Francis G. "Frank" Dolsen

Francis G. “Frank” Dolsen Age 95, of Northville, formerly of New Hudson, passed away on September 4, 2016.  He was born February 13, 1921 in Pontiac, Michigan; son of James D. and Mary C. (nee Crawford) Dolsen. Frank was united in marriage to Annabelle L. Bowers on June 30, 1956; and they spent 60 loving years together.    Frank proudly served his country as a Tech Sergeant with the Air Force; he was a Radio Operator and Ball Turret Gunner on a B17 Bomber during WWII.  Frank was shot down on November 3, 1943 on his 14th mission flying out of England.  After parachuting from the plane he was captured in Krems, Austria on November 5, 1943 and became a POW at Stalag 17B for 18 months.  When the war ended he and the other prisoners were marched across Austrian where they met American Troops and were eventually freed.  Frank was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.  Early on Frank worked at the Henry Ford farm and then as a custodian in the Museum.  Before going off to war he was making gauge blocks at what is now Henry Ford Village.  Following the war Frank graduated from Cleary College with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting.  He worked as an Accountant at Acacia Park Cemetery for many years until he eventually retired.  Frank was a member of First Baptist Church of Northville.  He was a Mason, a member of the American Legion Post 147, and the 100th Bomb Group.  He was a great golfer and played as often as he could.  Frank was very handy; he enjoyed fixing things and would fabricate tools to make something work.  He was very generous, upbeat, and had a positive attitude.  He adored his dog Scruffy and will be missed by many family and friends.  Frank is survived by his loving wife Annabelle L. Dolsen; his sister-in-law, Stella Dolsen; his grandchildren, Daniel Ayers, Rebekah Ayers, and Natasha Young; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, and 4 brothers. Visitation will be held Friday, September 9, 2016 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., instate 10:30 a.m., at First Baptist Church of Northville, 217 N. Wing St., Northville.  Pastor Jonathan Wilkes will officiate the service.  Mr. Dolsen will be laid to rest in Wixom Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, 217 N. Wing St., Northville, MI 48167.