Obituary
June 9, 2021
by Amy Flanagan
Franklin William Freimund passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on April 20, 2021 at the age of 75 in Cary, North Carolina. Frank was born in Steven’s Point Wisconsin to Frank Louis Freimund and Erna Kebelowski. He is survived by his fiancé, Nancy; daughter, Amy; his three grandchildren, Ryan, Emma & Leah; his two sisters, Marilyn & Karen; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Frank was also known by many as “Butch”. He got this nickname as a young boy and it stuck with him through his entire life. In fact, many of his family members only knew him as “Butch” and didn’t know his actual name was Frank!
Frank’s first love was baseball. He played during his younger years but would later take up coaching when Amy started to play softball at age 8. He dedicated himself to learning as much as he could about the game of fastpitch softball and was still coaching and sharing his extensive knowledge with players at Mills Park Middle School and Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC up until the age of 73. His players adored him and he was so proud of them. Helping them grow as athletes brought great joy and purpose to his life.
Frank was also passionate about music and was a very talented musician. He wrote, sang, played piano, guitar, and drums. He joined his first band as a drummer at age 17 and played in many different bands up until about 1980 (Cecil, Dream, and Star Kiss to name a few). Frank and a few buddies formed his most successful band, The Bishops, while at Michigan State in 1966. They did a few appearances at The Peppermint Lounge in NYC, once setting the record for attendance outdrawing Joey Dee and The Starlighters (an old house band from the early 60’s). For their last appearance at the Lounge, the Box Tops followed them – best known for “Give Me A Ticket For An Airplane”.
Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and tried to make people laugh everywhere he went. When asked for a name for a food order, he would reply “Well ok, don’t you like yours?”, or he would give them a random name “how about Bob?” and when they would call out “Bob’s” order he would forget that was the name he gave. When leaving a recent chemo appointment, the receptionist said she was going to check him out. He replied “Well, ok but won’t your husband be jealous?” and he proceeded to put his arms up and turn in a circle while posing. Sometimes his jokes did not go over so well, however. Like when he went to the eye doctor for a check- up. They had dilated his eyes and he pretended to walk right into a wall and bang his head on the way out of the office. They were not laughing as they rushed over to make sure he was ok!
Frank truly made this world a much better place by spreading joy, kindness and laughter everywhere he went. He was also an extremely generous and giving man who would do anything to help a friend or family member and he will be missed dearly. We cherish our memories of this amazing and wonderful man and the loving father, grandfather, fiancé, brother and friend he was. We find comfort and peace in knowing he is in Heaven where there is no pain, sadness or suffering. We look forward to seeing him again someday.
A celebration of life will be held on June 27th, 2021, at Bass Lake Park, 900 Bass Lake Drive, Holly Springs, NC from 3:30-6 pm. Please join us in person if you are able. Here is a link to the optional virtual gathering from 5-5:40 the same day via Zoom: Frank Freimund Celebration of Life
Frank was also known by many as “Butch”. He got this nickname as a young boy and it stuck with him through his entire life. In fact, many of his family members only knew him as “Butch” and didn’t know his actual name was Frank!
Frank’s first love was baseball. He played during his younger years but would later take up coaching when Amy started to play softball at age 8. He dedicated himself to learning as much as he could about the game of fastpitch softball and was still coaching and sharing his extensive knowledge with players at Mills Park Middle School and Panther Creek High School in Cary, NC up until the age of 73. His players adored him and he was so proud of them. Helping them grow as athletes brought great joy and purpose to his life.
Frank was also passionate about music and was a very talented musician. He wrote, sang, played piano, guitar, and drums. He joined his first band as a drummer at age 17 and played in many different bands up until about 1980 (Cecil, Dream, and Star Kiss to name a few). Frank and a few buddies formed his most successful band, The Bishops, while at Michigan State in 1966. They did a few appearances at The Peppermint Lounge in NYC, once setting the record for attendance outdrawing Joey Dee and The Starlighters (an old house band from the early 60’s). For their last appearance at the Lounge, the Box Tops followed them – best known for “Give Me A Ticket For An Airplane”.
Frank had a wonderful sense of humor and tried to make people laugh everywhere he went. When asked for a name for a food order, he would reply “Well ok, don’t you like yours?”, or he would give them a random name “how about Bob?” and when they would call out “Bob’s” order he would forget that was the name he gave. When leaving a recent chemo appointment, the receptionist said she was going to check him out. He replied “Well, ok but won’t your husband be jealous?” and he proceeded to put his arms up and turn in a circle while posing. Sometimes his jokes did not go over so well, however. Like when he went to the eye doctor for a check- up. They had dilated his eyes and he pretended to walk right into a wall and bang his head on the way out of the office. They were not laughing as they rushed over to make sure he was ok!
Frank truly made this world a much better place by spreading joy, kindness and laughter everywhere he went. He was also an extremely generous and giving man who would do anything to help a friend or family member and he will be missed dearly. We cherish our memories of this amazing and wonderful man and the loving father, grandfather, fiancé, brother and friend he was. We find comfort and peace in knowing he is in Heaven where there is no pain, sadness or suffering. We look forward to seeing him again someday.
A celebration of life will be held on June 27th, 2021, at Bass Lake Park, 900 Bass Lake Drive, Holly Springs, NC from 3:30-6 pm. Please join us in person if you are able. Here is a link to the optional virtual gathering from 5-5:40 the same day via Zoom: Frank Freimund Celebration of Life