Frank H. Desy

Frank Henry Desy, age 68, of Albion, Michigan was a true icon in our community and has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate enough to know him. After a two-year battle with cancer, Frank departed this world on December 17, 2023. He died peacefully at his home on Duck Lake, surrounded by his family. Frank left behind a legacy that will be cherished for generations to come.

Frank was born on March 1, 1955, in Albion, Michigan to Russel James and Josephine Mae (Schultz) Desy. He was born and raised in Albion and was a 1973 graduate of Albion High School, where he was an all-star athlete and friend to many. Frank continued his education attending Olivet College, playing basketball and baseball, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1978.

On June 17, 1978, he married JoAnne Harris in Holt, Michigan, who he met while working at General Aluminum in Charlotte, Michigan. They built their life around their three daughters. Frank’s successful career in the life insurance industry moved them around the state. Frank, Joanne and the girls made deep connections wherever they lived, creating a lasting legacy everywhere they landed.

Family was at the core of his being, and Frank took immense pride in nurturing strong bonds that withstood the test of time. His unwavering love and support created a foundation for a large and close-knit family, fostering values of compassion, resilience, and kindness.
In the wider community, Frank was a driving force for positive change. Whether through coaching, philanthropy, community service or mentorship, he tirelessly worked to uplift others. Frank was a source of wisdom, offering guidance to those in need and creating opportunities for growth and development.

His impact extended far beyond his immediate circle, reaching the lives of countless community members. The void left by Frank’s departure is palpable and the community mourns the loss of a true luminary.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; daughters, Abigail Jo-Desy (Charles Joseph) Sierzputowski of Lake Ann and her children Charley and Kendall; Elizabeth Anne Peck of East Lansing and her children Henry, Ruby and Victor; and Emily Grace (David Herman) Lucas of Alto and her children Asher, Kingston and Ledger; brothers, James Desy of Jackson, Larry (Dawn) Desy of Albion, Chuck (Patty) Desy of Seattle, Washington; a sister, Nancy (Denny Rewa) Wasielewski of Albion; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russel and Josephine Desy; sisters, Valerie Romack and Janice Kraus; a brother, Kenneth Desy and sister-in-law, Kathy Desy.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kempf Family Funeral Home, 723 US HWY 27 N., Marshall, Michigan. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at Albion First United Methodist Church, 600 East Michigan Avenue, Albion, Michigan. Officiated by Sr. Pastor Walter H. Nichols of Christian Fellowship Bible Church, Marshall. Interment will follow in Clarence Center Cemetery.
Friends who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to donate to the Frank Desy Fund at the Albion Community Foundation. Assistance with donations is available at the funeral home or by visiting www.albionfoundation.org.

As we reflect on Frank’s life, let us remember the laughter shared, the lessons learned, and the love that bound us all together. His legacy lives on through the memories we hold dear and the values he instilled in us. May Frank rest in eternal peace and may his spirit continue to guide and inspire us all. In the words of a great friend, Frank is “Our Albion.” 

Please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, to sign the online guest book or to leave condolences for the family.