Frank Visovatti Obituary

Visovatti, Frank 8/13/1937 - 9/25/2016 Saline Frank John Visovatti was born in Virginia, Minnesota on Friday, August 13, 1937. Growing up on the scenic Iron Range, he enjoyed an idyllic childhood filled with activities on the lakes and in the woods. Known as "Skipper" to his family, as a teenager he helped his parents in their candy wholesale distribution company, Range Candy Service. He participated in the Boy Scouts and attended World Jamborees in California and Canada, ultimately achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society. After graduating from Roosevelt Senior High School, he attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical & Industrial Engineering in 1960. While in college he was a member of the Reserve Officer Training Corps and upon graduation was commissioned in the U.S. Army Ordinance Corps as a Second Lieutenant. On August 20, 1960, Frank married Helen L. "Honey" Devich in Buhl, Minnesota. They moved to Ypsilanti, MI, where Frank was hired as an engineer with General Motors, a position he held for 45 years until his retirement. Early in his career, the couple moved to Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD and Camp Irwin (Ft. Irwin), CA where Frank was on active duty in the U.S. Army. They returned to Ann Arbor, MI in 1963 where they raised their family and built a beautiful life together. After three decades of service, Frank retired from the U.S. Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel. Frank was preceded in death by his cherished wife Honey to whom he was married 43 years, and his parents, Ann (Fleck) and Frank R. Visovatti. He is survived by his beloved children, Lucy Ann (Doyle), Mark (Louise), and Michael (Barbara); and grandchildren, Julie Anne (Simo), Jacob (Michaela), and twins John and Grant. This year Frank was honored to become a great grandfather with the addition of Elias Ambrose, the son of Jacob and Michaela. He is also survived by his dear sister Margaret Mary and brother-in-law Tom Bode, his sister-in-law Mary Ann Anderson, and aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins. While Frank had great love for his family, it was General Beauregard the Bichon Frise who always put a smile on his face. A dedicated and loyal family man and community member, Frank was active in many organizations. He was a founding member of the Notre Dame Club of Ann Arbor, serving as president, vice president, and longtime membership chair. He was a member of the National Eagle Scout Association, the Military Officers Association of America, and the Reserve Officers Association. He also served as an usher at St. Francis of Assisi Church. He is fondly remembered for supporting his children in their many activities. This included serving as co-president of the Huron H.S. Athletic Boosters, as well as concession stand duties for the Junior Packers and Huron H.S. Football programs which prompted his family to affectionately dub him the Weiner Man. Frank adored his grandchildren and was so proud of their many accomplishments. Although he missed her dearly, he admired his granddaughter Julie who traveled the world after high school, learning to speak many languages and finally settling in Helsinki, Finland. He marveled over his grandson Jacob's intelligence and musical talents, and loved hearing him play the cello. Through his grandsons John and Grant he saw God's special love. John's artistic talent and Grant's love of the outdoors gave him great joy. Frank's superb engineering skills and meticulous approach to detail were evident in all he accomplished, including the many renovations of his former home in Ann Arbor, MI and the recent design and build of a new home in Saline, MI. Just one week before his passing, Frank was honored at a 'farewell gathering' at his home where one hundred people attended, a testament to the impact he has had on the lives of so many. His integrity, honesty, and commitment to faith and family will continue to inspire those who had the good fortune to know him. Our family will forever be thankful for the kindness of special friends. Tina and the late Joseph Bellestri and family have shown us lifelong great love and many bowls of pasta. In the early years in Ann Arbor, Bets and the late Matt "Bimbo" Chutich and family included our family in many wonderful times. Mike Koski worked on numerous home improvement projects with Frank, becoming a great friend. After his retirement from GM, Frank relished his weekly phone calls from colleague John Ablett, who kept him apprised of the latest auto industry news. He also enjoyed regular breakfast get-togethers with his fellow GM retirees. We are appreciative of the remarkable care and kindness shown by our home health care staff Michelle Krull, April Harbach, Paige Hannah, Loice Maru, and Nyisha Marks, and PCT Lena Keller. Frank held each of you in high regard. He also was indebted to his numerous physicians, especially Dr. Russell Keinath. All of you hold a special place in our hearts. Visitation is scheduled at Nie Family Funeral Home, Liberty Chapel, at 3767 West Liberty Rd. in Ann Arbor on Thursday, September 29 from 4:00 PM-8:00 PM, with the Rosary to be recited at 7:30 PM. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 2250 E. Stadium Blvd. in Ann Arbor on Friday, September 30 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Father James P. Conlon, Celebrant. There will be a one hour visitation at St. Francis prior to Mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Washtenong Memorial Park, 3771 Whitmore Lake Rd. in Ann Arbor, MI. Memorial contributions in Frank Visovatti's honor may be made to Saline Area Schools Special Education. Please share your memories with the family at www.niefuneralhomes.com.


Published by Ann Arbor News from Sep. 27 to Oct. 2, 2016.
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Lucy Ann, my prayers and sympathy go out to you and your family. He was a great person and I enjoyed calling him a friend of mine. I serviced his vehicles at John Lee Olds and enjoyed his many stories and antidotes. He truly was a kind man.

Bill Sinkule

October 1, 2016

Mark and Louise and family, I am sorry to hear about the lost of your father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. What a wonderful tribute you all have provided. He had a fabulous life and now he can rest and be at peace. May you be comforted by all your many memories. Peace and grace.

Linda Strodtman

October 1, 2016

Denise RJ Bertoni (-Pocrnich)

October 1, 2016

Sorry for your loss Jim Mullin

September 30, 2016

Lucy Ann--Caring thoughts to you and your family at the loss of this fine man. Eve and John

September 29, 2016

Lucy Ann and Family,
It was my pleasure to get to know Frank these last few years. He was a warm and loving man with a big heart. He will be sincerely missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Frank.

Martha W

September 29, 2016

Mike & Barbara are my wonderful & helpful neighbors. I offer my condolences for the loss of Mike's father. If Mike's father was anything like Mike & his family,it would have been a pleasure to have met him. With sympathy, Sandra Blair

September 28, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family. Losing a loved one is very devastating. I found this Bible passage that gave me great comfort. It is found at Ps 94:19 which says "when anxieties overwhelmed me You comforted and soothed me". I hope you find it comforting as well.

Ms. Zimmerman

September 28, 2016

Lucy Ann and family,
The numerous times I saw Frank at gatherings he always had the biggest smile on his face! You are a very close and loving family and may your many, many memories comfort you now. God Bless You all.

Toni Cotter

September 28, 2016

I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Frank just about a year but it was immediately obvious what a special and accomplished man he was and it soon felt as if I had known him for years! I know that he will be missed by so many who loved and respected him.

cathy cieglo

September 28, 2016

A good friend and buddy to all who knew him. Frank, my brother Jim and I spent many childhood hours playing, getting in trouble and enjoying life together. Jim passed away a few weeks ago. Now they can once again spend time together in heaven. May God bless them. Johnny

John Fleck

September 28, 2016

Frank was my buddy and "partner in crime" as we worked to build the Huron High School athletic program through the booster organization, which he so effectively led. The Visovatti family holds a special place in the hearts of our family. Rest in Peace, Frank.

"Nord" (John) Nordlinger

September 28, 2016

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