Frank Lewis Dobberstein, age 86 of Carleton, MI, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor. He had been in declining health for six months.
Born December 26, 1936 in Monroe, Frank was the son of the late Frank and Eleanor (LaBo) Dobberstein. He was a 1950 graduate of St. Patrick Elementary School and a 1954 graduate of Airport High School.
Frank enlisted in the Army National Guard on Dec. 6, 1954. He served eight years and was honorably discharged on Dec. 31, 1962. During that time, he married Mary Ann Meiring on May 10, 1958 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton. In 1961, they moved to Temperance where they resided for 30 years and were active members of St. Anthony Catholic Church. Together they raised four children. In 1991, they moved back to Carleton and rejoined St. Patrick Parish where he involved himself in helping with funeral luncheons, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, decorating at Christmas time, or just sharing his many talents when needed. In 2007, Frank was crowned "Senior King" of the annual St. Patrick Church Festival.
Frank was employed as a Die Setter by Ford Motor Company in Woodhaven for 30 years, retiring in 1996. He was also a skilled draftsman, designing hundreds of homes around Monroe County, including 3 of his own.
Frank was an active member of Divine Grace Parish, Carleton, AMVETS, and Knights of Columbus Divine Grace Council 15932. He was an avid Detroit Tigers Baseball fan and enjoyed watching Western movies, woodworking, collecting model tractors, maintaining the appearance of his yard, and took pride in seasonal holiday decorating. He loved attending all his grandchildren's activities.
Frank is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; three children, Frank (Mary) Dobberstein of Monroe, Mark (Nelda) Dobberstein and Michael (Gina) Dobberstein, both of Brentwood, TN; two sisters-in-law, Joan and Susan Dobberstein; 12 grandchildren: Jaime Dobberstein, Erica (Tony) Murawski, Matthew (Jessica) Dobberstein, Jordan (Dava) Dobberstein, Anthony Dobberstein, Christopher Niemi, Maggie Dobberstein, Nicholas (Dana) Niemi, Andrew Niemi, Anna (Justin) Miller, Lauren Niemi, and Alexandria Dobberstein; 6 great-grandchildren: Jaxson Dobberstein, Easton Dobberstein, Maverick Murawski, August Dobberstein, Blake Miller, and Adelynn Niemi.
In addition to his parents, Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Niemi; granddaughter, Erin Dobberstein; two brothers, William and Robert Dobberstein; best friend and like a brother, Thomas Bischoff.
Family and friends may visit from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Apr. 3rd at Bacarella Funeral Home, with a scripture reading at 4 p.m. by Rev. Steve Mateja. At 7 p.m., the Knights of Columbus Divine Grace Council will lead a Rosary/Litany Service. Frank will lie in state at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Divine Grace Parish, Carleton with Mass of the Resurrection celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. Michael Woroniewicz. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery with military honors provided by Carleton VFW Post 4093.
For anyone wanting to make a donation in memory of Frank, the family suggests supporting Divine Grace Parish, St. Patrick School, or Gabby's Ladder.
Frank was strong in his faith, loved by his wife and children, and was an exceptionally special Grandpa to all of his grandchildren.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .