Frank N. Gregory

LANSING, Mich. - Frank N. Gregory, 80, passed away after a lengthy illness on June 30, 2016.

He was born Oct. 8, 1935, in Ironwood, a son of Louis and Della (Sobolewski) Gregory. Frank was a star athlete during his high school years in Ironwood, lettering in four sports. Among his many outstanding athletic achievements, he set a decades' long high school record, scoring 44 points in a single basketball game against Park Falls, Wis.

Frank was married to his high school sweetheart, Greta (Richards), for 63 years. Together they raised their four children in Michigan, Nevada and New Jersey.

Frank attended Wayne State University and eventually became an inventory specialist, managing diverse products at Alpena's Huron Portland Cement, Reno's book distribution giant, Baker & Taylor and Lansing's Michigan Liquor Control Commission's Operations Division, with stints at Parents' Magazine and the Michigan Lottery along the way.

Frank retired from his position as director of MLCC's Operations Division in 1996. He never lost his love of sports, spending innumerable hours perfecting his golf game. In recent years, Frank and Greta, accompanied by their lovable dog, Dixie, divided their time between homes in Lansing and Nokomis, Fla.

Frank was predeceased by his wife, Greta; his parents; sister, Mary Lou Foster; and brother, Louis Gregory II.

He is survived by his children and their families, Steven, Nanette, Paula and her children,

Gregory, Candace and Alex Olivarez; and Victoria (Bruce) Dittmer and her children, Erin and John Dittmer. Additionally surviving are two great-grandchildren; Frank's late brother Lou's wife, Lois; nephew, Gregory Foster; and nieces, Ann and Pru Foster, Meredith Strong and Jannifer David.

A private service will be held at a later date.