Francis “Frank” Ernest Stagg

Mass of Christian Burial for Frank Ernest Stagg, 80, Lawrence, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora, KS. Frank passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 16, 2024.

Frank was born on December 27, 1943, in Detroit, MI, to Reginald and Nellie (Harper) Stagg. He spent much of his life in Hazel Park, MI, and married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Burger, there on June 12, 1965, at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church. Carolyn and Frank were married for 59 years. Frank attended the University of Michigan and was a 1964 Big 10 Championship and 1965 Rose Bowl Championship football team member. He graduated from Michigan in 1966 with a degree in education. Frank has always been a passionate Michigan Man and forever a proud teammate for the Maize and Blue.

Returning to his Hazel Park roots, he taught at Webb Junior High School and Hazel Park High School for 40 years. He educated and coached thousands of young men and women in football, wrestling, softball, and track and loved mentoring young adults. Frank always took great pride in their accomplishments and character and was universally adored by his former students and players. After retiring from teaching and coaching, he moved to Lawrence, KS, where he adopted the Jayhawks and Chesty Lions. He attended nearly every game and always made sure he was the most dedicated fan in the stadium (unless, of course, the opponent was Michigan).

The only thing Frank loved more than teaching, coaching, and cheering on his favorite teams was his family. Meeting Carolyn at only 13 years old, he adored her for 67 years. He lived for his two children, Frank Jr. and Susan, and his grandchildren, Sammy and Mikey (from Susan and Michael Williams) and Remington and Madeline (from Frank and Cristy Stagg).  Frank was so proud to be Grandpa for all his grandkids’ friends.  He was a faithful man who enjoyed singing, laughing constantly, hugging often, and loving deeply.

Frank is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and brother John Stagg. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Barbara Behrens and Jackie Ryckman.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence with a Rosary recitation starting at 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made in Frank’s name to Sarah is Our Superhero, Inc. https://givebutter.com/tQHlii or may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

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