Frank Lee Plettenberg

Frank Lee Plettenberg, 74, died March 1, 2003, after a long illness. Born June 22, 1928, he grew up in Farmington, MI. During his U.S. Marine Corp service in the Mediterranean, 1946-1948, he started a lifelong interest in archaeology. Eventually working for the National Park Service at many southwest sites, including, Canyon de Chelly, Navajo National Monument in AZ and Chaco Canyon, Bandelier and Gila Cliff Dwellings in NM, during summers. After his Marine Service, he received a BA from Albion College, MI and was employed by J. Walter Thompson Art Dept. in Detroit doing Ford truck illustrating. He also received his Masters at Michigan State Univ. Frank's work experience includes the Henry Ford Museum, where he demonstrated the craft of functional pottery. Frank met and married Mary Sloan at MSU in 1956. After moving permanently to his beloved Southwest, he was instructor and Art Dept. Head for Central High School for 20 years and a part-time instructor of ceramics at Glendale College for many years. Active in AZ Designer Craftsman and a prolific studio potter, he participated in many shows and exhibits. For over a decade he volunteered as an advisor and instructor for the outdoor challenge Kachina Foundation, developing teen survival and leadership skills. He is survived by his wife Mary; children, Cory and Lee; grand-children, Bryce Beaulieu, Bryan Fazakerly, Matthew and Alysha Lara. A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix, 4027 E. Lincoln Dr., Sunday, March 30th, 4:00 PM. Contributions may be made to: Nature Conservancy, AZ Chapter, 333 E. Virginia, S-216, Phx, AZ 85004; Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phx, AZ 85014; Alzheimers Assn, 1028 E. McDowell Rd., Phx, AZ 85006.