About Our Club

Our Meetings

The Frankenmuth Lions Club meets regularly at 6:30 PM on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, from October through May, usually at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant in Frankenmuth.
Upcoming Meetings and Events

January 23, 2025 - Leos meeting - 3 PM, Eagles Express
February 2, 2025 - Lions attend Saginaw Spirit Hockey game
February 5, 2025- Lions meeting - 6:30 PM Bavarian Inn Restaurant; Speaker: Sam Pelong, Disability Network of Mid-Michigan "Resources for Help When You Need It", Board meeting to follow
February 6, 2025 - Leos meeting - 3 PM, EFR Cafeteria
February 19, 2025- Lions meeting - 6:30 PM Bavarian Inn Restaurant; Speaker: Jon Webb, CEO, Castle Museum - Saginaw "Castle Museum: Our Place In Today's World"
March 5, 2025- Lions meeting - 6:30 PM Bavarian Inn Restaurant; Speaker: Environmental Action/Cyndie Roberts-Dow H.S. Go Green Club, Board meeting to follow
March 6, 2025 - Leos meeting - 3 PM, Eagles Express

Think you may want to help out in your community and become a Frankenmuth Lions Club member?

A quick text to our Membership Chair, Lion Tom, at 989-295-9527, will get any questions answered!

Our History

In the spring of 1953 a group of civic-minded young men from the Village of Frankenmuth recognized the need for a second service club to join the Rotary Club in improving life for the 1800 village residents. They met with leaders of other Lions clubs and began the process to be chartered as a Lions club, being sponsored by the Saginaw Lions Club.

Six hundred people filled the main dining room of the Fischer Hotel (now the Bavarian Inn) for the inaugural event on December 28, 1953. It was heralded as "the largest Charter Night ever held in this state". The young organization immediately assumed the high-minded program of Lions International, while also serving local needs.

The picture at the left shows the charter members:
Back row - Richard Krafft, Norm Zeilinger, Sam Mueller, Arnold Baker, Arno Mossner, Norm Meyer, Jack Friebe.
Front row - S.A. Dodge, Hick Leslie, Harold Abraham, Howard Mueller, Arthur Strong (District Governor), Jim Fox. (Missing is Emil Rummel).

The club supported the conversion of Frankenmuth from a village to a city in 1959. Women were first admitted as club members in 1987, and in 2002 Marilyn Little served as the first female president of the Frankenmuth Lions.

Our club currently boasts a membership of 58 men and women, meets twice monthly for most of the year and participates in the many festivals and events in Frankenmuth, earning money to support many Lions' and community causes.

Melvin Jones Fellowship

Melvin Jones is considered to be the founder of the Lions Club, having formed the group in 1917.
See the Lions Club International (LCI) website for more information:
https://www.lionsclubs.org/en/give-how-to-give/melvin-jones-fellowship

Over the years, the Frankenmuth Lions Club and LCI have named the following individuals as Melvin Jones Fellows:

Oscar F. Rau - September 30, 1988
Wallace J. Bronner - June 21, 1993
Arnold G. Baker - May 5, 1994
Wayne Jackman - May 5, 1994
Harold A. Little - May 5, 1994
W. Don Zehnder - May 28, 1996
William Mossner - July 8, 2003
Louie Weiss - February 4, 2009
Bill Varney - May 3, 2017
Richard Krafft - May 5, 2017
Jeff Trudell - November 15, 2017
Debbie Baker - August 25, 2021
Robert Farris - October 19, 2022
Tom Baker - June 7, 2923

Important Links:

City of Frankenmuth - http://www.frankenmuthcity.com/
Lions Club International - https://www.lionsclubs.org/en
Frankenmuth Chamber of Commerce - http://www.frankenmuth.org/

Lion Haus Rental

To rent the Lion Haus for your special occasion, please contact the Frankenmuth Parks & Recreation Department at (989) 652-9901.

Photo Gallery

Christmas Dinner - 2024

New Member Recruitment Event June 2024

Happy Birthday, Lion Dave Wigley!

