Frank Sefl, Jr.

     Frank Sefl, Jr., age 73, of Ashley, MI, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at Sparrow Carson Hospital, Carson City, MI.

      A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, March 22, 2024, with Rev. Fr. Raj Bandaru presiding. Frank's Mass of Christian Burial will be livestreamed on Smith Family Funeral Homes Facebook Page.  Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI.  Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024, from 2-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.  A Firemen’s Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

      Frank was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on October 13, 1950, the son of Frank and Theresa (Slamka) Sefl, Sr., He graduated from Ashley High School with the class of 1968, and joined the Army National Guard soon after. Frank married Terry Butcher on October 4, 1980, in St. Louis, MI, and they were blessed with forty-three years of marriage.  He retired from General Motors in 1999, after more than thirty years of service.  After his retirement, he worked and maintenance for Ashley Care Center, Country Friends, and Rosewood AFC.

     Frank was an avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed sharing the outdoors with his family, especially his grandchildren, who referred to him as “Papa.”  Frank had the ability to fix anything and many counted on him to help fix their projects.  He had the gift to talk to anyone he met, including people at the coffee group.   Frank coached girls’ and boys’ basketball, softball, and baseball for many years.  He coached his children and grandchildren and was very involved with their activities.  In his younger years, he enjoyed playing softball in many country leagues.

    Frank dedicated a great deal of his time to Ashley Fire and Rescue not only as a firefighter, but as a medical first responder, lieutenant, and captain.  He also looked forward to volunteering his time at the North Pole Express.  He was a member of the Ashley Sportsman Club, served as a school board member for Ashley Community Schools, a member of parish council at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church, and was part of the ZCBJ Lodge #225.  

     He is survived by his wife Terry Sefl; his children: Cheryl and Tom Fabus, Bryan and Jenny Howe, Kris Sefl and fiancé Chris Gallagher; his grandchildren: Thomas and Kaley Fabus, Katie and Patrick Baker, Emily Fabus, Madi and Nick Burlingame, Karlie Howe, Kennedy Bearden and fiancé Kline Brown, Raygan Moore, and Autumn Gallagher; a special nephew and godson Kevin Fabus.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marcella Fabus, and his niece Theresa Fabus.

     In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to Ashley Fire and Rescue.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.