Marvin F. Frankel, a resident of Fenton, Michigan, died on January 15th, 2026 at the age of 93. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel.

Location of Service:

The Dorfman Chapel- small chapel (map to our Chapel)

Date of Service:

Monday February 16th, 2026

Time of Service:

2:00 PM  

Interment at:

A Private Interment at Machpelah Cemetery

Officiant:

Rabbi Yonatan Dahlen  

Shiva Information:

The family will be sitting on Monday, February 16, from 5:00PM until 8:00PM at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Rd. Southfield MI 48034 Phone: (248) 357-5544  
See our shiva mapping options

Charitable contributions:

Tunnel to Towers Foundation
2361 Hylan Blvd.
Staten Island, New York 10306
Phone: (718) 987-1931

or to Hillsdale College's Charter Champions Club
33 E College St.
Hillsdale, MI 49242
Click Here

or to the Kimberly Levin Sisterhood Memorial Fund Shaarey Zedek
Congregation Shaarey Zedek
27375 Bell Road
Southfield, Michigan 48034-2079
Phone: (248) 357-5544  

Family Members:

In Loving Memory of Marvin F. Frankel

August 27, 1932 – January 15, 2026

Marvin F. Frankel passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by his family. Born in Detroit on August 27, 1932, to Isadore and Dorothy Frankel, Marvin lived a life defined by character, purpose, and joy.

A natural athlete and leader, Marvin starred in football and track at Detroit Central High School, earning a scholarship to Michigan State University. After his freshman year, he followed Coach Muddy Waters to Hillsdale College, where he excelled on the gridiron and was named an All American in 1954. He signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions and played the 1956 season with Detroit before joining the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL.

In 1953, Marvin met the love of his life, Marlene, at Hillsdale College. Over their 67 years together, they built a home filled with laughter, high standards, and unconditional support for their children—Kimberly Levin, Randy Frankel, Lisa Bove, and Doug Frankel— instilling in them the importance of education, integrity, and a strong work ethic.

Marvin’s drive extended well beyond the field. He attended Wayne State University Law School, graduating in 1958, and spent the next 60 years as a proud member of the Michigan bar. In 1968, he was appointed a municipal court judge for the City of Oak Park and, after his 1974 election to the district court bench, served 34 years with distinction. He was known for his integrity, fairness, and deep knowledge of the law—qualities that earned the trust of colleagues and community members alike.

Marvin’s heart was always with his community. He coached football for Oak Park High School and Royal Oak Shrine High School, and he never missed his kids’ games when he wasn’t on the sidelines coaching. Through community service and coaching, he quietly shaped countless lives.

Family was Marvin’s north star. He was the steady, joyful presence that kept a growing family close. His humility and drive live on in his children; his grandchildren—Autumn Hintze, Dylan Frankel, Brianna Porath, Hannah Frankel, Emily Levin, Dustin Frankel, and Daniel Levin; and his great granddaughter Harper Hintze. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marlene and his eldest daughter Kimberly.

A celebration of Marvin’s life will be held at the Dorfman Chapel later in February 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (todaysveterans.org) or Hillsdale College’s Charger Champions Club (hillsdalechargers.com)—two causes that reflect Marvin’s love of country, character, and the game he cherished.  

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Yahrzeit Schedule:

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