FRANK J. FLORES

Frank Juan (John) Flores, 74, of Gwinn, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, April 14, 2020 at The Trillium House in the presence of his loving daughter Crystal DuVall and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice. Frank, born January 8, 1946 in Tijuana/ Baja, Mexico, is one of nine children born to Francisco and Guadalupe (Meza) Flores. He grew up in Wilmington, California and was a graduate of Phineas Banning High School in 1965. After graduation, Frank worked as an apprentice at Long Beach Naval Shipyard. Three months into the apprenticeship he was drafted into the U.S. Army. During his military career Frank received many commendations such as National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Commendation for Operations of the HAWK Missile Radar and as Corporal, he trained for Military Police as a Canine Handler. After being honorably discharged from Active Duty in December of 1967, Frank returned home to Long Beach, CA. He completed his apprenticeship and received a Degree in Planning and Engineering at Long Beach State University. From there he pursued his career as an Engineer for the U.S. Department of Defense and continued serving the Government of t...[more]

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United States for the next 36 years until he retired in January 2004. In the summer of 1968 Frank met the love of his life, Sharon Lee Hastings. On July 27, 1968 they united in matrimony. Together, Sharon and Frank were blessed with their only child Crystal Marie Flores born October 1973. Throughout his living years Frank enjoyed many hobbies with friends and family. He and his wife enjoyed traveling to many different countries and camping trips with Crystal to Yosemite National Park, Lake Tahoe, Big Bear, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam. Frank spent many years coaching his daughter's soccer and softball teams. His passion was playing golf in which he shared with Sharon (who only wanted to drive the cart), his daughter and all 3 grandchildren. Frank always made his family top priority and attended as many of the Award Ceremonies, sports games and graduations that he could. In 2009 his wife was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive impairment and eventually Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease. He was the sole caretaker of his beautiful wife for the next 5 years while living in San Diego, CA. In July of 2014 Frank and Sharon moved from California to Gwinn, MI to be with their daughter and grandchildren. It wasn't long after they moved when Sharon's health declined drastically. The dedicated husband never gave up. In early 2019 Frank was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. His disease progressed very quickly and his body started to give in. While his wife is still residing at a Memory Care facility in Marquette, Frank has accepted the hand of God and awaits Sharon's arrival to spend together eternal life. Frank is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon; his daughter, Crystal Flores-Duvall of Gwinn; his three grandchildren, Kayla Marie Dishon, Savannah Leeann Duvall and David James Duvall; seven siblings, Marie (Alfred) Covarubias, Alice Henry, Martha (Bill) Hulquist, Anita (Sandy) Faz, Teresa Flores, Raul (Patricia) Flores, and George (Irene) Flores; and 18 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; Francisco in 2007and Guadalupe Flores in 2011, his oldest brother, Robert Flores in1985, his nephew Alex Covarubias in 2000 and his brother-in-law, Don Henry in 2019. He was fortunate in his last years to have a wonderful team of caregivers at Mill Creek Memory Care and Assisted Living, The Trillium House, Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center and UP Home Health and Hospice. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date and will be announced. Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, 309 S. Front St., Marquette, MI 49855. The Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the Flores family where memorials may be shared at canalefuneral.com