Francis D. "Frank" Roest

Francis "Frank" D. Roest entered his heavenly home on May 11, 2025, just in time for a special Mother's Day reunion with his beloved Ma, Doris Roest. No doubt the celebration in heaven also included his father, Richard Roest, and all of his siblings: Nancy Klingenberg, John ("Jack") Roest, William ("Bill") Roest, and Athalie Clark, along with his in-laws Jack Gravelyn, Betty Roest, Lorraine Roest, Bill Clark, and beloved niece and nephew, Karen Roest and Joe Roest, who all preceded him in passing.
Born and raised in Grand Rapids, Frank played football for Creston High School and maintained close friendships with many of his childhood companions throughout his life. His love, dedication, talent, and unwavering faith spoke volumes about the man he was, and he was deeply loved in return.
Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Carol Roest, and their loving children: Jeff Roest, Dawn (David) Kolker, Scot (Denise) Roest, and Tracey (Mike) Croskery and his sister-in-law Kay Gravelyn. He leaves behind a proud legacy in his nine grandchildren: Nicholas Roest, Alex (Jade) Roest, Jonathan Kolker, Jessica (Cody) Mannes, Melissa (Andrew) McCloskey, Rachel (Casey) Bouma, Kassie (Corey) Paradowski, Brennen Hudson, and Tyler Croskery. He was also blessed with fourteen great-grandchildren: Rylee, Rebecca, Evangeline, Adeline, Kaden, Emilio, Theodore, Mira, Trenton, Noah, Madison, Jaxson, Kennedy, and his namesake, Regan Francis.
He is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews, especially his dear nephew Paul (Robyn) Sturtevant, whom he loved more like a brother.
Frank was a gifted craftsman, and his hands were hardly ever still. He got his start as a teenager at Little Gem Industries, building travel trailers. From that point on, if it was broken, Frank could fix it. If it didn't exist, he could probably build it. He had an incredible work ethic, took pride in doing things right. But his very first job was delivering the Grand Rapids Press. While most kids pedaled their bikes, Frank did his route on his horse, Dolly. Later in life, he put his skills to good use as the maintenance supervisor at Keebler, where he worked until retiring in 1999. (Yes, he was one of those Elves)
Above all, Frank deeply loved his family and cherished his walk with the Lord. He enjoyed a good night out bowling, coming close to a perfect game with a 290, and found peace and joy in the outdoors, especially bow hunting and fishing with friends and family.
His quiet wisdom, steady presence, and kind heart will be missed beyond measure. Frank's legacy of love, faith, and integrity lives on in every life he touched.
A memorial service celebrating Frank's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Gaines Church, 1612 92nd St SE, Caledonia, MI 49316. The family will greet guests beginning at 10:00 AM, prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gaines Church Youth Ministries.
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