Francis "Frank" Prysby

Francis Prysby
2/27/1934 – 10/26/2025
Francis Prysby, age 91, of Bath, Michigan (formally of Monroe, Michigan) passed away with family Sunday, October 26, 2025. Frank was born February 27, 1934 in Hamtramck, Michigan to Francis and Victoria (Zomber) Prysby. Frank grew up in Detroit and developed an interest in golf first by being a caddy for other golfers. As a child, Francis enjoyed going to Boblo Island and a nearby amusement park walking distance from his home in Detroit. Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on March 10, 1952 with honorable discharge on March 9, 1955. Francis met Annette Throneberry and were married Nov 3, 1955. Francis also trained to become a Michigan State Police (MSP) trooper and he started his service for the MSP (Bay City post) in late 1955. He advanced to a Detective Sergeant in the years that followed. Francis was an intricate part of the State Police and was a well respected member of the force. He received several certificates of excellence for the investigations he completed. Francis was also an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the Knights of Columbus. He rarely missed Thursday steak nights at the FOP! Francis enjoyed many interests outside of work including golf outings, camping and canoeing at Higgens Lake, gardening, and home improvement projects. He cultivated many of those interests along to his family. Francis was very family oriented and participated in many family events and family vacations. Francis suffered the pain of losing his wife Annette in late November 1991; however, he fought hard to carry-on with his work. Francis retired from the State Police in the fall of 1992. Shortly after his retirement, Frank began a friendship with Joan Gessner that developed into a loving relationship that lasted over 20 years. During this time, Francis suffered the loss of his daughter, Mary Prysby-Lott, in late September 2004. Francis and Joan spent many winters in Gulf Shores, Alabama where family and friends were always welcome. They remained un-separated until Joan's passing in September 2015. Francis gradually lost his eyesight and he lived his remaining years in Bath, Michigan with his children. Francis is survived by his daughter Debbie Prysby, son Michael Prysby and his wife Erica, grand-daughter Annette Lott, sister Sharon (Ron) Demerino, sister-in-law Lois Prysby, special family friend Jane Gessner, and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Annette Prysby, his daughter Mary Prysby-Lott, and his identical twin brother Fred Prysby.
Francis was more than just a devoted Father, his caring and helpful way touched the lives of many people in a positive way. Francis's humor and quick one-liners brought laughter to the room. His advice guided many in the right direction. His determination taught us to never give-up on battles in life. His encouragement inspired confidence in people. Francis will always be remembered as a "good man" who would come to help anyone in need. Not only because of his upbringing and the values learned in the Marine Corps and the State Police but because of who he was.
Francis lived his life with a major philosophy when it came to getting things done, "The only way to get this done is to do it the Right Way". When it came to being a loving father, serving the community, and helping others, Francis did it the Right Way!
Family and friends may visit on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Rupp Funeral Home from 1 until 7 pm. Francis will lie in state on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at St John the Baptist Catholic Church at 9 am with a Mass of the Resurrection beginning at 10 am. He will be laid to rest immediately following at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe.
In honor of Francis memorial donations are suggested to the Humane Society of Monroe or St. John Catholic Church.
Online condolences to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.