Frank Schmiege

SCHMIEGE, Frank
Of Kalamazoo Frank Schmiege surrendered to life eternal on August 18, 2009. Born in Appleton, Wisconsin September 30, 1914, Franklin Wilfred Schmiege moved to Kalamazoo with his mother Emma Steinert, and his two brothers, Lester and Wilbur, when his father, Frank Fredrick Schmiege, established the American Wire Cloth Company in Parchment, Michigan. A graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School and Western Michigan University, Frank participated in theatre, was active in the yearbook, and was athletic manager for the basketball team. Additionally, he enjoyed his activities with the local Sea Scouts at Gull Lake under the tutelage of Frank F. Ford, who would later become his law partner. During law school at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Frank joined the F.B.I. as a finger printing agent. He remained with the F.B.I. following graduation and served throughout WWII as an espionage agent in New York City, Knoxville and Chattanooga, TN. At the conclusion of his service with the F.B.I., Frank received a personal commendation from the F.B.I director J. Edgar Hoover. It wasn't until his return to Kalamazoo that he met the music teacher, Marion F. Johnstone, at a Wednesday Night Supper Club in the First Presbyterian Church. They married in 1948, "because she was so lovely". He began his law practice, which spanned some 50 years, with his mentor Frank Ford and Ed Ryan. They were later joined by Erwin Hinga and David Lunquist. Frank was known by many as dedicated, ethical, articulate, gracious and witty, traits he attributed to his German heritage and disciplined upbringing. Frank served as an officer for the Trinity Lutheran Church, as legal counsel for State Representative Carlton Morris in Lansing, as a member of the Michigan Bar Association, and as President, Secretary and life member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club. He enjoyed gardening, sailing with his buddies, Dick Fitzgerald and Maynard Conrad, and entertaining with various potluck groups and neighborhood friends, as well as traveling on family vacations and about the world. Frank is survived by his wife of 61 years Marion; his four children, Janet-Schmiege Ferguson of Boston, MA, Richard Schmiege and Janet Stoner of Kalamazoo, Charles and Carol Jo Schmiege of Kalamazoo and David and Patricia Schmiege of Cincinnati, OH. Frank's heritage also includes eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, two cousins and three nieces. To his family he was a revered role model who espoused and personified 'doing the right thing in the face of adversity' and 'learning from one's mistakes'. His dinner table reminder to "roll with the punches" became a battle cry for his children to aim high and boldly confront the challenges ahead. Franklin W. Schmiege, a man characterized by duty, faith, loyalty and service will be sorely missed by all who loved and respected him. Franklin W. Schmiege will be ensconced in the Columbarium of the First Presbyterian Church. A Memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 321 W. South St., on September 11, 2009 at 11:00 AM. All who attend are invited to a luncheon and fellowship after the service. In lieu of flowers, those interested in making a contribution in his remembrance may direct them to the Pretty Lake Vacation Camp, a service arm of the Kalamazoo Kiwanis Club. Please visit www.langelands.com to sign the online register book and leave a condolence to the family or visit www.franklin-schmiege.memory-of.com to share a memory of Frank.