The Frankenmuth Lions Club celebrated Lion Dave Wigley to commemorate his 99th birthday! Lion Dave served in the U.S Navy during World War II and has been a member of the Frankenmuth Lions Club for more than 43 years.

Installation of 2024-2025 Club Officers

District 11-D-1 Convention

Christmas 2023

Lion Haus Painting

The Jellystone RV Camp Resort purchased this original painting of the Frankenmuth Lion Haus at the Legacy Ball live auction in April 2023 and has donated it to the Frankenmuth Lions Club, where it will be featured in the showcase at the Lion Haus. The painting was a compilation of those present at the Legacy Ball. Many Ball attendees picked up a brush and added to the painting, under the direction of Empty Canvas.
The Banes family is shown with the painting and includes Lion Erv Banes, Lion Craig Banes, Lion Carol Graham-Banes, and Lion Marilyn Banes.

Kidsight Screening - Health Expo 2023

During the Frankenmuth Health Expo, trained volunteers from the Frankenmuth Lions Club provided vision screening through the Kidsight process for 38 children, with three of those children being referred to their eye care provider for follow up. Lions members also assisted the Frankenmuth Leos Club with their booth and service activity during the event.

Scholarship Dinner 2023

Bavarian Festival Parade 2023

Legacy Ball April 2023

Kidsight Training March 2023

Several Lions participated in training in the Lions KidSight vision screening program. The program provides children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years with critical eye screenings that can detect relatively common conditions such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and amblyopia—which is sometimes called “lazy eye”—as well as rare and dangerous conditions like retinoblastoma. The screenings will be made available periodically to children in the community.

Donation to Special Needs Vision Clinic

Dr. Dolores Kowalski spoke at the Frankenmuth Lions Club meeting. Following the presentation, the club gave her a check for $5000 to support the work of the Special Needs Vision Clinic.

Lions Christmas Party - 2022

Melvin Jones Award - October 2022

Lion Bob Farris was presented with the Melvin Jones Award from the Frankenmuth Lions Club. Lion Bob and his wife Mary Ann have been active members of the Lions Club for over 30 years. Lions Clubs world-wide recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named after its founder, Melvin Jones, who formed the Lions Club in 1917. This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideals consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.

MS Bike/Walk Breakaway - September 2022

Frankenmuth Auto Fest - September 2022

Portuguese Water Dog Show - August 2022

Annual Steak Fry and Past Presidents' Recognition - August 2022

Community Appreciation Event August 2022

The Frankenmuth Lions Club hosted a Community Appreciation Event to recognize the contributions of club members, friends, and businesses of the Frankenmuth community who financially supported the recent renovation of the Lion Haus. This facility provides a venue for many club fundraising events, as well as being available for community use. During the event, District Governor Jack Frost and IDPG Duane Wilcox awarded the club the 2019-2020 TOGETHER WE SERVE Childhood Cancer "Hero Club" patch. They also presented the club with a check for $1500 to support the membership recruitment video created by the club.

