Wendell Elwood Frantz

Wendell Elwood Frantz, age 94, of Charlotte, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in the early morning hours of Friday, July 21, 2023. He was born December 18, 1928, in Hastings, the son of Royal and Rosa (Smalley) Frantz. Wendell was raised in Sunfield and graduated from Sunfield High School with the Class of 1948. On July 10, 1954, he married the love of his life, Norma Mae Grant at the Chester Gospel Church. Wendell loved all things outdoors. Whether it was farming, cutting wood, or enjoying a day fishing at the lake, he loved it all. Wendell worked the majority of his life as a farmer and grounds keeper at Michigan State University. He also loved playing softball and baseball in his younger years. Wendell’s faith was very important to him. Both he and Norma are long time members of Chester Gospel Church.

Wendell is survived by his wife of 69 years, Norma; children, Thomas (Jolie) Frantz of Marshall, Timothy (Lynda) Frantz of Charlotte, Tamara (James) Dreps of Olivet, Todd Frantz of Potterville; grandchildren, Nicole (Erick) Fleming, Nisae (Jason) Williamson, Jeremy (Ellen) Dreps, Joshua (Taylor) Dreps, Emilee Steele, Allison Frantz, Darcy Frantz; six great-grandchildren; sister, Gwen Shelley; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Beverly Welton, Bethel (Raymond) Stambaugh, Eleanor (Leonard) Dayton.

A memorial service was held on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Chester Gospel Church. The family received friends on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Those desiring may make contributions in Wendell’s honor to the Lansing City Rescue Mission or the Chester Gospel Church (to the benefit of Ethnos 360 for Jason and Nisae Williamson missionaries).