Age 80, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 29, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Jefferson, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 6, 1944 in Princeton, Illinois to the late Robert “Bob” and Dorethy (Bowers) Frantzen. Michael was the oldest of nine children and was preceded in death by 5 of his siblings; Lonny Frantzen, Judith (Peter) Peltier, Kathy (John) Bosi, Randy (Karen) Frantzen, and Dee Ann (Cecil) Christ. He is survived by siblings; Terry (Cindy) Frantzen, Steve (Becky) Frantzen, and Patti (Richard) Presthus. He also experienced the heartbreak of having a child precede him in death, his daughter Andrea Frantzen. Michael was married to Carol (Klug) Frantzen for 33 years and she also preceded him in death. He missed her dearly. Michael is survived by his 3 daughters; Lisa (Dan) Paulzine of Centuria, Wisconsin, Michelle (Scott) Perry of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Sarah (James) Smith of Crystal City, Missouri, and 1 son, Michael (Deana) Frantzen of DeSoto, Missouri. He is also survived by two step-daughters; Nancy (Linda) Hunter of St. Louis, Missouri and Linda (Ken) Krull of Fenton, Missouri. Michael loved being a grandpa and was proud to call Drake, Kamrynn, Gavin, Dylan, Samuel, Elli, Noah, Kayla, Anna, Emma, Lindsay, Shannon, and Tyler his grandchildren. Michael proudly served in the United States Marine Corps and earned the rank of Sergeant E-5. He did one tour in Vietnam, which is where he says he both grew up and received his education. Michael had a few career paths throughout his life, but spent the majority of his life working as a transport driver. He loved driving and seeing the country. This, along with his time in the military allowed him to visit all 50 U.S. states. He really enjoyed traveling for pleasure as well and continued to do so even through the last months of his life. He often shared that love with his family, taking his kids and grandkids on various trips. His favorite place to go was northern Minnesota. He loved to go fishing with his bride. Michael’s other hobby was dirt track racing. Although he had to give that hobby up quite a few years ago, he would get quite giddy when he would talk about those good old days when Mike “Boom Boom” Thunder was tearing up the tracks at I-55, Belleville, and St. Charles Speedways every weekend. He always said, “It ain’t braggin’ if you can do it!”
Services; Family and friends will be escorted at 10 a.m by the Patriot Guard from Kutis Funeral Home, South County Chapel, where Michael will be laid to rest with full military honors in a ceremony at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Those wishing to attend will meet at Kutis by 10 a.m. There will be no other services.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit organization, EIN 31-0263158, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250