Frank Pluta

Some people live long lives scattered with accomplishments here and there. Others, like Frank John Pluta, are granted a short time on earth, but fill every day of their lives with energy, life and accomplishments.

The 1940s were a very important decade in our nation’s past. The epic battles of World War II were fresh in the memories of millions around the globe as people tried to rebuild their lives. It was the era of the big bands and the birth of television, back before anyone had ever heard of rock and roll. On December 17, 1948, in Hazel Park, Michigan, Frank John Pluta was born to Frank Sr. and Dolores (Downing) Pluta. The oldest of three, Frank was soon joined by brother David and sister Yvonne. He relished his position as oldest and was adamant about letting people know. Frank Sr. worked as a Detroit police officer until retiring in 1973 while Dolores stayed at home raising their children. The Pluta family was active members of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Young Frank grew up in the Detroit area where he graduated from Redford High School. After graduation, Frank attended Michigan State University where he graduated in December of 1970 with a degree in Communications. Frank enjoyed the nightlife at college as an all night DJ as well as faithfully showing his undying support to MSU football. There was no question that he loathed the University of Michigan, it was very apparent. In 1972, Frank returned to Michigan State and earned a degree in Landscape and Nursery Management.

In 1977, Frank’s life took a new direction when he and his wife at the time, Linda Charvat, opened the “Rosebay Nursery” in the Saugatuck area, which specialized in rhododendrons. While getting the nursery started, he worked full-time as the Park Superintendent for the Village of Saugatuck. He used his skills to design the landscaping for a park and gazebo in downtown Saugatuck. Frank and his crew actually planted most of the trees in the downtown Saugatuck area using many varieties of unique trees.

In the early ninties Frank was elected a township trustee and was instrumental in starting the Park Commission for Saugatuck Township. This involvement led to Frank working for ten years on the Saugatuck Planning Commission, culminating in the completion of the master plan for the area. Subsequently his interests gravitated toward local politics and in the mid-nineties Allegan County Treasurer, Patty Birkholz, appointed him the Deputy Treasurer for Allegan County. Frank eventually replaced Patty as Allegan County Treasurer when she was elected to state office.

Frank many interests led him to work as as a realtor for Woodland Realty in Saugatuck from 1997 to until the end of 2001. While working in real estate, Frank earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix where he became an admissions counselor for their Grand Rapids Campus. With his heart still in politics, he was also appointed to the Douglas Village to City Hood Committee.

Frank pursued everything he did with vigor and enthusiasm, including his hobbies. Always active, he enjoyed cross-country skiing and was an accomplished dressage horse rider. Frank was also passionate about cooking and particularly loved Italian, seafood and oysters on the half shell. Perhaps while whipping up a masterpiece in the kitchen, some captivating classical music could be heard in the background.

Frank cherished the times of his life whenever they occurred. One such time would have been September 25, 2004, when he planned to love, honor and cherish his wife to be, Diane Luchies, at the Community Church of Douglas. Frank met Diane at the Respite Coffee Shop in Douglas. From their first date when Frank made her dinner to his first kiss that literally left Diane breathless and she fainted, they knew it was true love. Wanting to be an active participant in the wedding plans, Frank took on picking out all the flowers, which he had extensive knowledge of, as well as carefully selecting “Can I have this Dance for the Rest of my Life” by Ann Murray, as their first dance together as husband and wife. Frank had it all planned that he would practice with Diane this summer to brush up on his previous dance lessons, so there wouldn’t be any stepping on toes on their magical night. The memories of your time together become treasures of the heart.

Frank John Pluta passed away on Sunday, February 29, 2004, at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was preceded in death by his father, Frank Pluta Sr. Frank is survived by his mother, Dolores Pluta of Mission Viejo, CA; his brother, David Pluta of Tustin, CA; his sister Yvonne (Curt) Beohm of Ladera Ranch, CA; his two nephews; and his fiancé, Diane Luchies of Byron Center.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 6, at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Church of Douglas, 6780 Wiley Road, with Dr. Daniel N. Miller officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 5, from 7- 9 p.m. and on Saturday, March 6, from 12-1 p.m. at the Community Church of Douglas. Burial of cremains will take place at El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest, CA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Grand Rapids Symphony. Please visit Frank's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read his life story, share a memory, order flowers online or make a memorial contribution in his memory. Arrangements by Dykstra Funeral Homes, Saugatuck Chapel.

Frank Pluta truly knew how to enjoy, cherish and celebrate every moment that life had to offer. He will be greatly missed.