Francis "Frank" Mcardle

Francis "Frank" McArdle passed away peacefully on February 15, 2025, surrounded by family. He joins his beloved wife, Sharon McArdle, in the Lord’s house after just a little over two months apart. Frank was born in Detroit, MI, on June 27, 1938, to Francis James Patrick McArdle and Helen (Deik) McArdle. His time in the city was short-lived, as he and his father returned to their roots in Michigan’s Thumb, where he was raised with the support of dear relatives.

After graduating from Ubly High School in 1956, Frank attended Michigan State University for a semester before enlisting in the United States Army in 1957. Upon returning home from service in the fall of 1959, he met the love of his life, Sharon Terry, while looking for a lost contact in the sand during a beach party at Oak Beach Park. On May 4, 1963, they married at Sacred Heart Church in Roseville, MI. Their union of nearly 62 years was a testament to enduring love, partnership, and commitment. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and shared adventures while raising a beautiful family.

A true country boy, Frank followed his city girl and agreed to spend the first 30 years of their marriage in the city – but only on the condition that they return to the Thumb upon retirement. From 1963 to 1992, they made their home in Royal Oak, MI, where they raised four children. During this time, Frank worked for the Detroit Zoo, beginning in the feed room, then becoming a zookeeper, and later taking on his favorite role as a chimpanzee trainer. In the early 1970s, he and his chimpanzee companions were regulars on the Saturday morning show with Sonny Elliott and Bozo the Clown. When he retired from the zoo in June 1992, he was the head of maintenance. In addition to his work at the zoo, Frank and Sharon ran a successful lawn maintenance business for over 30 years.

Having been raised by farmers and working on several farms throughout his life, Frank and Sharon fulfilled their retirement dream by settling on a 40-acre farm in Caro, MI. The moment he saw it, Frank knew it was home, often remarking, “This is me!” For the first 15 years, he farmed the land before renting it out. In addition to farming, he also served as maintenance man for the Caro Big Boy until the spring of 2021.

Frank was a character – always smiling, cracking jokes, and playfully teasing everyone he met. He often said his teasing was a sign of endearment. Family was at the heart of everything he did, and to him, family extended beyond bloodlines. Over the years, Frank and Sharon “adopted” many into their family, earning their home the affectionate nickname "The McArdle Orphanage" as a safe haven for their children's friends.

Never one to sit still, Frank found joy in nearly everything he did. He loved playing golf, bowling, fishing, and traveling with family and friends. Always up for an adventure, he embraced life with enthusiasm and a sense of humor.

Frank leaves behind a treasured legacy of love and memories cherished by his children: Michael (Mary) McArdle Sr., Michelle McArdle, Kris (Marty) Reinelt, and Kim (Charlie) Ulrich; "adopted" children Dennis & Mickey Turkette and Bob & Su Eremia; grandchildren Stephanie McArdle, Michael (Nikki) McArdle Jr., Amelia & Max Ulrich, Amber Chris, Amanda (Ryan) Eaddy, Amie Gojcaj, Allie K., Ben (Lyssa) Lynch, Brooke (Zach) Rocheleau, and Reece Eremia; and great-grandchildren Austonia Werner, Parker, Preston & Jerzee Hale, Nolan, Penelope & Gwendolyn Lynch, Remi Rocheleau, Rayna Eaddy, and Gjon Gojcaj.

He also leaves behind his in-laws Barb & Al Roy, Doris & Doug DeRocco, and John Terry, as well as dear friends and extended family Sheila & Arnie Rock, Mike & Jerrimie Putnam, Harold & Sue Knox, the O’Brien family, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to his wife, Sharon, Frank was preceded in death by his sister-in-law Cathy Terry and son-in-law Rich Cameron.

A devoted member of St. Christopher Parish and the Knights of Columbus, Frank lived a life of faith and service.

Frank's Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Church in Caro with Rev. Isaac Madanu officiating. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a 7:30 p.m. Rosary and again at church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Frank's service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice or to one of Frank’s favorites – Shriners Children’s or St. Vincent de Paul.