Frank R. Neher, M.D.

As a physician, husband, and friend, Dr. Frank R. Neher earned his reputation as a kind, fair-hearted man. During the twenty-seven years that he worked for General Motors, he consistently fought for the best interests of his patients even if it meant his position or job. In his marriage he was a peaceful, devoted companion. He always enjoyed life, and each day he tried to share his happiness with the people around him.

By the year 1932 the Great Depression had spread throughout America, affecting nearly one out of every four workers with unemployment. Though the times were tough, Frank Neher and his wife Florence kept their spirits high by focusing on the many blessings in their life together, and on October 22, 1932 they welcomed their second child Frank Jr. into their home in Staten Island, New York.

The younger of two children, Dr. Neher grew up in Glendale, NY with the companionship of his sister Corrine, who was seven years his senior. While their mother kept the house, Frank Sr. provided for his family through his job in the book binding department of Harper Book Company. Shortly after young Frank turned eight years old, his father accepted a job in a federal printing house in Washington, D.C, and the Nehers moved down to our country's capitol.

Dr. Neher held onto many vivid memories from his early years in Washington D.C. Once, when he was waiting for the morning school bus, President Harry Truman stopped by and shook his hand. He also met Col. Colin Kelley, a famous World War II flyer. The first time that he tried smoking, he and his friends had sneaked into a local building, and shortly after they lit their cigarettes, the building had caught on fire! As a young boy, Dr. Neher enjoyed acting like a cowboy among his friends, playing softball, and swimming. Even as he matured, Dr. Neher never forgot his German heritage and was proud of it.

Dr. Neher was a strong student throughout his schooling. He had to walk to school about a mile each day. One day it had snowed but his mother made him go anyway, only to find he was the only student there that day. In his young life, he had a great time during his two years at Shenandoah Valley Academy. As an undergraduate he enjoyed reading and especially liked nonfiction. He minored in history, focusing his studies mainly on his own country which was an interest of his still today. He then pursued his medical degree at Loma Linda Medical School in California, where he graduated in the top third of his class. For his residency, he worked at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. One of his favorite quotes was "The secret of the care of the patient is caring for the patient."

Dr. Neher's medical residency allowed him to defer his draft notice, but upon completing his residency, he began a two year naval obligation at the Corpus Christi Naval Base in Texas. Soon after his arrival, he met a young Navy nurse named JoAnn Williams. They began dating, and nine months later, on June 6, 1963, they were married in Corpus Christi, Texas.

After his discharge from the Navy, Dr. Neher and JoAnn returned to Detroit. For the next four years, Dr. Neher continued to train at Henry Ford Hospital. After earning his certification, he found employment as a physician at Cadillac Motors Division of G.M. After twenty-seven years with General Motors, he retired in 1996. For Dr. Neher, his profession was his life. He was a true advocate for his patients, and he fought hard to provide them with the best.

Dr. Neher and his wife enjoyed the company of many pets over the years. They started out with two pet poodles, "Little Brown Girl" and "Little Black Boy." Later, they acquired four Basenji dogs; Lady, Prince, Bongo, and Little Red were a part of the family. They later acquired one more Basenji, who they named Nitro. Nitro was a constant companion for seven years, a quiet, patient loving pet who gave Dr. Neher hours of love and devotion.

Though Dr. Neher often worked long hours, he also found time to spend with his wife. They enjoyed attending medical conferences together, and on vacation he liked to travel to Williamsburg, Virginia and California. Dr. Neher enjoyed dining out, but he had strict aesthetic standards for restaurants: for example, the front of the restaurant had to be well-maintained, and the tables had to have white tablecloths. He enjoyed eating beef over any other type of food, and he especially enjoyed New York Strip Steaks. He and JoAnn often ate at Weber's Inn of Ann Arbor.

Dr. Neher died on Sunday, August 14, 2005. He will greatly be missed by his wife JoAnn; his sister, Corrine (Robert) Von Esch and four nieces and nephews, Karen Dickson, Robert, Mark, and Brian VonEsch. A Celebration of Life Service is being planned to take place at a later date. Please visit Dr. Neher's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may archive a memory, sign the guest book or obtain information regarding the memorial service. Arrangements have been entrusted to the NIE LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOME, 2400 Carpenter Rd.

Among all the family members and friends whose lives he touched, Dr. Neher will be missed greatly and frequently remembered.