Francis J. Lash

Francis J. “Frank” Lash, 66, of South Haven died peacefully at home on May 2, 2009 .

Frank was born on June 26, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois to Frank and Marie Lash. Frank spent his early years of life in Chicago and met his love of his life Carol and married in 1962. In 1967 they moved to South Haven where he found the love of fishing right off the South Haven pier. Frank enjoyed playing sports which include softball, bowling, golf and horseshoes with all his friends in the South Haven Community.

Since the age of seven he took his passion of the accordion and played for friends and eventually started his own Polka band called the “Happy Notes” with his wife. He volunteered his time to entertain others at the Warren Center , The Dank, Village Market “Fat Tuesday”, Weddings and many other special occasions. Frank was also a member of the “Strudel Meisters” German band. Frank was a member of St. Basil Catholic Church and became the first Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. In addition to playing his accordion with the guitar group for St. Basil’s he participated in the fish fry dinners and other numerous church functions. He was also a member of the praise band called the "Joyful Noise" on the bluff. Frank was an active member of the Moose Lodge #697 foe a number of years. Frank was known for enjoying life. Frank enjoyed dancing with his wife, coaching his children in sports to making polish pierogies. Frank worked for the South Haven Rubber Company upon first arriving to South Haven, Michigan to retiring from the South Haven Post office after 30 years of service.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents.

Frank is survived by his wife Carol Lash who just celebrated 47 years of marriage in February 2009, of South Haven, Michigan . Frank has eight wonderful children with his wife Carol- Frank Lash, Karen (James) Schnake and Catherine (Robert) Lash Dillard all of South Haven, Michigan, Debra (Todd) Holubar of Allegan, Michigan, Theresa (Eric) Conroy of Jacksonville, Florida, Annette (Dewayne) Leadingham and Mark (Leslie) Lash both of South Haven, Michigan and Carolyn (Robert) Brown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. 14 grandchildren Frank enjoyed – Frank Lash Jr., Colton Schnake, Karissa Schnake, Nicholas Brack, Chris Brack, Jessica Holubar, Leia Holubar, Blake Conroy, Noah Conroy, Jaden, Conroy, Drew Conroy, Summer Leadingham, Chase Leadingham, Riley Brown. One great grandchild – Logan Lash. One sister – Lottie Baker of McHenry , Illinois also survives.


Visitation will be on Friday, May 8th from 6-8 pm at Filbrandt Family Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be on Saturday, May 9th at 11:00 am at St. Basil Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Robert Flickinger officiating. Burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery . Memorial contributions can be made to St. Basil Knights of Columbus or South Haven Moose Lodge #697. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.FilbrandtFFH.com.

The family is being helped by the Filbrandt Family Funeral Home of South Haven 637-0333.