BRUCE FRANKENFIELD

Bruce Frankenfield

December 18, 1959 – July 6, 2025

With deep sadness and enduring love, the family of Bruce Frankenfield, age 65, announces his passing on July 6, 2025, following an eight-year battle with Lewy Body Dementia.

Born on Dec. 18, 1959, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Bruce spent his formative years in Missouri. He graduated from Parkway West High School in Ballwin, Missouri, where he was a proud member of the wrestling and golf teams and was fondly remembered for his performance as the 'Unknown Comic' in the school talent show, a perfect reflection of his quick wit and playful sense of humor.

Bruce earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Missouri, where he was also a member of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity. He went on to build a nearly 40-year career at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, retiring in 2017. Bruce thrived on the intellectual challenges of engineering and found lasting friendship and camaraderie among his colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends through shared passions in travel and sports.

It was on a NASA ski trip to Lake Tahoe that Bruce met Elise. Their shared sense of adventure sparked a partnership filled with love and memories. Elise remembers Bruce as not only a devoted husband, but as a kind, steady, and deeply loving partner. Together, they built a life rich with meaningful experiences, creating cherished memories as they traveled across the country and around the world.

Behind Bruce's calm and level-headed demeanor was a fierce competitor at heart. He had a lifelong love for handball, which he passed down to his son Joe, his frequent tournament partner. He spent countless winter weekends ski racing with the NASA ski club and loved organizing group trips to resorts across the U.S. and Canada. He was a sharp card player, earning the nickname 'Lucky' from friends who often found themselves bested by his skill at the table. Whether playing softball or golf in NASA leagues, orienteering, camping, or enjoying nearly any outdoor activity, Bruce was happiest when active and surrounded by the people he loved.

At home in Lakewood, Bruce was a beloved presence in the neighborhood, known for his warmth, quiet generosity, and fun-loving spirit. He was famously the only parent on the block to agree to a backyard trampoline, personally ushering Cori, Joe, and their neighborhood friends to pick one out and help set it up, creating a hub of joy and laughter for years on Giel Avenue. His gentle smile, steady presence, and everyday acts of kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Bruce is survived by his wife Elise (nee Epps); his beloved children and grandchildren: daughter Cori (Josh) Jansing, son Joe (Meghan) Frankenfield, and grandchildren Wyatt, Isabel and Quinn Jansing, and Jacob and Lucas Frankenfield. He is also survived by his siblings Elaine (Phil) Housley, Carl Frankenfield, Hedy (Kim) Boone, Brenda Riney; seven nieces and nephews; his mother-in-law Richie Epps; and brother-in-law Tom (Richard Dodenhoff) Epps.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bruce E. Frankenfield, Hedy (nee Feierfeil) Frankenfield.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McGorray-Hanna Funeral Home, 14133 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, Ohio. A brief memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life gathering beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Around The Corner Saloon, 18616 Detroit Ave, Lakewood, 44107.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Lewy Body Association or charity of your choice in Bruce's honor.