Date of Death: March 13, 2026
Service Details
The family will receive friends Monday, March 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Verse by Verse Church, 300 Enterprise Dr., Three Rivers. A memorial service will follow at 4 p.m., with Pastor John Koller officiating.
Obituary Notice
Francis “Frank” Raymond Steinman, 80, of Three Rivers, passed away Friday, March 13, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family while holding the hand of his beloved wife.
Frank was born September 9, 1945, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, the son of Delmar and Flora (Mileham) Steinman. He grew up on the family farm in Charlotte alongside his siblings Delma (Kenneth), Russell (Joyce), Edwin (Dorothy), and Sue (Rex)—whom he affectionately called “Lefty.”
A standout athlete at Charlotte High School, Frank excelled in football and baseball, playing third base. He liked being an infielder so he didn’t have to chase his mistakes. He graduated with the Class of 1963 and attended Western Michigan University before being drafted into the United States Army.
Frank began his Army service with basic and advanced training at Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, on May 18, 1966. In March of 1967, he deployed to Doc Pho, South Vietnam, with the 125th Air Traffic Control Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, serving as an air traffic controller. He attained the rank of E4 and was honorably discharged on May 17, 1972.
Following his military service, Frank continued his career as an air traffic controller in Indianapolis, beginning on Wednesday, June 12, 1968. He proudly served for 39 years, eight months, and 17 days, retiring on February 29, 2008—a leap day—so he wouldn’t have to wait another four years. During his career, he proudly reported to work through the PATCO Strike of 1981 and the events of 9/11.
Frank married Sandra Brown on August 15, 1969, in Lansing. Their son, Jaime Scott Steinman, was born January 19, 1971, and preceded him in death on March 4, 1997.
Frank was active in the Ben Davis High School Band Boosters, played adult league softball, and took great pride in keeping his cars pristine. He enjoyed spending time at Silver Lake and throughout Northern Michigan.
A loyal lifelong Michigan State University Spartan, Frank was rarely seen without his Spartan green. He followed Spartan football, men’s and women’s basketball, and volleyball, but his greatest passion was Spartan baseball. He traveled across the country to watch the team play and was an active supporter of the First Pitch Dinner, cherishing the friendships that became like family. He also faithfully attended the annual MSU band concert in support of Sparrow Hospital.
Frank began dating “his favorite wife,” Jaye, in the spring of 2014—sparked by a custom Corn Flakes box she had made for him while working at Kellogg’s. He proposed on her birthday, March 10, 2018, and they were married on April 13, 2018, the anniversary of their first date. Frank adored and doted on Jaye until the very end, never missing an opportunity to show his love and appreciation for her. Through their marriage, they grew together in a deep love for their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and enjoyed Sunday worship and sermons at Verse by Verse Church in Three Rivers, where Frank formed many close friendships.
Frank treasured time with his family, especially welcoming the birth of his grandchildren. He proudly served as pool “guard duty,” ensuring there were no drinks in the water and that his grandsons weren’t jumping in from the top deck rail. Known for his sweet tooth, Frank never let the candy cupboard run low. A top customer of the Weenie Kings hot dog truck, he enjoyed daily visits with Mike to “shoot the bull,” and he ended nearly every day with a well-deserved bowl of ice cream. He also took great joy in surprising newly met friends by handing out $2 bills, a simple gesture that reflected his generosity and love of making people smile.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Jaye Steinman; children Chelsea (Don Saso) Morrill, Cameron (Marceline) Nevins, and Calley (Keith) Green, who selflessly assisted in caring for Frank during his final months and whom he lovingly referred to as his “BSN.” He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren McKenna, Macyn, and Carson Morrill; Trace, Emily and Cooper Saso; Grady, Kasen, Evaley and Juliana Nevins; Kyrin and Kamdyn Green; and his lifelong best friend and Army buddy, Lyle Leatherbery.
Additional Information
Memorial donations in Frank’s memory may be directed to Centrica Care Navigators or Verse by Verse Church. Envelopes will be available at the church and at Hohner Funeral Home.
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Frank or “ Francine” as I teasingly called him was a dear friend of mine. We were neighbors for about 3 years. During this time, he would drive his riding lawnmower across 21st Street to mow my lawn. He would never let me pay him. When “Sister” and OG” would come to visit I would be their 4th player when they played Euchre. There was much “bragging” going on between OG and Frank. It was a good time.
We also had our own gang that hung out on Monday night’s at Tooley’s, that included Frank, Randy and Janet Kath, and myself. We had other friends who would occasionally come by too after their Monday evening shifts from the Center. Later, we found another watering at Applebee’s on Thursday afternoons after our day shift. We enjoyed.many birthdays together with the gang and members of my family, as well. Such great fun!! I will never forget you my dear friend, Frank!
