Franklin “Frank” Chester Plath
Franklin “Frank” Chester Plath, 84, of Hawks passed away peacefully at his home Friday, April 17, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Franklin was born September 19, 1941, in Rogers City to Walter Plath and Pearl (Standen) Plath.
Franklin graduated High School with a GED while serving in the Air Force from 1961-1965, as an aircraft engine mechanic. After leaving the service, Franklin was a carpenter for Darrin and Armstrong (1965-1966), crane operator and ground processer for Gary Standen (1966-1969), crane operator and foreman for Glaney (1969-1978) and a watchman for Oglebay Norton Company from 1978 until he retired in 2003. During the last nine years prior to his retirement, Franklin sailed on the Earl W. Oglebay.
Franklin is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rose (Haselhuhn Schalk) Plath; two daughters, Kaye Lopez and Melissa Stevens; two stepdaughters, Melissa Schalk and Nicole Schalk; six grandchildren, Malissa Parsi, Cassandra Lopez, Francesca (Kenneth) Tanner, Christopher (Ashley) Lopez, Wendy Hincka and Darwin Hincka; and nine great-grandchildren, Dylan Rock, MaKenna Rock, Ariah Rock, Ian Tanner, Dominck Tanner, Victor Tanner, Kelsi Tanner, Maelynn Suszek, and Summer Lopez; and his sister, Cheryl Staley of Las Vegas, Nevada.
Franklin was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Plath and Pearl Plath; and two brothers, Walter Plath and Raymond Plath.
Franklin was active in St. Michael Church of Belknap, regularly attending services. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and traveling with his recreational vehicle. Franklin and Rose often took their grandchildren and great-grandchildren camping, as well as being wagon masters for the Nautical Sam’s Camping Group from 2006-2008. They also wintered in Florida, beginning in 1998 until 2024, enjoying fishing, boating, sunshine, playing cards and spending time with friends. Franklin played cards and games weekly with friends, enjoying spitzer, euchre, and pegs and jokers.
He enjoyed woodworking and building items for his family and friends. Hours were spent in his workshop, coming up with designs and making gifts for the people that he loved. Franklin was dedicated to his family, spending as much time as possible with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Visitation was at St. Michael Lutheran Church in Belknap Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. through time of his memorial service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Paul Boerger officiating.
Rogers City Veterans of Foreign Wars Post offered a military tribute at church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Michael Lutheran Church or to Hospice Compassus in memory of Frank Plath.
Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.
