We lost my Uncle Frank last week.
Uncle Frank was best described as a man who loved beauty. He noticed the world around him. He understood the importance of being a part of something larger than himself. He wanted to share his knowledge with those he loved. I am proud to be a part of his family. I will always be the proud granddaughter of Frank & Geraldine Riess. The proud niece of George (Sandy) Riess, Frank Riess, and Jerry (Laura) Riess. I am forever grateful that I am the daughter of Uncle Frank’s only sister, Nancy (John) Hendriks. I have the best parents – but that is a different post. This list doesn’t even scratch the surface of the exceptional people who make up the Riess family. My family is big, bold, wonderful, sassy, hilarious, emotional, intelligent, lovely, and strong. My Uncle Frank was a big part of the family for me.
I was honored when Uncle Frank asked me to build him a website about our family. It began with a history of his parents, my grandparents, Frank and Geraldine Riess. The website was quickly out-of-date. I started a job that didn’t give me the time to update it. This was due to the speed of technology at the time. However, the days spent with Uncle Frank brainstorming ways to make the site work were unforgettable. They left an imprint on my heart. His love for the Riess family was infectious to those who were willing to embrace it. I felt it Uncle Frank.
When I married Denny, he made a video tape of my wedding ceremony. Not because I asked him to, but because he could. He then accepted Denny and Erin into the family without blinking an eye. Erin spent weekends at his house playing with Emily, and she spent time at our house as well. Uncle Frank thought my little Smith family was founded in love. That’s all he needed to love us all too. I knew it was his choice to love. Thank you Uncle Frank.
Uncle Frank attended From Broadway to Obscurity at the Detroit Public Theatre. There, he read a note from the play’s creator, Eric Gutman. Gutman made a joke about a woman who kept bugging (or maybe nagging) him to create the show. Uncle Frank knew that woman was me. He loved Gutman’s show. He told me part of the reason is because he knew I was some part of it. He saw me even when I wasn’t there.
When I began working as the Director of The Berman, he came to my shows. He supported me. He loved when I would direct plays. He always had a kind word to say about anything he saw at The Berman. It was great to see him standing in the lobby after a show. I knew he would have a kind word to say, because he found something good in everything. He always found a way to support me.
Uncle Frank came over to see my new townhouse in Waterford, Michigan. He spent time with me looking through grandpa (his dad)’s books. He showed me the things that struck him about grandpa’s time as a soldier. And, no matter where he lived, he always invited me to his home. I am so glad I spent time with him in Port Huron. I am also grateful for the moments we shared in Sylvan Lake before I moved to Tallahassee, Florida. He showed me how to support others.
Uncle Frank’s curiosity was also focused on place. His interest in Michigan train stations is reflected on the Michigan Railroads website. Four images from his collection are posted online: Clarkston, Michigan, Drayton Plains, Michigan, Windiate, Michigan, Davisburg, Michigan.
I keep thinking about this one New Year’s Eve in Clarkston. Grandma and Grandpa had everyone over, (as per usual). Uncle Frank and Uncle Jerry were on the floor in the front room. They were telling jokes and kicking a balloon with their feet. They laughed so hard that tears were running down their faces. Their laughter is so honest and joyous that it began a ripple throughout the house. Pretty soon laughter was all around me. I couldn’t help but laugh too. I don’t know any words that were said or how it ended. I just remember the joy that my uncles brought to everyone. I carry the sound with me, like a song I cannot sing, that lives in my heart. I hear you Uncle Frank.
People say it takes a village to raise a child. I agree. My uncles and aunts (Riess and Hendriks) have shaped my life in ways that I cannot fully express. What I can say is that my Uncle Frank modeled kindness, curiosity, support, presence, and most of all, love. I hope that in my life, my actions lead to my family members feeling accepted. I want them to feel even a tiny fraction of the acceptance I knew. My uncle had this acceptance for me, without a doubt.
I love you Uncle Frank. Always have. Always will.