Frank E. Stafford, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday, October 23, 2022 at the MercyOne North Iowa Hospice Inpatient Unit in Mason City, IA surrounded by the warmth of family.
The family will celebrate his life privately and appreciate the sympathy and love felt from friends and relatives.
Frank Eugene Stafford was born September 21, 1951 in Detroit, MI the son of Henry Franklin “Frank” and Patricia Jean (Picard) Stafford. Growing up in Ypsilanti, MI Frank attended public school before transferring to St. John’s High School. It was here he met the love of his life, Joan Marie Racine. The couple was married April 23, 1970 and were blessed with three daughters, Destiny, Halo and Arriel. Frank continued his education at Washtenaw Community College and later Eastern Michigan University before beginning work in the creative arts. Photography, Cinematography, Lighting for film and theater all tested his creative talents over the years. He spent time working in the natural food industry in various roles, including sales, and management. He then started his own company producing and distributing organic tortilla chips. His next career adventure was building and repairing computers and IT support, and he continued his passion for technology long past retirement.
Frank was a collector of many things. Cameras, books, guitars, toy cars, movies, and antiques, adorned their home. His love of photography and honed drawing skills helped in expressing his creative mind. His tech and computer skills built his family many computers over the years and Frank was consistently updating and upgrading them. Frank was a gifted storyteller and enjoyed sharing these with his family. Recently Frank and Joan made their home in Mason City to be closer to two of their daughters. He looked forward to spending time with his beloved grandchildren. Frank was delighted to be a dad and grandpa and loved passing along his many skills and passions to his children and grandchildren.
Those left to celebrate his life are his beloved wife of 52 years, Joan; children, Destiny Lewis of Ann Arbor, MI, Halo Stafford of Victoria, MN and Arriel (Jess Van De Voort) Stafford of Urbandale, IA; grandchildren, Eden (Chris) Wilber, Emma (Ray) Vayda, Alex Stafford-Parr, Andy Stafford, Leila Stafford, Audrey Peterson, Austyn Anderson – Stafford, Jesse Van De Voort – Stafford, JJ Van De Voort – Stafford; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Dean (Michelle) Stafford and Gary Stafford; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Frank and Patricia and a sister-in-law, Bev Stafford.
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