Lambert “Sonny” Arthur Frappier, 79, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2021, at Bellin Hospital in Green Bay, WI, from lung complications with his loving family by his side.
He was born on December 26, 1941, in Escanaba, MI, the son of the late Arthur Lambert Frappier and Lucille (Allard) Deiter. Sonny met his future wife in Pennsylvania and on June 22, 1970 he married Katherine “Kathy” Christine Frappier (Woodring) in Hagerstown, MD prior to relocating back to Escanaba, MI in 1970.
Sonny was a loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved spending time with family, cooking for everyone, wood working and doing odd jobs around the house. He also loved cheering for the Detroit Tigers and Green Bay Packers.
Sonny proudly served in the United States Army from 1959 – 1962 and served in the Michigan National Guard 107th Engineering Battalion, 1430th Engineering Company (Construction) and retired as Staff Sergeant. Sonny was also a member of the American Legion August Mattson Post #71 in Gladstone, MI. Sonny worked for the Laborer’s union local 1329 for many years leading up to his retirement in 1995.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathy and four children: Tina (Timothy – deceased) Shipman, Lambert “Sonny Jr” (Becky) Frappier Jr, Jeffrey (Emily Oman) Frappier, Scott (Cindy) Frappier, 15 grandchildren: Keith, Rebecca, Jessica, Shawn, Josh, Ashely, Melissa, Zack, Jaymie, Morgan, Cody, Madelynn, Parker, Kalie, Jerzie three siblings: Judy (Juan) Santiago, James (Lorrie) Deiter, Randy Deiter, and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Sonny was preceded in death by his birth parents Lucille (2003), Arthur Frappier (1943) and step father Edwin Deiter (2000), sisters Pauline Thomma (2016), Delores “Sis” Moras (2017), Patricia “Patsy” Flath (2015), brothers Larry Deiter (2017) and Roger Deiter (2005)
Sonny’s family will receive friends on Friday, from 3:00PM to 5:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will follow visiting hours, at 5:00PM on Friday, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post #71 presiding. Luncheon will follow Military Rites at the Gladstone American Legion. Sonny will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
James Baker - L'Anse, MI
I did not know SSG Frappier very well as I was in “Alpha” Company and he was in “Charlie” but I remember his name and that he was always held in high esteem throughout the 107th Engineer Battalion.
1SG (ret) Jim Baker
Lee LeCaptain - Saint Cloud, FL
Sonny was a good man with a kind heart. I enjoyed talking with him very much when ever I had the chance. Our prayer are with you all.
Lee LeCaptain
Rick dubois - Escanaba, Michigan
I was in the National Guards with Sonny. He was a great person. I will never forget him. RIP