Frank J. Siller
Born in Houghton, MI to Guy C. and Marie V. Siller (nee Brassaw), Frank from the beginning was an energetic person with an insatiable curiosity about how things worked, how to make them better, and a focus on goals and accomplishments.
Following his 1948 Houghton High School graduation, Frank’s drive enabled him to earn a BS Civil Engineering from Michigan Tech in 32 months and an MBA from the University of Michigan in 15 months, thus completing his formal education in December 1952 at the age of 22.
In Frank’s spare time, he served in the US Naval Reserves from high school thru college graduation, traveling with his unit to Cuba, a trip which ignited his lifelong passion for seeing firsthand the lives of people throughout the world.
Frank married his hometown sweetheart, Lily Mae Sorensen in 1952 and started his first business in early 1953 in Ann Arbor. The business evolved into F.J. Siller & Company, an underground construction company jointly owned by Frank and Lily. Business remained a consuming factor in his life and his success with the company allowed his natural generosity to ensure many wonderful adventures and security for his family.
Widely considered a brilliant engineer and problem solver, Frank was frequently consulted by contractors and engineering firms when a seemingly unsolvable issue arose, and he also supported multiple employees into starting companies themselves.
His photographic memory and incisive ability to reinterpret information in unexpected and innovative ways remained intact to the end of his life.
In retirement, Frank never lost his interest in other people, and his restless nature and his need to see and analyze the world for himself led him to visit every continent and all 50 US states.
Frank died peacefully in Michigan Medicine’s Adult Palliative Care unit, an oasis of extraordinary care for both Frank and his large family.
His big, vivacious, good humored personality left lasting impressions on all who met him.
Frank is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lily; his children: Leigh, Sharon (Chibueze) Dallah, Mark, Michael (Becky), and John (Laura); and his beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Guy C Siller and Marie Siller Merrill, stepfather Arthur B Merrill, brother John, his son Barry, and his grandson Johnathan.
A private memorial was held for the family. Frank’s family deeply appreciate the compassionate and specialized care he received from the Adult Palliative Care Program at Michigan Medicine.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Frank Siller will support Michigan Medicine’s Palliative Care Gift Fund, will ensure other families have the opportunity for a dignified and comfortable death, and would be a fitting tribute to Frank.
Checks may be made payable to “University of Michigan” and sent to Michigan Medicine, 777 E Eisenhower Pkwy Ste 650 Ann Arbor, MI 48108. You may also call 734-764-6777 or visit https://victors.us/franksiller to make your gift.