Michael L. “Frandsen” Phoenix
Lifelong theologian, champion for the downtrodden, avid tennis player, and “tremendous” until the very end, Michael L. “Frandsen” Phoenix died on October 11, 2024.
The Reverend Doctor served as a licensed social worker, minister of word and sacrament in the PC(USA), marriage and family counselor, dad to five kids, pop-pop to ten grandkids, and husband of 48 years to his devoted wife, Diane Keppler Frandsen. His many adventures during his life and career took him all over the United States where he gained the love and admiration of many friends and colleagues. He found great joy in discussing deep, unsolvable existential questions and did so as he cared for and ministered to other Christian pilgrims across nine different congregations, including Second Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga.
In his early career as a social worker, he wrote grants to bring arts and humanities to the mentally ill in Alton, Illinois and served as the director of Lutheran Social Services of the San Gabriel Valley in California.
Michael’s retirement years shifted his focus to what he deemed his most important purpose in this life, being a loving husband, father, and grandfather.
Michael was born in Bamberg, Germany on Feb. 12, 1951 and immigrated to the United States with his mother before first grade. He holds degrees from Southern Illinois University, Princeton Seminary, & Luther Seminary. A lifelong learner, he explored theologies from the Desert Fathers & Mothers, Buddhism, and practiced and taught Tai Chi.
Michael died of Leukemia under hospice care and entrusted his loving family with his final hours as they expressed their love and admiration of him. See you around the Kingdom, Frandsen!
Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Inge and Frank Frandsen and brother, Marc Frandsen. He is survived by his wife, Diane Frandsen, his children, Myles Epperson, Elizabeth King (Keith), Emily Frandsen (Joshua Hamilton), Michael C. Frandsen (Kelly Fitzgerald), Stuart Frandsen (Kallie), and 10 grandchildren.
His family and friends will gather to inter his ashes in Montreat, N.C.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cremation Center of Chattanooga 1345 Hickory Valley Road. Chattanooga, Tn. 37421, 423 362-5999.