Francis Tenbusch

 

Francis G. Tenbusch of Traverse City, Michigan, formerly of Tawas City and Detroit, MI, died peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, surrounded by his family.  Frank was born in Detroit on April 22, 1935 at the family home on Orangelawn Avenue in Epiphany Parish to Fred J. and Honorah E. (Gill) Tenbusch.  Frank is the beloved husband of Evelyn Jean (Eriksen) Tenbusch who preceded him in death in 2021.  Frank and Evelyn were joined in Holy Matrimony on March 2, 1957 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Detroit.  Frank is the dearly loved father of Janet M. (Timothy) Peterson of Bloomington, MN, James F. (Debra) Tenbusch of Traverse City, MI, Kathleen M. Tenbusch of Traverse City, MI, Joseph G. Tenbusch of Traverse City, MI, Mary E. (John) Bouchard of Raleigh, NC, John F. (Stephanie) Tenbusch of Northville, MI and Julie M. (Douglas) Duffing of Traverse City, MI.  He is the adored grandpa to 17 grandchildren:  Ryan (Emily) Engmark, Sarah (David) Lynne, Zachary (Karlee) Tenbusch, Jacob Tenbusch, Emma Tenbusch, Elizabeth (Hans) Mathiak, Hannah (Tyler) Sexton, James Murchie, Joseph (Megan) Tenbusch, Jr, Matthew (Liza) Bouchard, Janelle Bouchard, Natalie Bouchard, jack Tenbusch, Gabrielle Tenbusch, Gavin Duffing, Katelyn Duffing and Rylee Duffing.  He is the sweet “Papa” to 12 great grandchildren:  Grayson, Parker, Oaklynn, and baby boy Engmark (to be born in September); Matteo, Tobias, Korban and Aviel Mathiak; Nolan and Margaret Evelynn Tenbusch; and Liviya and Ezra Miller-Bouchard.  In prayer at every meal Dad spoke out loud, in family order, every single name listed above in prayer and thanksgiving – even in his final days.  Dad repeatedly thanked God for His help and assistance throughout his 88 years of life.  He has always had an immensely grateful heart – so filled with gratitude for all of God’s abundant blessings – even in his last days, giving God the glory for these blessings and taking no credit for anything.  In Dad’s words, his lifelong goal was “to be independent but dependable.”  He has had a very accomplished life.  He served two years in the US Army while stationed in Germany 1953-1955 as an Assistant Dental Hygienist.  He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Lion’s Club in Tawas/East Tawas, MI, and the Elks Lodge of Michigan.  He was a Journeyman Wood Patternmaker by trade, graduating from the Fisher Body five-year apprenticeship program in 1960.  He was also very proud to be an alumnus of the 1953 graduating class, Detroit Catholic Central High School.  Dad was the former owner/principal of the family business at Stephan Wood Products Inc., in Grayling, MI, for over 40 years.  Dad designed, developed, and manufactured military troop seats for the U.S. Army, Navy and Marines along with commercial track seating, aka Rigid Racks, for trucks, over the last 40 years.  He loved socializing with our Mom – dancing, eating out, playing tennis, car rides, boating, sitting on their beach, traveling to their home in Naples, FL amongst other destinations, sitting outside stores while she shopped and many other activities – with the absolute love of his life.  He loved family gatherings, driving fast, working, attending his children’s and grandchildren’s high school and college music and sporting events, cleaning and maintaining his and his neighbor’s beaches, and sitting back watching his children and grandchildren interact with each other.  Among his many other phenomenal accomplishments, Dad has been an avid runner since 1988 – running 3 miles a day even as recently as November 2022, at 87 years old.  His running career saw an accomplishment of a total of 26,139 miles, wearing out a multitude of running shoes over the years, Dad also loved being an Usher at Christ the King Catholic Church where he was the official “hugger” and “baby holder” at every service he attended.  Dad rarely, if ever, missed a Sunday morning service.  His faith was evident to many.  Dad is preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Evelyn J. Tenbusch, who was the love of his life, mother of his children and constant companion; his brother, Dr. Fred J. Tenbusch, DDS, and his wife, Marylou Tenbusch, his sister, Sr. Theresa Ann Tenbusch, IHM, his infant brother, Jimmy, and his mother and father.  He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and his sister, Sr. Honorah Ellen Tenbusch, IHM, who resides in Traverse City, MI, and many other nieces and nephews.  Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, May 1, 2023 at Christ the King and graveside services followed at Oakwood Cemetery where he received military honors.  In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Frank, our Dad, by making a contribution to Catholic Central HS in Novi or Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools which are both favorite Tenbusch charities.