George A. Frank, 88, Westphalia, passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Vintage Park in Ottawa.
George was born on Nov. 9, 1925, in Montrose, Colo., the son of Joseph Sr. and Elizabeth (Kippes) Frank.
He lived in Crook, Colo., graduating from Crook High School with the class of 1943. He then moved to Denver, where he attended Regis College and Colorado Tech University for horology, learning the watchmaking trade.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1946 to 1947 and faithfully served his country. He attained the rank of private and received the World War II Victory Medal.
On May 1, 1950, George was united in marriage with Mary C. Blaufuss in Westphalia.
George was a lifelong farmer and in his younger years worked on the family farm, topping beets and operating irrigation systems. He also worked as a watchmaker and package deliverer while in Denver.
He was a member of the Lions Club and Knights of Columbus. In his 88 years of life, George was passionate in his love for his wife and family, his Catholic faith, song, farming, sports and telling stories. George never met a stranger and he loved giving to others. He will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife; nine children, Georgene Caoile and husband John, Raymore, Mo., Dr. Mary Frank, Lawrence, Stephen Frank and wife Jean, Colony, Dorothy Wittry and husband Alan, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Loretta Rowland-Kitley and husband Ralph Kitley, Summerfield, N.C., Dr. Donna Richardson and husband Dr. Norbert, Columbia, Mo., Father Paul Frank, Red Cloud, Neb., Barbara Penn and husband Stephan, Leawood, and Dr. Kenneth Frank and wife Shelly, Ottawa; 28 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Barbara Coster, Montrose, Colo., and Clara Martin, Los Angeles, Calif.; and sisters-in-law, Shirley Frank, Marilyn Frank, and Carol Frank.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen Frank; parents; siblings, Catherine Haberkorn, Francis Frank, Rosemary Holbrook, Joseph Frank, Anthony Frank, Irene Molzen, Christina Frank, Teresa Frank, Carl Frank, Venantius “Vernie” Frank, Clemens Frank, John Frank, Joseph Frank, Jacob Frank, Apolonia “Abby” Braun, Christina Braun, and Lucina Braun; brothers and sisters-in-law, August Haberkorn, Thelma Frank, Albert Holbrook, Ruby Frank, and Eldon Molzen.
The family suggests memorial contributions to George Frank Memorial Fund c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, KS 66067. An online guestbook is available at www.dengelmortuary.com.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church, Westphalia.
A Wake Service and Rosary will be said at 7 p.m. Thursday at St. Teresa’s Church.
Interment is at St. Teresa’s Cemetery, Westphalia.
George Frank
