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GLADSTONE -- Francis "Frank" Harold Shepeck, age 66, of Gladstone, passed away following a courageous battle with esophageal cancer on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Frank was born on August 4, 1960, in Escanaba, Michigan, the son of Frank and Audrey Shepeck. From a very young age, Frank showed a love of playing sports, especially football. During his senior year of high school, Frank was voted Most Improved Football Player, earned recognition as being an "All U.P." athlete, and was selected to the 1st Offensive All Conference team for the Escanaba Eskymos. He graduated from Escanaba High School in 1978 and later attended Northern Michigan University.
On December 28, 1985, Frank married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, the former Carol Auge, at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone. Together, they shared 40 years of marriage and raised their son, Eric. Frank was proud to be part of the family business, Chatfield Machine Company, where he began working alongside his father Frank, and brothers, David and Scott. He later owned and operated S & S Welding before beginning a career as a welder with Cliffs Natural Resources. He retired in 2023.
Affectionately known as "Moose" as well as by many other nicknames, Frank was a truly social person who loved life, his family, friends, and his community. He was an avid fan of the Brewers, the Packers, and any form of motorsport racing. Off-road Jeeping with his friends, snowmobiling, and boating were some of his favorite hobbies. He especially cherished time at the family camp in Arnold, spending time in the woods and entertaining the many friends and neighbors who dropped by to visit. An avid and adventurous cook, Frank helped engineer and fabricate a pig roaster that later came to be known as "Pigs-R-Us!"
From his earliest days, Frank was a passionate and eclectic fan of music. He loved listening to his favorite music artists as well as discovering new ones in many different genres. He attended countless concerts, music festivals, and live performances for over five decades. If Frank was in his garage tinkering, the music was playing.
Frank was a member of the Gladstone Yacht Club, Elks Lodge #354, and the U.P Sandstormers. He was instrumental in getting motorcycle ice racing started in the area and enjoyed giving back to local youth by coaching Pop Warner football and Little League baseball.
Frank will be deeply missed by his wife, Carol; his son, Eric of Marquette; his brothers, David (Theresa) Shepeck of Gladstone and Scott (Cindi) Shepeck of Escanaba; along with several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, several great nieces and nephews, and many friends who were fortunate to know him. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and infant brother Joseph.
Frank lived a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, hard work, and a love for the outdoors. His easygoing personality, quick-witted humor, and genuine love for people will leave a lasting impression on all who knew him.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Tuesday at the Anderson Funeral Home with Deacon Terry Saunders officiating. Those who wish to share their memories of Frank will then be encouraged to do so. A gathering will be held at the Gladstone Yacht Club following the services. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery. The Anderson Funeral Home is assisting the Shepeck family with the arrangements and online condolences can be sent to the family at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.
