Frank Leese

Franklin Marvin Leese was born on September 11, 1916 and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan on the Westside. The fourth of six children in the Leese family, many of the stories he would tell his family were stories of childhood pranks and mischief. Frank liked sports as a child and played on the Red Triangle league. His brother, Jim, was the short stop and Frank played first base. They played on 9th Street field.

There were two major events in his childhood that Frank recalled as impacting his life: the blinding of his father and the death of his brother Chrissy, with whom he was very close. Because his father was blinded at the gas company when lime got into his eyes, his mother had to go to work to make ends meet. She worked at the Orthopedic School as the main cook. Chrissy died on July 12, 1925 at 5:00 a.m. Frank had trouble talking about this event into his adult life. Frank recalled, "Ma was at his bedside when Chrissy died, Pa was in another room. When Ma came out of Chrissy's bedroom, Pa (who was blind at this time) told her that he had seen Chrissy walking up a ladder to Heaven with angels on either side. Chrissy turned and waved to Pa. Ma then told Pa that Chrissy had died." Through these difficult events, the foundation of Frank's faith was made stronger, and made him who he was throughout his life.

Frank and Bertha met in Catechism class together at the age of 11 at 7th Reformed Church. Although Bertha didn't remember Frank, Frank recalled her as the girl with the long brown hair and silver barrette that he was going to marry someday. They dated for 2 1/2 years and were married in August 9, 1941.

Frank was drafted into the Army June 2, 1942 and fought in World War II. Frank often recalled how he felt God's protection during this time. One time in particular was December 15, 1944. Frank's troops were in direct line with German bombers. Frank felt he was going to die as he dove into a ditch when he felt the peace of God surround him. It was that very day when a missionary, Miss Kok, woke up during the night with a burden to pray for Frank. Frank always felt that the peace of God was because of that prayer.

After 3 years of service, he was honorably discharged from the Army as a sergeant. He and Bertha went on to have three children: Frank Jr., Betty and Marlene. They were a close family, and Frank worked hard to make sure they were well cared for. Frank was the spiritual leader in the family. His children recall that he was faithful in his personal and family devotions.

Frank began attending Evangelistic Meetings at the Gospel Hall on Leonard Street when he was 21. It was on May 3, 1937 when he became convicted of his need for salvation. He was baptized on May 13, 1937 by Peter Bell. Frank became a member of Lake Drive Baptist Church after he and Bertha were married. He continued to attend throughout his adult life. Frank served as a treasurer, deacon and Sunday school teacher. Frank also volunteered for many years at the Mel Trotter Mission. He had a heart for this ministry long after he was physically unable to continue.

Frank enjoyed many hobbies, most notably his woodworking. He often showed his love to others by hand crafting gifts for them. He also loved gardening as evidenced by his beautiful gardens and immaculate yard. Frank loved to tell stories and told them in such a way that you could tell he was reliving them. He had a keen sense of humor, but also had strong convictions from which he never wavered.

At the end of his life, Frank remained a father to each and every one of his children. He was someone his children could go to for encouragement, advice, guidance and love. He also played an important and special part in the lives of each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved to laugh with them and was a true testimony in the way he lived his life. Frank was a godly example to his family and friends.

Mr. Franklin Marvin Leese Sr. aged 89, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 22, 2006. Frank was an honorable man who lived his life with integrity. He was known for his sense of humor and his love to tell stories. He was a faithful servant of the Lord and steadfast in his faith. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Bertha, in January 2006. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, J. Michael Ploeg, and daughter-in-law, Annette Leese; and brothers, Chris, Don and Marinus Leese. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Frank and Chris (Jones) Leese, Betty and Paul Stuart and Marlene Ploeg; his grandchildren, Franklin Leese, Tim and Kelly Stuart, Todd Stuart, Michael and Amy Ploeg, Patrick and Melinda (Ploeg) Zondervan, James and Marci (Ploeg) Smigiel, David and Melanie (Ploeg) Richardson, Emily Jones, and Josh Jones; his great grandchildren, Jimmy and Frankie Ploeg, Isaac Zondervan, Christian Smigiel, Olivia Richardson and Shannon Koperski and Brad Koperski. Also surviving are his sister, Nella Swifink and brother, James Leese; and brother-in-law and sisters in law, Harold and Barbara VandeVelde and Joyce Leese. Frank honorably served his country in the US Army during World War II. The service to celebrate the life of Frank will be held on Monday afternoon, June 26 at 2:00 PM at Lake Drive Baptist Church, 2119 Lake Dr. SE with Rev. Phil Vine and Rev. Jay Dyksterhouse officiating. Burial will be in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard St. NW on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Contributions in his memory to Hospice of Michigan would be appreciated. To read more about Frank's life, to leave your own memories of him or to sign his guestbook, please visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com.

HERITAGE LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOMES