Franz Kuplent

KUPLENT, Franz. Born Franz Xavier Alfred Johann Kuplent August 22, 1927, passed peacefully at his home on October 24, 2024 at age 97. Beloved father of Margret (David) Feinman and Heidi (Andrew) McCarroll. Adored grandfather of Kyle (Nikki), Brian (Shannon) and Dylan and great-grandfather to Luna and Stellan. Dear brother of the late Hans Kuplent. He is predeceased by his father, Franz, and mother, Paula. Franz was born in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic), in the city of Haida (now Novy Bor). He grew up in a beautiful home with animals and fruit trees, and enjoyed snow skiing, riding his bike, and playing with friends. At 14 years old he was sent to live in Germany for his trade school training for 4 years. He was conscripted into the German army at age 17, was captured, and spent almost 9 months in an open field that served as a prison camp that many didn’t survive. His family was exiled from their home and reunited after World War II in Germany near Frankfurt. He met Edith in 1952, they married, and moved to the U.S. in 1958. His oldest daughter, Margret, was born a year later while Franz worked at many different jobs to make ends meet, including bussing tables at the Rooster Tail Restaurant in Detroit. Heidi was born 8 years later. He eventually moved into tool and die jobs and finished his career at General Motors in Orion Township where he worked in skilled trades on second shift until the age of 78. When he wasn’t working, he spent time with his family, and grand-dog (Rudy) and his own beloved four-legged friends including Buddy, Brandy, and his precious golden retriever, Emily. He kept busy growing vegetables, shopping for bargains, and tinkering in his garage. He enjoyed sharing his signature dishes including homemade “Bratkartofel” and “Karbinadle” and was always ready to help with donations of food, diapers, tools, and more. Per Franz, a diet based on butter, coffee cake, and an occasional Jägermeister for “medicinal purposes” was the key to a long life. He was a hard-working, kind, generous soul that made the best of life and the simple pleasures of each day. His signature line ending a conversation was “Take Care, You!” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Michigan Animal Rescue League (https://marl.org/donate/memory-honor-donation/). A celebration of life is being planned in the future on a date to be announced. Please share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guestbook" at WujekCalcaterra.com

Franz Kuplent

August 22, 1927 - October 24, 2024