John Franklin Frenzel, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, died peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the age of 75 after an extended illness.

John was born October 7, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Franklin Frenzel and Bernice (Schaberg) Frenzel. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School and Western Michigan University. His career as a math teacher at Freeland Public Schools spanned 26 years. While there, he was honored as 1991 Educator of the Year by the Consumer Educators of Michigan and 2001 Outstanding Professional by Northwood University. He was a tax preparer for many years at following retirement.

John found great joy in singing and listening to music, sharing many laughs with family and friends, and watching his grandson tend goal in hockey and lacrosse. He also loved reading quietly, spending time with his cats, and the beauty of Michigan’s fall and winter. His greatest joy in life was sharing 52 years with his cherished wife Merle. He will be remembered as a pillar of strength and generosity to the friends and family he helped with innumerable home projects and personal challenges. He was a fierce advocate of the causes he supported and published many letters to the editor in major newspapers.

Surviving are two daughters, Virginia Leis, DVM, and Deborah (Alexander) Gleissner, grandson Isaac Gleissner, and two sisters, Janice (Richard) Kwater of Bridgeport, Michigan, and Marcia (David) Mausolf, of Cypress, Texas, and several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his wife Merle Finesse (Holland-Leis) Frenzel, his mother Bernice (Schaberg) Frenzel, father Franklin Frenzel, sisters Sharon (Edward) Boshaw and Carol (Larry) Rivett, and infant brother Charles.

The family would like to thank The Care Team hospice and Case Funeral Home for their empathy and responsiveness to John’s final wishes.

In accordance with his wishes, John’s remains have been cremated. A remembrance service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Saginaw Hoyt Public Library, Saginaw Underground Railroad, or Planned Parenthood of Michigan. Arrangements entrusted to W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors. Please share your words of condolence with the family at www.casefuneralhome.com

John left one final thought: “Do not mourn me. Do not pray for me. Instead, please make an effort in the next weeks to help someone less fortunate than yourself.”