Francis K. Kullman

Francis John Kullman II, born in Detroit, Michigan 12/9/1935, passed away in Sarasota, Florida on 7/27/22. Known to most as “Frank”, his devout Catholic parents Crescenthia and Francis Kullman 1st, felt their eldest son answered a calling to become a priest, the highest honor bestowed upon a family. Frank’s natural kindness, willingness to help others and commitment to being the best he could be, suited him well in the Seminary, where he formed some of the closest friendships of his life. Following in his footsteps Frank’s younger brother Paul (Carlos) Kullman also went into the Seminary. As it turns out Frank had another calling, to be a husband and father, fulfilled after meeting and falling in love with Delphine (Dubeck) while in Grad school at the University of Detroit. Delphine was living in Detroit with her two young daughters Paula (Smith) and Lynne (Greg Sommerville) when Frank accepted a college teaching job that brought him to Traverse City, a job he would have for nearly 40 years as a Professor of Psychology at NMC. Determined to bring the woman he loved north, Frank taught himself how to build the first of three homes with hope and faith he would soon have his own family. His dream came true and soon after becoming a husband and stepfather, along came Francis John Kullman III, his pride and joy. Frank loved spending time with his family, swimming, boating, snowmobiling, water and snow skiing. He also loved tennis, racquetball, softball and golf. Frank could be tough and tenacious especially when helping young Frank practice for spelling bee competitions. He loved classical music, much to the chagrin of his children who had to listen as he Ubered us everywhere we needed and wanted to go. Frank was always the life of the party yet secretly couldn’t wait to get home to his crossword puzzles. Another dream came true when he found paradise, the lakefront lot where he built the third and final family home. The one he never stopped being thankful for and proud of. What we, his 3 children, 6 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and brother, are most proud of is the way he cared for Delphine, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease the last five years of her life. His willingness to do ANYTHING for her no matter what was an amazing love to behold. When she passed, we worried about his wellbeing. Having given so much love and caring to his wife of 47 years, he deserved a caring angel of his own. He found one when he met his beloved, Sandy (Morris-Schafer). An inseparable pair, Frank and Sandy shared his last years, through sickness and health, sadness and joy, with laughter and love. Thank you, Sandy, for making him so happy. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday August 19, 2022, at Christ The King Church, 3801 Shore Rd. Williamsburg, MI 49690. Visitation begins at 1:30pm, Mass at 2:30pm, followed by a luncheon at the Church. Mass will be livestreamed at chirstkingchurch.org Gifts in Frank’s honor may be sent to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan. Thanks to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home for their assistance with printed materials. This obituary can be found on their website.

Francis K. Kullman

December 9, 1935 - July 27, 2022