Frankenmuth News August 24, 2022
Lions Club more than white canes
By Mary Anne Ackerman, Mayor of Frankenmuth
When I think about the Frankenmuth Lion's Club, I picture an individual wearing a yellow vest, holding a giant white cane, and collecting donations to support the blind. I love seeing our Frankenmuth Lions during the White Cane Campaign - always a friendly smile, and of course, with a contribution, there's a tootsie roll!
The origin of Lions Club dates back to 1917. A Chicago Businessman named Melvin Jones spearheaded the formation of Lions International in response to dire social problems created by World War I. In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Clubs International Convention, where she appealed to the members to support those who had lost sight. In 1930, Lion George Bonham of Peoria, Illinois, watched a blind man attempt to cross a busy street using a black cane. Realizing the cane was barely visible to motorists, the Peoria Lions Club decided to paint the cane white. In 1931, Lions Club International began a national program promoting the use of white canes for persons who are blind and becoming a symbol for the blind. Since that time, providing support for those with vision impairments has been a primary focus of the civic organization.
In the spring of 1953, a group of Frankenmuth individuals recognized the need for a second civic organization, in addition to our noon Rotary Club. By December 1953, the Frankenmuth Lions Club was chartered as the 300th Michigan Lions Club. Their work included raising money through light bulb and broom sales and distributing Lions gumball machines to raise funds for those with vision impairments. While serving the community, they were influential in supporting the conversion of Frankenmuth from a village to a city in 1959.
In 1971, the Frankenmuth Lions Club took on its most visible community project. They raised $32,000, donated their labor, and erected the Lion Haus in Heritage Park. Since then, the Lion Haus has served as a venue for feeding hundreds of guests at various festivals. It is the primary source of revenue to support the Club's initiatives. While the building was eventually given to the City, the Lions agreed to assume responsibility for maintaining the structure.
This past week, the Frankenmuth Lions Club gathered in celebration as they unveiled the long-awaited renovation of the Lions Haus. Members, family, spouses of now deceased members, and community sponsors gathered for the celebration. With generous financial support from members, businesses, the community, and foundations, the renovation of the Lion's House now boasts a state-of-the-art kitchen, newly finished flooring and ceiling tiles, fresh paint, new furniture, and a roof that doesn't leak!
Lion Jeff Trudell shared the history of the building. He laughed as he told the story about one festival during a downpour where guests dining in the Lion's Haus had to navigate around 40 strategically placed buckets under the leaks in the ceiling.
The 60 members of the Frankenmuth Lions Club look forward to continuing to serve meals to festival guests while raising funds to support their initiatives. The Club supports the Leader Dogs for the Blind Program, the Special Needs Vision Clinic at Millet Learning Center in Bridgeport, eyeglasses for those unable to pay, the work of the Emmaus Project in Saginaw, the Saturday Youth Basketball program, and scholarships for FHS Seniors. You will also see the yellow-vested Lions ringing bells for the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign, removing trash from a 3-mile section of M-83 as part of the States Adopt-a-Highway Program, and providing refreshments for the Annual MS. Walk. And just a few weeks ago, club members roasted 1,500 hot dogs served at Project Frontline Rally, honoring active and retired military service members, police, firefighters, EMS, and especially Medical Frontline workers!
Thank you to those who serve while wearing the yellow vests! We are grateful for your work in our community and beyond. If you are interested in being part of this organization or want to learn more about the work of our Frankenmuth Lions Club, talk with current club president Debbie Baker or go to frankenmuthlionsclub.com

Fire Muster 2022

District Governor's Event 2022

The 2022 MD 11D1 District Governor Banner Exchange event was held at our Lions Haus on July 24, 2022.

Project Frontline 2022

During the Project Frontline Rally honoring military service members and all heroes and sponsored by the Michigan Heroes Museum, several Frankenmuth Lions members assisted by cooking 1500 hotdogs and brats for attendees.

Bavarian Festival June 2022

White Cane Campaign May 2022

Club Recruitment May 2022

The Frankenmuth Lions Club held a recruitment event at the Lion Haus in Frankenmuth on May 18, 2022. Twenty-five members welcomed 19 guests for a special program, including the viewing of the Frankenmuth Lions video. Also present that night was District Governor Duane Wilcox who inducted five new members into the club. Lion Duane also presented the club with the LCI Certificate of Recognition in Marketing.

Coffee Service - MS Walk May 2022

Newfoundland Dog Show May 2022

Shipshewana - Spring 2022

80's Fest - April 2022

Christmas Party 2021

Frankenmuth Lions and guests enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant Alpine Room, delightful music, and a fun "bottle raffle" that raised over $500 for the Special Needs Vison Clinic and Emmaus House.

Halloween 2021

On Saturday, October 30, 2021, our Lions Club participated in the Halloween Celebration at the List Elementary School parking lot. We gave out candy to all of the children from Frankenmuth who attended, approximately 250 children, with the proceeds going to the Bronner's Performing Arts.

