Frank Mario Mix, Jr.

Frank Mario Mix, Jr., age 65, of Hastings, Michigan, passed away Sunday July 3, 2022.

Frank was born on September 16, 1956, to Frank (Sr.) and Rhoda (Winick) Mix, in Hastings, Michigan.

Frank attended Hastings High School and participated in football and wrestling.  He also attended Kellogg Community College. He held various jobs during his lifetime, and once he retired, he began farming.

Frank had a passion for photography. He had some of his photographs on display in the classrooms at Star Elementary. He had a special talent for taking beautiful pictures. He loved the outdoors and being in nature. He would hike in the woods at a very young age. As he got older, he went on quite a few adventures. At age 16 he drove his motorcycle out west.

One of his favorite pastimes was spending time with family. Most recently he was able to spend quality time with his son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. He adored his grandchildren as much as they adored him. His grandson referred to Frank as "John Deere Grandpa".

Frank's dream came true when he founded the Barry County Veteran's Memorial Dog Park on Powell Road. Frank and his wife donated their land for the park. It was their passion, and everyone involved has put a lot of hard work into this project. It is a work in progress, but the park is open. Frank wanted a park where everyone was welcome and comfortable. Frank's love for all of God's creatures started at a very young age. As a child, he would come home with kittens, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums (to name a few) that needed his care.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Rhoda (Winick) Mix, maternal grandparents Myer and Dena Winick, paternal grandfather Paul Mix, brother Steven Mix, sister Rebecca Mix, very special uncle and friend, George Winick, aunt Abra (Winick) Genovaldi, and uncle Mart Hoogerland.

Frank is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Nick and Dannielle Kuzmin of Saranac, and his grandchildren Kinsley, age 6 and Easton, age 4, his beloved wife, his sister Laura (Mix), Susan (Mix) and Myra (Mix) all of Hastings, brother and sister-in-law Sam Mix (Kris Ruger) of Colorado, his dear nephews Casimir (Caz) Mix of Big Rapids and Daegan (Molly) Mix of Muskegon, very special uncle Henry Genovaldi and special aunt Cenda Hoogerland, his long time good friend Bob Baker, many cousins and friends, and last but not least, his constant canine companion Anna Banana.

A very special thank you to Frank's dog park friends who have stepped up and are helping take care of his animals, and for taking over the daily operation of the dog park. Also, a special thanks to Louis and friends for getting the hay baled.  We could never thank all of you enough.

Memorial Contributions can be made to Barry County Veteran's Memorial Dog Park, PO Box 151; Hastings, MI 49058.

Frank will be missed by all of us (family and friends) who knew and loved him dearly.

A celebration of life will take place later this summer.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave and online condolence visit www.girrbachfuenralhome.net .