Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Frank Nolan

May 2, 1956 - July 31, 2022
Portage, MI

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Scattering Ceremony with Military Honors

Friday, October 14, 2022
2:30 PM EDT
Fort Custer National Cemetery
15501 Dickman Rd
Augusta, MI 49012
(269) 731-4164
Map

Life Story Visitation

Friday, October 14, 2022
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Please join us for a Life Story Visitation where food, drinks, and stories will be shared.

Driving Directions

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Taylor's Florist and Gifts
215 E. Michigan Ave.
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269) 657-6256
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Selfless and compassionate, Frank Nolan lived his life to the fullest. A lover of all people, he made each person he met feel special. He modeled a humble heart for others in need. A hard worker and successful nurse, Frank enjoyed abundant pleasures in life, yet his family was his greatest treasure. His generosity, as well as his love of his family, will be the greatest legacies he leaves behind. Frank will be sincerely missed by his close family and many special friends.

Francis John Nolan was born to Thomas and Evelyn (Donaldson) Nolan on May 2, 1956, in Dearborn, Michigan. Born the third child out of six, his birth brought great joy to the family home. Frank grew up on the east side of the state in the thumb region of Michigan. With two older siblings and three younger ones, there was never a dull moment during his childhood. When he completed high school, he followed his dream of working as a nurse and took coursework to complete his LPN degree. He accepted his first job at Caro State Hospital. With a strong desire to serve his country, he took a leave of absence and joined the United States Army. During his military years, he served as a medic. He enjoyed the new experiences and travel during his time in the Army. After leaving the Army, Frank relocated to Kalamazoo to work at the Kalamazoo State Hospital. Eager to complete his Registered Nursing degree, he went back to school at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and was proud to finish and pass his boards. Frank spent more than thirty-eight years working in the nursing profession. Exhausting and stressful at times, Frank felt rewarded for his work in the field and came to have a sincere ability to empathize with his patients and their families.

Not only did his years as a nurse satisfy his need for helping others, but it also led him to meet some of his closest friends and his wife, Margot Chadwick. She was also new to the area and a co-worker at the Kalamazoo State Hospital. They shared many common interests and quickly became friends. After dating for some time, the happy couple joined in marriage on February 26, 1988. Together, they raised a family and took care of one another. Blessed to be parents, their lives centered around their kids’ sports and special events.

Frank was a very loving dad. He would often say raising children was the best part of his life. He and Margot looked forward to the simple things like riding bikes with their kids around the neighborhood. Frank loved to make up games and take his kids on adventures. The other children in the neighborhood often thought of him as a second dad and thanked him for teaching them to ride a bike. As the kids continued to mature, Frank guided them with his wisdom and supported them through college. He taught them how to manage their finances and be responsible adults. A great listener, the kids knew they could always lean on him for guidance and encouragement even during tough times. He wanted nothing more than to share in their every success. In their adult years, Frank and Matthew continually texted or called each other about things they watched on TV that they found humorous. He and Lauren would often go to concerts and plays. Any way that he could stay connected to his kids made his heart happy!

When it came to relaxation, Frank loved to hang out with his close friends, he would often meet to drink coffee with his friends who were also retired. Frank loved live music and loved to sing. He enjoyed spending the evenings with Margot and their dogs. They modeled a beautiful and strong marriage. Described as gentle, kind, intelligent, and dedicated to his family, Frank will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. May his loved ones always cherish their memories of the good times they created together, and may his gifts of wisdom and grace live on in their hearts forever.

Francis Nolan, age 66, of Portage, MI, died on July 31, 2022. Surviving are his wife, ­­­­Margot; children: Lauren (Adam) Hrusa and Matthew Nolan; and grandson, Eli. Cemetery services will take place Friday, October 14, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Following, please join us for a Life Story Visitation from 4-6 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Visit Frank's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and to sign his guestbook.

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