Frank Whitford

KINGSFORD - Frank S. Whitford, 91, of Kingsford, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2007, with his loving wife of 66 years, Marvel, at his side. He was born on July 25, 1915, in Iron River and was the son of the late Sidney and Louisa (Gilbert) Whitford, who were both from Cornwall, England. Frank was a graduate of Iron Mountain High School Class of 1934. He married the former Marvel Rouse on March 30, 1940, in Norway. Frank served with the United States Air Force during World War II and was a proud veteran. He was an active member of the United Auto Workers at the Ford Plant in Kingsford until it closed in 1952. Frank served as a contract negotiator. He and his fellow members are responsible for many of the benefits enjoyed by union members today. Frank moved to Milwaukee and worked at American Motors/Chrysler until his retirement in 1975. His love of Iron Mountain brought him back to the area in 1978, except for the 16 winters he and Marvel enjoyed in Florida. After his retirement, Frank was an active volunteer at the Iron Mountain VA Hospital and the Niagara Senior Center. He especially loved his role as "Santa" for the senior center and for disabled children. He was a past member of the Lions Club, Moose Lodge and Golden K. Frank was an avid Packer fan, loved to dance, bowl, play cards and take casino bus trips. He enjoyed his garden until the end. He had many special times with his brother-in-law, "Buddy," the late Donald Rouse. Most of all, Frank had a great love for his family and lived for his grandchildren. Frank will be remembered for his strong convictions, strength of character and for always being true to his word. He was kind, compassionate and his family enjoyed his quick wit. He and his wife spent the last four months of his life at his daughter and son-in-law"s home, a special time they will treasure forever. He is survived by his wife, Marvel; his daughters, Dawne (Les) Sanders of Winona, Minn. and Sandy (Pat) Notheis of Neenah, Wis.; grandsons, John Sanders of Winona and Jeff (Lauri) Sanders of Waukesha, Wis.; granddaughter, Jennifer (Philip) Bearden of Chicago and great-grandchildren, Jenna, Ryan and Rachel Sanders of Waukesha. Frank was preceded in death by his brothers, Owen and Bert Whitford. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Michael March will officiate. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences may be expressed to the family of Frank Whitford online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements

Frank Whitford

February 3, 2007