Frank L. Grader, 74, of Ray Township (Davis), passed away on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. He was born on May 26, 1944 in Almont, the son of Lloyd and Ruth (nee Thiel) Grader. On Sept. 26, 1969, he married Betty L. Kreger at St. Peter Lutheran in Macomb.
Frank was a 1962 graduate of Romeo High School. Frank and Bets were happily married for almost 50 years, sharing many great times and wonderful memories in Davis. Frank was the owner/operator of Grader Bros. Excavating. He was born, raised and loved living in Davis on his 27 Mile Road farm. Frank enjoyed farming with his son, Bill, as much as his son Bill enjoyed farming with him. Frank enjoyed riding his golf cart and raising pumpkins. Frank was the President of Davis Cemetery Association for 38 years serving for a total of 46 years. Frank loved the friends and neighbors of the Davis community. He enjoyed working, operating heavy equipment, his shop, collecting International Farmall Tractors, his annual tractor ride across the Mackinaw Bridge, tractor pulling, and farming but most of all being “Papa”. Frank was a past member of the Armada Fair Board, the 1974 Michigan State Fair open stock tractor pull champion and was involved in tractor pulls statewide. He worked hard to provide for his family but his heart was always in farming and farmed all over Ray Township and the surrounding areas for his whole life. Recently, Frank (with his excellent driving abilities) and Bets traveled across a large portion of the United States, enjoying each other’s company and seeing many amazing sights. Frank loved to laugh and make people laugh; he was genuine, honest and well respected by many. He was quite the man and a local legend to say the least. Frank will be greatly missed by his loving family and all who knew him. His passing will leave a void in the hearts of those who knew him, as well as, his community.
Frank is survived by his loving wife; Bets; children, Bill (Deanna) Grader and Lori (Kevin) Misch; grandchildren, Megan Misch, Matthew Misch and Lance Lopp; siblings, Diane and John; and an abundance of friends.
Frank was predeceased by his sister, Peggy and parents, Lloyd and Ruth.
Visitation will be held 3-8 p.m., Saturday, March 30 and 1-6 p.m., Sunday, March 31 at Hauss-Modetz Funeral Home, 47477 Romeo Plank, Macomb.
The funeral service will take place at 11 a.m., Monday, April 1 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 17051 24 Mile Road, Macomb with an instate time of 10 a.m.
Burial will take place at Davis Cemetery.
Memorial tributes would be appreciated to the Davis Cemetery Association.
