I barely knew Frank, which is kind of a shame

This is something different; not one of my newspaper columns. It's an obit I wrote for my girlfriend Lori's dad, who died earlier this week. He lived a pretty amazing life, of which only a small portion is related here. Just thought his passing merited a remark...

Weldon D. “Frank” Frankforter

GRAND RAPIDS — Weldon D. “Frank” Frankforter, 94, of Grand Rapids, died Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2014 at Metro Health Hospital in Grand Rapids.

Frank was born May 1, 1920 in Tobias, Neb. to parents, Archie and Mary (Schroeder) Frankforter. He was married Sept. 12, 1943 to Laura Glea Nicholas, who preceded him in death.

Frank earned his bachelor’s degree in 1944 and masters in 1949 in Geology/Paleontology from the University of Nebraska. He served as associate curator at the University of Nebraska State Museum from 1941 to 1950, director of the Sanford Museum & Planetarium in Cherokee, Iowa and as assistant director of the Grand Rapids Public Museum from 1962 to 1964. In 1965 he became director of the Grand Rapids Public Museum, a position he held until retiring in 1988. After retirement, he remained involved with the museum as Director Emeritus.

Frank’s interest in archaeology and paleontology was a lifelong passion and he was at the forefront of the burgeoning historic preservation movement of the of 1960s and ‘70s. During his tenure with the museum, Frank organized and managed several archeological digs. 

Also, he was instrumental in creating numerous annual ethnic festivals in downtown Grand Rapids, beginning with the Mexican-American festival; over the years, Frank oversaw the creation of several other annual ethnic festivals in the city.

Frank also sat on a committee in Washington D.C. charged with developing standards for museums nationwide. Under his guidance, the Grand Rapids Public Museum was the first to be evaluated and certified under the American Association of Museums accreditation process he helped create.

Frank spearheaded the move to relocate the Grand Rapids Public Museum from its former location to its current home along the Grand River. He also was instrumental in making sure the whale skeleton — always popular with museum patrons — made the trip to the facility’s new location.

Frank also was the driving force behind the restoration and installation of the museum’s popular antique carousel.

Surviving are his daughters, Mary Emmert, Lori Frankforter; sons, Nick (Dawn) Frankforter, Gary (Carol) Frankforter, Matt (Kate) Frankforter; grandchildren, Daniel, Jessica, Noah, Megan (Daniel), Jason, Victoria (Troy), Christina (Jennifer), Zachary (LeAnn), Lorri (John); great grandchildren, Tori, Sydney, Alix, Erin, Winter, Trez, Weldon “Justice”, Zaniya, Kaley, Taylar, Blaine, Trey Camdyn, Daniel Jr.; great-great grandchildren, Kennedy, Keegan, Chance and Samatha.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 8 at Ofield Funeral Home, 4500 Kalamazoo Ave. The family will meet with friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service.

Donations in Frank’s name may be made to the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park.

Please be sure to sign the online guest book located on this website.