I am really happy Frank was VERY HAPPY after he retired and was blessed with finding LOVE with Jaye and the children and grandchildren. He was kind, caring, and a very giving man. I am extremely happy he found the Lord and had a relationship with him as well. God Bless You All!!
Much Love and Hugs to you Jaye, and your loving family! 💙💖🥰🤗✝️🙏🙌
P.S. I am rooting for your Spartans, Francine!! 💚🤍🏀
I have known Frankie since the early ‘60’s when we competed against each other on the baseball diamonds in Charlotte & Eaton Rapids … He graduated from Charlotte High School and went to Western Michigan University ..
I had a job deferment working for AT&T but the draft board said I was wanted and my deferment was voided … Can you image to my surprise when I arrived at the Eaton County Courthouse for the draft there was Frank and about 10 other would be solders .. Went on to be Air Traffic Controllers in the military … Once out, we both ended up at ZID … He stayed and I chose to return to Michigan … We stated close friends since those days .
Frankie was as a great friend, loyal as they come and really good man … I and all of his “posse” will have a tremendous hole in our hearts to repair and heal without him in our lives here …
“God Speed” old friend you couldn’t have been a better friend … I will see you again …. Time to be determined…….
Worked with Frank many years. As a matter of fact he trained me on high altitude sectors. Many memories on the midshifts with him. But the best memories are of the kind and friendly guy he was to me and my family. Will never forget ya, God Speed my friend. (PA) aka Clipper.
I also worked with Frank at Indy Center. He always made the job fun, never a harsh word, a smooth controller. He always took the time to say hello and I will always remember his easy smile.
Great guy to work with. Always knew when frank was in the area. RIP frank….DR.
I worked with Frank at Indy Center.
Always a smile and hello. Great controller, always willing to help anyone.
RIP Frank.
Frank was always fun to be around at work and after work. He was a master of the “put down” or stab joke which made him more likeable. So much fun to work with. He was a super controller. I enjoyed going to the drag races at IRP with him and socializing after work with the “gang”. RIP.
Worked with Frank at Indy for many years. He always had a joke or a funny line. One of his favorites, as he was leaving for a break was, ” well, I’m off like a prom dress”. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. RIP, Francis!!!
Frank was one of the best Air Traffic Controllers I have ever worked with, a true professional and good friend. His personality lifted the spirit of all who were around him. I owe Frank a lot, just before the ATC strike, I was caving to union pressure to join. With a check in pocket to hand to the union I encountered Frank. Frank convinced me to hang tough with the small group of non union controllers and tore up the check. Thanks Frank, rest in peace.
Frank , we worked side by side for over 30 years. The last 2 years of your career, we would work the push , then leave work to have breakfast at Hardee’s. My children have great memories of your kindness and generosity. From giving furniture to my daughter to helping with boy scout projects with my son. And also to me , You loaned me a car in ‘99 for a few weeks, while you helped sell mine. Just a super , funny , caring great guy. Thank you for being an amazing friend. I miss you buddy.
Uncle Frank was a great man and easily my favorite Uncle!! He was married to my Aunt Sandy when he lived in Indianapolis!! He was always a jokester and fun to be around!! I also bought my first car from him!! I love you Uncle Frank!! RIP
I feel like I need to comment some more!! My Uncle Frank spent 25 years married to my Aunt Sandy in Indiana!! He taught me a lot as a young girl and was always there for me. His name for me was Bones the Body!! Uncle Frank I hope you and Jaime are dancing on Streets of Gold!! I love you both so very much
I worked with Frank at Indy Center. Great guy !
Always a smile when he saw you. Great controller! RIP Frank!
Worked with Frank for many years in Air Traffic Control and learned so much from him.
Frank was one of the best
oh, there are so many wonderful memories of working with Frank in area B at the Indianapolis air traffic control center. He was fun. He was loving and he always had your back. I’m so glad he found Jesus and a good life after retirement.
Jaye and family, you have our deepest condolences. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. Praying that God surrounds you with comfort, strength, and peace during this difficult time. Love you my dear friend.
Sending our heartfelt sympathies to you Jaye and your family. Hugs!
I’m so sorry for the loss of uncle Frank , the last of a great family from Charlotte, Michigan son of Delmer and Flo Steinman. He will be missed by all who knew him. I will always remember him by his great laugh and funny sense of humor. Especially when he walked thru the glue on Jaye’s new flooring at the front door a few years ago. My heart is full of sadness for you and the kids Jaye.
Francis (as I called him) was one of my very best friends. I will miss him so much, but I’m so thankful he was so happy living in Three Rivers with Jaye and his family. I’m so thankful he found his church home and Lord Jesus Christ. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing, I always enjoyed chatting with him when he stopped into the Credit Union. Hugs to all of you!