Richard Fransted

Richard Herman Fransted, 94, of Jackson, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, August 22, 2017 at the Hearth at Juday Creek in Granger, Indiana.

Mr. Fransted was the son of Earl W. and Gladys (Mellencamp) Fransted born February 25, 1923 in Napoleon, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia, and his parents.

Dick is survived by six children, Linda (Walter) Barkalow, Martin (Nancy) Fransted, Holly Fransted, Fritz (Gloria) Fransted, Russell (Charlotte) Fransted, and Dick (Marge) Fransted; 13 grandchildren, Christopher (Lisa) Breedveld, Julie Zuidema, James (Laura) Breedveld, Elizabeth Barkalow, Jennifer (David) Probst, Jason (Alisha) Fransted, Amy (Alex) Lulinski, Kelly (Scott) Meggenberg, Matthew (Kara) Fransted, Luke, Kate, Ana, Joseph, Fransted; 15 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Donald (Laura) Fransted and Keith Fransted; 39 nieces and nephews.

Mr. Fransted was a graduate of Napoleon High School, Albion College, and Western Michigan University with his Master's Degree in Education. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII from 1943 - 1946, where he was awarded a Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star. Dick returned to become an educator for over 40 years, finishing his career at Otsego High School in Otsego, Michigan. He enjoyed volunteering his time and talents for the better good of the community. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, traveling and attending his grandchildren's many athletic events. Dick was a very friendly person who never knew a stranger. He was loved by many and will be sadly missed.

According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be held at the Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church in Jackson on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at 10:30 AM, Father Peter Lawrence officiating. Inurnment will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 pm.

The family will receive friends at the Watson Funeral Chapel in Jackson, on Monday from 4 - 8 pm with a Rosary at 7 pm, and at the church Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 S. Waverly Road, Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 or Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, 1111 Carlton Blvd, Jackson, MI 49203.

Local arrangements are by Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka.