Condolence: To all of Fran's family and friends, Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss of a wonderful teacher, role model, and all around great guy. I was a lab assistant to him in the 70's and loved chemistry. I remember the first time I broke a beaker while washing it and being so worried about what he would say when I told him. First he asked if I had been cut, and when he knew I was o.k., said something along the line of "No biggie". He was so kind to me when I had a bad day, and met my sad look with his trademark corny jokes. I also had the privilege to know him as an adult, and las saw him at Chip Passavant's memorial service several years ago. He had on this big western hat and a trench coat, and was just as comforting there as he always had been. I've taught for 32 years now, and I hope someday to be 1/2 the teacher he was for all who had him. May you all be comforted in knowing how he touched so many in his time here with us!

Condolence: My sympathy to you, Christine, and to your family. I was a phys. ed. and English teacher at Gull Lake for 27 years and Fran was always a familiar and friendly face in the science hallway. My husband(at the time)Paul Bodnar and I traveled to Hawaii with you and Fran and a group of students in the mid-80's. I do not ever remember him saying an unkind word about anyone. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Condolence: Dear Chris and family, We send our deepest sympathy on the death of Fran. May your memories of good times shared carry you through your grief. Sincerely, Martha and Bob Schinderle

Condolence: My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I also had Mr. Dragoo as a teacher. As many have said, he made an impression on me and left many good memories. He was a wonderful teacher. God Bless him and his family.

Condolence: My deepest shared sadness for your loss. I had Mr Dragoo (GOO) for many classes and worked as his lab assistant. He always went the extra mile to make his students feel important and worthwhile. His enthusiasm and energy were a constant source of inspiration and enjoyment. I also had the pleasure of spending time with him outside of class. We shared an interest in bowling, track and he introduced me to racquetball (which I still play today). I can't imagine a better example of what a Teacher, Mentor and Human being would look like. He did more to give me a foundation for life than anyone else I can recall. I remember how frightened I was the day of the Tornado in Kalamazoo and though he was lost because he didn't show up for something I knew he would be at. That fear is now sadness at his loss but also great joy in remembering what a fine person he was and how many other lives he must have touched in a very positive way over the many years of his service. I pray he is in his sitting back in his Hawaiian shirt listening to Hank Williams sing. Craig Cunic (class of 1980)

Condolence: Sorry to hear of the passing of Francis. We were classmates.

Condolence: Dear Chris and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. May your many happy memories give you some comfort. Love, Lyn

Condolence: I am a former student of Mr. Dragoo(Goober) he was an amazing teacher with quick wit. he always brought a smile to my face with his sense of humor, and use of corny jokes. he taught me about life and chemistry. I am very fortunate to have had him as a teacher, I got so much out of his class. He truly loved to teach and it showed every day he was in the classroom. He always pushed me to do better and i benefited from it greatly words can express how thankful I am. RIP Mr. Dragoo (class of 2011)

Condolence: My thoughts and prayers are with Christine, my dear co-worker and friend. I'm here for you now and in the future. Your words about Fran have always been so loving and kind....a wonderful family was his life and a I'm sure he'll always be remembered by the hundreds of chilldren whose minds he touched...Love Judy

Condolence: One of the amazing things about Fran Dragoo was how he remembered so many of his students years after he had them in the classroom. This wasn't just a vague memory, but he would call us by name, ask about our siblings, inquire about our jobs, etc. Today I join the chorus of others who have said that Mr. Dragoo was one of our favorite teachers. RIP.

Condolence: Having taught band down the hall from Fran for a number of years, I could always count on two things: Seeing him in his white lab coat and having him tell me one of a number of super corny music jokes. From anyone else those jokes would have been not so funny, but because he always was so goodhearted about the whole thing they were amusing and something I could count on. I saw him last month as I came into the High School for a meeting and the one thing he commented on was that he missed teaching. Not many people can say that after 45 years, but he could. I will miss him a great deal.

Condolence: Chris and Family, Fran was such a special guy. Times with him in high school are some of my favorite memories! I was privileged to work with him on the HS science fairs and accompany him with a large group of students to Hawaii my junior year. Tim and I both considered him a good friend. I know Fran was extrememly proud of his family and spoke about you all the time! You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time. Joni and Tim Knapper

Condolence: An era has passed, here at G.L. Privilaged to consider Fran a close collegue of mine for the past 20+ years. I will miss him tremendously........

Condolence: Dear Chris, Special thoughts and prayers to you and your family in the loss of Fran. Our deepest sympathy, Sidney and Bob Brush

Condolence: Chris and family, How do you begin to put into words the heartfelt loss for your husband/father. Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.

Condolence: I want to express how sorry I am to hear of your loss! I'm friends with Doug and Rachelle, and a Gull Lake alumni. I remember when it would be dead silent in the hallways until a loud 'bang' would go off and startle everyone in the school. The explosion would always come at a great time to wake me up! He's an excellent teacher and showed through his love of science.

Condolence: Sending sincere sympathy to the family of one of the greatest teachers on earth..How lucky you were to have him in your life. His decication was unending, and his wit amazing. Of all the teachers in my years of schooling, he brings back more memories than any other and his lessons still stick we me today. RIP "MR. OOGARD" ! Class of '72 !

Condolence: Chris and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Loving thoughts and prayers are being sent for you and your family. May you feel God's hands holding you up through the coming months and years. Warmest thoughts, Janet and Jeff

Condolence: I had Mr. Dragoo for chemistry in 1982 or 83. I remember his passion for teaching, he always wore his white lab coat, and his corny "magic" tricks. I would see Mr. Dragoo once a year at Hardings or at the Richland art fair where he helped his wife sell her jewelry. I loved that he still remembered me by name and we always shared a nice chat. I just saw him last month at Hardings. My condolences to his family. May God bless you with His comfort and peace. Michelle (Loney) Baird

Condolence: Chris and family, I am with you in spirit tonight,knowing the path you will be traveling. Celebrate your life memories. Aunty