Obituary

Lieutenant Commander John A Frankel, US Navy Retired. 86 of Laguna Woods, California, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Saddleback Memorial Hospital, after being surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 24, 1937, in Beverly Hills, California to Philip and Jacqueline (Lippman) and was the oldest of two children. John was always proud to be a 6^th generation Californian.

John graduated from North Hollywood High School and then attended his beloved UC Berkeley, graduating in 1960 with a degree in civil engineering. He was commissioned in the United States Navy and served in the Civil Engineer Corps for 20 years, including a tour in Vietnam with the Seabees. While in Vietnam he received numerous medals including the Air Force Commendation Medal. He retired from active duty in 1980 and began working as a project manager first with the County of Orange and then with the Austin Company. After John retired from the Austin Company, he began to volunteer his services as a Facilities Engineer at J Serra High School and a project manager at Crean Lutheran High School, building the new school campuses. Additionally, he was appointed to the Architectural Review Committee of the Orange County Transit Authority. His final job in retirement was serving as a Director to the Laguna Woods Third Mutual Board.

John was an avid outdoorsman and spent his early years fishing, hiking, camping and golfing. Catching trout on the Sespe was a favorite pastime. He shared his love of the outdoors with his wife and their three children. RV camping and YMCA family camps were regular family vacations. John was passionate about his involvement with the YMCA and credited them with his introduction to Christianity. He was active in the YMCA for more than 50 years. He continued his volunteerism with his involvement in Rotary International for 49 years, Shriners International, American Legion, and he was active in the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Laguna Woods. In his retirement years John traveled with his wife, Dotty (Evans) and enjoyed many cruises and Tauck Tours. John and Dotty took many special cruises with their children and grandchildren. He continued his love for the Dodgers and never missed watching his CAL Bears play a football game.

John was a strong Christian from an early age and lived his life by the motto, “I am third.” Christ first, others second and I am third.

John was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Jean (Frankel) Shanman.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dotty (Evans) of Quakertown, PA, his daughter Susan Guthrie (Will) of Columbia, SC, his son James Frankel of Capitol Heights, MD, his son David Frankel (Ashley) of Castle Rock, CO, and his grandchildren, Emily Guthrie and Billy Guthrie.

Services will be held at Lutheran Church of the Cross, 24231 El Toro Road, Laguna Woods, California 92637, on Friday, May 19 at 10:00 am with reception to follow in the church social hall. A private burial will be at Riverside National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Lutheran Church of the Cross or Rotary International.