Frank H. Wangeman

Frank Wangeman of Petoskey died November 17, 2017 while at home with his family.

Frank was born December 19, 1934 in Charlevoix, MI, the son of Lt. Col.  A.J. Wangeman & Margaret (Pearsall) Wangeman.

He grew up in the Lansing area, graduated from Lansing Sexton High School in 1953, and from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Building Construction in 1958.

On June 2, 1958 he married Sandra Joyce McGowan in Mt. Pleasant, MI.

Frank proudly served in the United States Army Reserves in 1952.

In 1967 he formed Colwell Wangeman Construction, Inc.  with his close friend Ed Colwell.

Frank was a charter member and past President of the Little Traverse Homebuilder’s Association. He was a 30 year member of the Petoskey Planning Commission, and a 30 year member of the Petoskey Rotary Club.

Frank was also the past President of Emmet Sport Flyer’s Club.  He flew numerous trips to Florida to visit family, and Wyoming for big game hunting.  Frank was an avid fisherman and hunter, and he proudly taught his children and grandchildren the values of love for the outdoors.

Frank built a Family Cottage on Lake Charlevoix in 1960 with the help of his close friends Jack Lund, Bob Anderson, and Pat Mitchell, which has served as a hub for family gatherings and holiday celebrations ever since.  

Frank is survived by his wife Sandra, his sons Kurt of Rockford, Bart (and Susan) of Boyne City, and Erich (and Theresa) of Traverse City, six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and three very close nephews; Chris, Kirk, and Cory Carson, along with other nieces and nephews.  Frank was preceded in death by an infant child, Franz, his father, his mother, and his sister, Carol.  

Frank loved his family and friends as well as the challenges and satisfaction of the Construction Business.  What he was most known for, however, was his selfless giving to others.  Frank truly exemplified the Rotarian motto “Service Above Self”.

There will be a visitation Friday November 24, from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey.  The funeral service will be on Saturday November 25 at 3:00 PM with a one-hour visitation prior to the service.  Rev. David Behling will officiate the service.

Family and friends who would like to make a charitable donation in memory of Frank, are asked to consider Hospice of Northwest Michigan.

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