Frankenmuth Auto Fest 2021

The Frankenmuth Lions once again prepared and served breakfast, lunch and dinner during the Auto Fest in September 2021. This is a major fund-raiser for our club so that we can support our many Lions and community projects. Thank you to all visitors and residents who supported our efforts!

Melvin Jones Fellowship Award

Frankenmuth Lions Club presented Lion Debbie Baker with a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award honors Lions Club members who have given significant time and talent in the service of others. Pictured with Lion Debbie is Frankenmuth Lions President Tom Baker.

Annual Steak Fry and Past Presidents Night - 2021

Past Presidents of the Frankenmuth Lions Club were recognized at the annual Steak Fry event held at the Lion Haus in Frankenmuth. Pictured are several past presidents and spouses of past presidents.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival 2021

Lions Club Meeting June 2021

District Governor, Harold DeMott, conducted an installation ceremony for the officers and board members who will serve from July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022.

Lions Club Presentations to Rotary Clubs
April 2021

Chevron Awards

A Chevron award for membership was recently presented by Lion President Cassie Cirisan to Lion Judy Hiles for 15 years as a member and to Lion Dave Wigley for 40 years with the Frankenmuth Lions Club.

Leadership Award

Frankenmuth Lions Club Member Debbie Baker was recently honored with a Lions Leadership award. The award was presented by past Lion District Governor Steve VanTol.
Thank you Lion Debbie for your tireless service to the Lions Club and the community!
Pictured (left to right) is Frankenmuth Lions President Cassie Cirisan, Lion Debbie Baker, and Lions past District Governor Steve VanTol.

Past Presidents Night and Steak Fry
August 2020

Lions Christmas Party 2019

2019 Photos

Certificate to Frankenmuth Lions President Debbie Baker - June 2019

Frankenmuth Lions tour of Frankenmuth Heroes Museum - June 2019

Farmers Market - June 2019

Lions International Award 2019

Frankenmuth Lions Club recently honored Richard Krafft with an award from Lions International for being a Lion for 65 years! Richard Krafft is a founding member of the Frankenmuth Lions Club. Thank you Richard Krafft for 65 years of service to Frankenmuth Lions Club and the community! Pictured is Richard Krafft (seated) and presenting the award is Debbie Baker (President Frankenmuth Lions). Also pictured standing are two of Richard Krafft’s sons and members of Frankenmuth Lions Club.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival 2019

Frankenmuth Lions Club was recently visited by State Senator Ken Horn. Senator Horn gave an update on current issues at the State of Michigan.
Pictured is Senator Horn and Frankenmuth Lions Club members.

Michigan Lions Forum 2019

Frankenmuth Lions Club (FLC) members attended the Michigan Lions Forum in February. The Forum is a time for us to learn more about Lions’ projects and how to better serve others. Attendees pictured from left to right are Lions members Bart Blegen (FLC), Jenny Ware (District Lions), Lee Snidersich (FLC), Gloria Snidersich (FLC), Debbie Baker (FLC President), Ronnie Martin (Past District Governor), Shari Burns (FLC), Joe Bogar (current District Governor), Steve VanTol (1st Vice District Governor), and Robert Parsons Jr (scholarship recipient).

January 2019 Meeting

Lions members at the meeting who are also veterans were recognized and pictured with the evening's speaker, the Director of the Frankenmuth Michigan Heroes Museum

Membership Awards were presented to Lions Tom Baker, Bob Trudell, Debbie Baker and Jeff Trudell (not pictured)

Lions Christmas Party 2018

New members

New member Tricia Way-Uphold was inducted at the December 5, 2018, Christmas dinner. She is shown here with Lion President Debbie Baker and sponsor Jerry Thompson.

Lion President Debbie Baker, First Vice District Governor Steven VanTol and sponsor John Warnick welcome new member Richard Kirchner who was inducted at the October 17, 2018, meeting.