Franklin W. Sassaman, M.D.

SASSAMAN, Franklin W., M.D.
Kalamazoo, Michigan Dr. Franklin W. Sassaman, III, died Sunday evening, December 28, 2008, at his home. Frank was born September 29, 1937, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Rebecca N. Elles and Franklin W. Sassaman, Jr. He was a graduate of Charlotte High School, attended Albion College from 1955-58, University of Michigan Medical School from 1958-62, served an internship at University of Maryland-Baltimore from 1962-63, served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1963-65, and returned to University of Michigan for his Masters of Ophthalmology. He came to Kalamazoo in 1968 and began his Ophthalmology practice with Marshall & Sassaman, PC. He then established Sassaman Singer Eye Center, PC and after 40 devoted years of practice, retired in 2008. His professional affiliations included Michigan Ophthalmological Society, American Academy of Ophthalmologists, Kalamazoo Academy of Medicine and the American Medical Association. Frank had a tremendous joy for life and passion for serving his patients and the community at large. All who knew him were touched by his sense of humor and kindness. He loved art and was a member and served as President of the Board of Kalamazoo Institute of Art. He enjoyed classical music and served on the Board of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. He enjoyed golfing and was a member and served on the Board of Kalamazoo Country Club. Frank also enjoyed snow skiing, jogging and traveling. On March 10, 1990, Frank was united in marriage to Marilyn Crowley LaBelle, who survives. Also surviving are his children, Margaret "Meg" Sassaman of Seattle, WA, Tyler Sassaman of Minneapolis, MN and Julianna Sassaman of San Francisco, CA; step-children, Renee LaBelle of Scottsdale, AZ, Kristin LaBelle and husband Ben Humphrey of Mt. Pleasant, MI and Alicia LaBelle and husband Jeff Klinger of Elmhurst, IL; grandchildren, Noah, Quinn, Georgia and Max Humphrey, Kennerly and Cosette Klinger; his mother, Rebecca Sassaman of Gun Lake; brother and sisters, David Josie Sassaman of Gun Lake, Julie Richard Humphrey of Denver, CO, Margie Kenneth VanderVelde of Kalamazoo and Carey Brad Spotts of Sarasota, FL; nieces and nephews, Eric Loretta Sassaman, Joe Cindy Sassaman, Doug Sassaman, Brooke Kristi Humphrey, Scott Humphrey, Matt Irina Humphrey, Annie Scott Bruene and Betsy VanderVelde, and his former wife Marlene Sassaman. Frank was preceded in death by his father. The family will receive friends on Friday from 12-2 & 5-7pm and on Saturday from 10-11 am at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street. A memorial service to celebrate Frank's life will be held at 11:00 Saturday morning at the Westside Chapel with Chaplain Theda McBryde officiating. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank's memory be directed to the Kalamazoo Institute of Art, Hospice Care of SW Michigan, or W.K. Kellogg Eye Center envelopes will be available at the chapel. Please see www.langelands.com for online obituary, condolences and register book.