Dr. Frank Wassenaar

1923 - 2011

Dr. Frank Wassenaar, age 88, passed away on May 3, at his home in Alma Michigan.
A Memorial Service for Frank will be held at The First Presbyterian Church in Alma on Saturday, May 21, 2011 at 2 p.m. Pastors Mary Anne Evans-Justin and Tom Brackbill will officiate.
Frank was born on February 23, 1923 in Zeeland, Michigan to Dr. Peter and Anna (Roon) Wassenaar. He graduated from Coopersville High School in 1940 and went on to enlist in the Army Air Corp in WW II where he served as a first lieutenant bombardier navigator on B-24 Liberators in the 15th Air Force in Italy. Military service was an important part of his life, and most recently he had served as the Military Chaplin and Board member for the 15th Air Force reunion group of the 781 Squadron. .
He married Dorothy Miller in 1944 in Royal Oak, Michigan at the First Presbyterian Church. They would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this month. He graduated from the University of Detroit Dental School in 1951 and started his first practice in Holland, Michigan. In 1952 he moved to Alma and practiced dentistry for 53 years before his retirement in 2005. He enjoyed practicing with his daughter and son-in-law and was well loved and respected by his patients. He was a life member of the Ninth District Dental Society, the Michigan Dental Association and the Vedder Society of Crown and Bridge.
During his years living in Alma he was a member of The First Presbyterian Church and served in many leadership roles. He especially loved singing in the Chancel choir. Frank was very active in the Alma-St. Louis Rotary Club, served as President, and loved his role as a song leader in recent years. He participated in the Rotary student exchange program and he and his family hosted many students over the years. He had a special relationship with exchange daughter Runa Fukaya Yasui of Nagoya, Japan. He was also a member of Pine River Country Club, Otsego Ski Club, Crystal Golf Club and the Alma Masonic Lodge.
Frank loved spending time at Crystal Lake and was a member of the Crystal Sailing Club, sailing Flying Dutchman and Flying Scots for many years. He also enjoyed making jewelry, gardening and making mats and picture frames for his wife Dottie. He was often affectionately known as "Frank the Framer." His friends and family will fondly remember his positive view of life and gentle manner, his passion for his musical instruments (especially his harmonica), his love for his family and dedication to his patients. His life motto was "Love Wins".
Surviving Frank are his wife Dottie, his son, Kurt Wassenaar of Charlottesville, Virginia; his two daughters, Sara Wassenaar (Rich Frutiger) of Alma and Mona (Miles) Hirson of Rye, New York; his four grandchildren, John Frutiger, Miles and Reid Hirson, and Kia Wassenaar. He is also survived by his sisters, Mildred Studham of Oak Park, Illinois; Trudy Wassenaar and Inez Pigg of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Ruth Pate of Carlsbad, New Mexico and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Peter Wassenaar, and his granddaughter, Anna Frutiger.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to The First Presbyterian Church of Alma, The Gratiot Community Foundation, Rotary International Foundation or Alma College.
The family is being served by Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home in Alma. To view Frank's obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com