Francis Joseph Brahier

Francis "Frank" Joseph Brahier, age 91, of Perrysburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully at his home on March 13, 2026. Frank's life was marked by a commitment to God, family, country, and community.

 

Born on April 13, 1934 to Joseph and Helen (Eckel) Brahier, Frank lived with his four siblings on a humble farm where he learned the values of faith, hard work, and perseverance that would guide the rest of his life. He graduated from Saint Rose School and Perrysburg High School.

 

Shortly after high school, Frank was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While training at Fort Knox, he fell in love with Joyce Metzger, whom he married in 1957 after his honorable discharge from the Army. They built many memories together in Perrysburg while raising two sons, Stephen and Daniel. After the passing of Stephen in 1981 and Joyce in 1997, he was blessed again in marriage to Linda Ruetz in 2002.

 

During a distinguished career with the Perrysburg Police Department, Frank earned the respect and gratitude of countless residents through his steady presence, fairness, and commitment to public service. He served on the Kip Boulis Foundation Board and coordinated the annual 5K run. In addition, he was a devoted member of the American Legion.

 

Frank's Catholic faith was the guiding force throughout his life. He was an active member of Saint Rose Parish, a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society, and served as a funeral acolyte. He also volunteered on numerous committees and boards, including Pastoral Council, parish credit union, and Perrysburg Christians United. 

 

Frank enjoyed working outdoors in the yard and vegetable garden, spending time in the workshop on carpentry projects ranging from Pinewood Derby cars to grandfather clocks, telling stories and jokes, and closely following the Detroit Tigers and all of his grandsons' teams.

 

In addition to Joyce and Stephen, Frank was preceded in death by siblings Angela, Marvin, and Norman. He is survived by Linda; sister Shirley; Daniel (Anne); grandsons John (Annie), Mark (Elizabeth), and Luke (Hannah); and great-grandchildren Stephen, Matthew, Mary, Peter, and Paul. He is also survived by Linda's children Matthew (Leslie) Ruetz, Emily (Randy) Routhe, Gretl (Scott) Wilson, and granddaughter Emma.

 

Visitation will be held at Witzler-Shank-Walker Funeral Home in Perrysburg on Thursday, March 19, from 3:00-7:00 PM, beginning with praying the rosary at 3:00 PM and concluding with a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Saint Rose Church in Perrysburg on Friday, March 20, at 10:30 AM. The Committal will follow immediately at Saint Rose Cemetery.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Frank's memory either to Saint Rose Catholic School Endowment Fund or to the Stephen F. Brahier '76 Memorial Scholarship at Saint John's Jesuit High School. Condolences can be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.