Frank Thomas Bagladi

During his lifetime Frank Bagladi could be described in many ways. He was a marine who proudly served his country, a minor league baseball player who took the field on game day, and a successful business partner. More than anything, though, Frank was a devoted husband and father to his wife and children. He was a dear friend to many and was loved by all.

With the sweet sound of jazz music playing on the radio, the roaring twenties were in full swing and the American dream was working at a fevered pitch. On the canvas of Lake Michigan, the Chicago skyline was quickly being painted with sky scrapers and high rises of all shapes and sizes. Good fortune was truly alive and well in the city, and no one knew that more than John and Anna (Gross) Bagladi. Amidst the prosperity of the decade, the couple had just welcomed a newborn son named Frank Thomas into the world.

While he may have been born in Chicago, when Frank was only six months old his parents decided to move across the lake to the only place that he would ever call home, Holland, Michigan. Frank attended Holland High School, where after four years he earned his diploma. Following graduation, Frank heeded his country's call to service and enlisted in the merchant marines.

Frank married and had three children - Michelle, Scott, and Tony. Later in life, Frank found love again with his second wife Ronda (Karr), or Roda as most called her. Frank and Roda settled in a lovely home on the north side of Lake Macatawa, where they would spend their married life together.

It is the dream of many young boys to grow up and play baseball for their state's team and for Frank that dream was achieved. He was a very gifted baseball player and in his younger years, he spent some time playing ball in the Detroit Tigers minor league system. In his prime, it was hard to keep Frank away from the golf course.

Frank was also a talented businessman. He and his brother, Jim, owned and operated Holland Ready Roofing Co. for many years. The business was started by his father and remains in the family today and is run by his son Scott.

In addition to his career, Frank was an active member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. He had lost both of his legs due to health complications and was confined to a wheelchair, but he didn't let that stop him from doing the things he enjoyed. From his wheelchair he loved to work in his garden and around the yard. Frank had a dog named Eddy that was his trusted companion and he loved having the dog by his side. Frank was a loving husband, father, and friend, who in passing will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.

Frank Thomas Bagladi, age 79, of Holland, died on Sunday August 6, 2006 at Holland Hospital after a lengthy illness. He is survived by wife Ronda "Roda" Bagladi of Holland; his children, Michelle and David Conrad of Corona, CA, Scott and Mary Lou Bagladi of Holland; Tony and Lisa Bagladi of Barrington, IL; ten grandchildren; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Walter and Pat Karr of Muskegon; his brother, Jim and Peach Bagladi of Holland, his sisters, Eleanor Modrak of Memphis, TN and Mary Lou De Cristofaro of Washington; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ron and Linda Karr of Spring Lake, Tom and Kathy Karr of Ravenna, Michael and Debra Karr of Ravenna, Bob and Pat Karr of Holland, and Greg Karr of Muskegon; and several nieces and nephews.

Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held on Thursday at 1:00pm at the Dykstra Lifestory Funeral Homes, Northwood Chapel, 295 Douglas Avenue with Fr. Fred Hoesli officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 11-1pm at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland. Please visit Frank's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook.