Danny Lee Frantz, of Dowagiac

Published 9:04 am Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Oct. 16, 1946 — June 21, 2019

Danny Lee Frantz, 72, of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2019, after an 11-month courageous battle against cancer. He died in his home with his wife, Le Ett, by his side.

Danny was born on Oct. 16, 1946, in Niles to the late Wayne and Georgianna (Pride) Frantz. He was the oldest of four.

Danny Lee Frantz

In 1965, Danny graduated from Brandywine High School.

In 1966, Danny was drafted into the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country. After being honorably discharged in 1968, Danny was hired by Bendix Corporation, South Bend and retired from there following 32 years at the age of 52. Over the next 20 years, he lived life to the fullest and did all the things he enjoyed.

In 1976, he met Le Ett Williams, and they quickly fell in love. After sharing a home for seven years, they married on July 16, 1984. Together they lived a blessed life taking care of each other, raising his children and making a life for their family.

For several years, Danny processed deer out of his pole barn and had many loyal customers. He loved auctions, garage sales and Goodwill, always looking for a bargain.

In 1988, he and Le Ett purchased property on Paradise Lake in Vandalia. He loved his lake home, and both he and Le Ett enjoyed many special times there, alone and with family.

Danny was an avid fisherman. His favorite was ice fishing, and he made an effort to always be the first one on the ice at Stone Lake in Cassopolis and the last off. His fishing benefited many in the local communities. Over the years, he and his fish fries raised money for very worthy causes. Danny was a generous and giving man and took great pleasure in helping others.

Danny is survived by his loving wife, Le Ett; his daughter, Lisa Ann (Jennifer) Frantz, of DeKalb, Illinois; his sons, Dannel Frantz, of Dowagiac, and Russell Frantz, of Niles; He is also survived by his “second daughter” Candy (David) Kieta.

Danny also adored and treasured his grandchildren. They delighted in him every day. They are heartbroken over the loss of their beloved Papa. Left to cherish his memory are Hayley, Nick, Katie and Kristina, of Niles, Corbin, Aleaya and Jenna, of DeKalb, Illinois, and Aiden, of Owosso, Michigan.

Also surviving Danny is his brother, Steve (Doris) Frantz, of Vandalia; his sister, Sheryl (Don) Kendall, of Niles; Danny’s in-laws, Kathy Williams, of Niles, Gary Williams, of Dowagiac, Mona Noel, of Niles; his beloved niece, Amber (K.C.) Dobberstein, of Osceola, Indiana; beloved nephews, Cody Williams, of Dowagiac, Chancellor Ferell, of Niles; Le Ett’s aunt, Barbara Williams, of Niles; his first wife, Patty (Gary) Schrader, who were with he and Le Ett throughout his battle with cancer.

Danny was preceded in death by his dad, Wayne Frantz in 1987; his mother, Georgianna Frantz-Hoover in 2006; sister, Pamela Stryker in 2017; treasured niece, Ashley Williams in 2014 and father-in-law, Gerald Williams in 2000.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Brown Funeral Home in Niles with a time of visitation beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday. A private interment will be on Monday at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens.

Donations may be made in Danny’s memory to The Brian Parker Foundation, 2469 Lone Elm St., Niles, Michigan 49120 or to Helping Hands of Cass County, 130 S. Broadway St, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Remembrances of Danny may be shared with his family at BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Niles.