Francis Edward Kane

Francis “Frank” Edward Kane, 95, of Charlotte, died peacefully with his wife by his side on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. Frank was born September 25, 1927 in Charlotte, the fourth of five sons born to Leo and Ola (Hutchins) Kane. During his school years, he worked delivering newspapers for The Detroit News, The Detroit Times, and the Grand Rapids Press. In addition, he worked at the Fremont Kraut Company factory where his father was the manager. He was a 1945 graduate of Charlotte High School and remained a lifelong resident of Charlotte. Frank was inducted into the US Army on February 26, 1946, with training at Fort Eustis and Fort Belvoir in Virginia. He was honorably discharged September 9, 1947, as a T/4 refrigeration mechanic.
After his discharge he attended Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, IL for further training in refrigeration. He then applied to work for Hager Fox Heating and Refrigeration Company in Lansing because he could take a night course on the GI bill to learn how to use his refrigeration skills in heating and cooling. He worked for Hager Fox from 1949-1953. In 1953, assisted by his younger brother, Charlie Kane, he started his own business in Charlotte, Kane Heating and Ventilating Company. Frank and Bobbie worked together in the business, Frank on the road and Bobbie in the office. They always exemplified integrity in local business and built the business into the success it still is today. Frank strived to perfection in his work, especially in laying out duct work. Frank sold the business in 1999 to two of his employees, one of whom Chad Lewis still maintains the business under the same name, now in its 70th year.
On June 28, 1952, Frank married the love of his life, Roberta (Bobbie) Jean (Garvey), whom he loved to introduce as his first wife. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in 2022. Together they raised nine children, all of whom survive him: Howard (Kay) of Plymouth, Julia of Montrose, Michael (Jodie) of Valparaiso, IN, Rose (Brian) Negele of Plymouth, Eileen (Marty) Fox of Charlotte, Dennis (Pam) of Charlotte, Frank (Lee) of Eaton Rapids, Carolyn (Robert) Wichlacz of Jenison, and Kurt (Carrie) of Caledonia. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren (with one more on the way), and many nieces and nephews.
Many will remember Frank as a people person with a quietly dedicated work ethic and strong faith. Frank was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church and served in several ministries, as eucharistic minister, usher, lector, Men’s Club, St. Vincent De Paul Society food pantry, and as a proud member of the Knights of Columbus Council #11875. In addition, Frank was a life member of the Charlotte Lions Club. In 1958, Frank was selected to drive the Vermontville Maple Syrup Queen over the Mackinac Bridge the day it opened. For many years he also enjoyed participating in a weekly bowling league and golf team, collecting quite a few dazzling trophies over the years. Kane’s Heating was a long-time Monday night league sponsor.
He and Bobbie both took flying lessons before marriage and after marriage enjoyed traveling, dancing, golfing, and boating as well as their children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events, band concerts, piano recitals and graduations. Their cottage at Crystal Lake, Crystal, MI provided many years of fun with family and friends, in both winter and summer. Besides his care for his family, church and community, Frank will be forever remembered for his great sense of humor and his ability to remember jokes for retelling to share more laughter. Frank had a photographic memory, and his sharp mind remained focused until the very end. In later years he looked forward to his monthly men’s luncheons or dinners where he could share more jokes. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Lawrence (MettaLee), Lyle (Alice), John, and Charlie (Beverly), his in-laws Dee and Helen Garvey and family, and one granddaughter, Michelle Joy Kane.
Friends are encouraged to support Frank’s family by attending services or sharing memories on his Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. During the visitation Rosary Service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. and a Personal Tribute Service to follow at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Mass of Celebration will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Charlotte with Rev. Fr. Dwight Ezop officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Frank’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society or the Charlotte Lions Club. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.