, Gene Fraley, Gaius Fraley, Neil 
(Phyllis) Fraley and brothers-in-law, Jim Schweiger and Charlie Priehs. 

A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held Wednesday, July 13, 2022 (Dad’s 90th Birthday) at 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM at the Treetops Hunters Grille in Gaylord. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at McReynolds Hall for the loving care given to Dad during his stay. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be given to “The Patriotic Quilters – Quilts for Veterans”.  Checks should be made payable to Delphine’s Quilt Shop, P.O. Box 249, Gaylord, MI 49734. Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on his guestbook below.