Francis “Frank” Ernest Stagg
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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.
Love and prayers to the entire family. Heartbroken for your loss. Wish I could be there Wednesday, but glad there will be a later memorial in Michigan. Love, Trina
Love and prayers to the entire family. Heartbroken for your loss. Wish I could be there Wednesday, but glad there will be a later memorial in Michigan. Love, Trina
Carolyn, I will miss the phone calls and laughter from Frank and you. My heart breaks for your family. You were both blessed by having a marriage made in heaven. Frank will be missed by all who knew him. Tears will be shed because he was loved by so many.
I loved working at registration day at St. Mary Magdalen. We still would talk about that when we talked.
Hugs and prayers to you. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers.
Love. Kathy.
Bless You Friend, May The Lord Bless You And Your Family 🙏😭💔😭🙏 You Made A Difference In The Lives Of Everyone Around You 🙏 RIP SIR 🙏😭💔😭🙏
Sending prayers to the entire family . He was a wonderful man and teacher. He will be missed by so many.
May your memory be a blessing to all those that knew you .
Mr. Stagg, you are always a man.I looked up to and respractice.I am very heartbroken that you passed away.My condolences to your family
Frank and Carolyn have been life long friends of Sandy and me. We have enjoyed their friendship, their love, and their close relationship as we traveled together, taught together, and coached together throughout the years of our friendship. Better friends we could not have had. The loss of Frank hurts to the bottom of our hearts. Even though they moved to Kansas many years ago we keep in contact. We followed their family’s growth with grandchildren they are so proud of as well as the many health issues Frank fought through. He was a fighter right to the end. We loved him and he will be a part of our lives as long as we remain on this earth.
Carolyn I am so sorry and sad to hear about Frank. You two brightened my day when I got to see you or got one of Frank’s phone calls. Love you both!
What a beautiful tribute! I liked the part that said he was a Grandpa to all his grandkids’ friends. I remember back when the girls were in elementary school at St Johns and he was JUST THAT! Love to you all.
A great man that will be missed by so many. In high school he was always smiling.I loved watching him play football. I am so blessed to have known him.
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Stagg’s family. He was such an amazing teacher, mentor, coach, and friend. The world was a better place with him in it. RIP Mr. Stagg, and Go Blue!!! 💙
Sending heartfelt sympathy to the Stagg and Williams families. May you feel the support of friends and family and embrace the joy of fond memories.
Will be missed by his St Mary Magdelin family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carolyn and your family.
I was lucky to work with Frank and call him a friend. My sincere sympathy and condolences go to Carolyn and the entire family. So sorry to hear of his passing.
Dear Carolyn and family, I am heartbroken to hear the news about Frank. He was such a big hearted man who everyone loved to be around. I just want you to know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. You and Frank were like our own family. Wishing you and your family peace and comfort. The world will not be the same without him! Love to you all.
Will be missed. We shared a birthday and he saw more in many people than they saw in themselves. Always loved visits with the Staggs.
Wish I could be there to celebrate this wonderful man. I will never forget every single game of Sammy’s looking in the stands and seeing our biggest fans. He will always have a special place in my heart for loving his family but all of the others kids and coaches too. A TRUE class act. My deepest condolences.
So very sorry to learn of Frank’s passing. As a “backyard neighbor” growing up he will always be remembered fondly.
Mr. Stagg was a wonderful coach, teacher, and all around great man. Thank you for guiding many students and athletes throughout the years. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Dear Carolyn, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Frank. I taught at Webb with Frank for many years and he was
a great friend and a first class teacher. The kids loved him and he set a wonderful example for them. God Bless you
and your family as you deal with this loss.
I am so very sorry to hear the news of the passing of Frank. I was fortunate to work with both Frank and Carolyn in Hazel Park and they were and are the best of people, friends, and colleagues. God bless Frank, Carolyn, and the family.
Dear Carolyn,
Please accept my sincerest Christian sympathy on behalf of Frank. When I arrived at HPHS, he was one of the first to welcome me. We built an immediate friendship and working relationship which I treasure to this day. May God bless you all!
Warmest regards,
Don Vogt
What a privilege to have known and worked with Frank. I will always remember his smile and warmth. My condolences to the family and to all who knew and loved him.
Prayers sent for the Family. Wow what an Amzing guy. Teacher, coach and Friend.. Going to miss u Bud!! U sure left a legacy to Hazel Park and your Students.. allways liked seeing you on the wall of fame at the school!!! Rest easy big guy!!! Love Ray
Mr. Stagg made a significant impact on thousands of lives, and his legacy will continue through the lessons he taught so many of us in the classroom and on the field. His smile and love for life and coaching was contagious. RIP Coach!
When my former boss at my store pharmacy told me about Frank’s passing, I was speechless and now I feel the pain of losing another friend. It was not only at the pharmacy that I had such a close relationship to both Frank and Carol, but also at the grocery self-checkout lanes. Frank and Carol always brought a smile to my face and I didn’t know them for a long time, but I felt the warmth and love they gave me when they saw me. Frank, you will be missed so much by so many. Carol, my prayers and love are with you and your family. May Frank rest in peace. I love you both so much.🥹❤️🫂
Mr. Stagg was one of the dearest people I have ever known. His impact on so many young athletes and students was truly remarkable. Outstanding coach, teacher and friend! I owe this great man so very much. Impactful people like Frank Stagg will be remembered forever. Blessings to him, his family and friends! RIP, coach!
Carolyn, Frank Jr, Cristy, Remington, and Mandy,
So very sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. I have wonderful memories of his and Carolyn’s visits to Tucson and St, Michaels.
He was such a proud Grandpa. Sending my love and prayers to you all.
Mary Anderson
Frank was a larger than life gentleman.
My wife and I are proud to have known him.
Jeff and Linda Olafsen
Waco, TX
Dear Carolyn and Family,
My utmost sympathies upon Frank’s passing. I have enjoyed getting to know both of you at KU volleyball, discussing the match, and supporting the players. You are both wonderful people, and Frank will be missed so much.
Peace and love,
Sue
Dear Carolyn and Family, We are so sorry to hear about Frank. As you know, I was lucky enough to work with Frank at Webb and Hazel Park High School. Frank was a mentor and a friend. His smile could cure most ills. Most days, before first hour, many staff members would gather in Frank’s room. It was a great way to start the day. Frank would usually have a good story or words of wisdom. Being able to coach under Frank’s leadership helped me become a better coach. I know he had a very positive influence on thousands of students and athletes.
We hope all of these wonderful tributes help ease your pain a little.
Tom and Jan Pratt