Edward Frank

Edward Leopold Frank
After a long and blessed earthly life in Harrisville, Wisconsin, Edward L. Frank answered the Lord’s call to his heavenly home the evening of Friday, January 23, 2009. He celebrated his 92nd birthday surrounded by family. Born January 7, 1917, to Theodore and Gertrude Thalacker Frank on the family farm, Ed was baptized in 1917 and confirmed in 1930 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Harrisville. On September 10, 1938, he was united in marriage to Mildred Schauer and they enjoyed sixty-seven years of marriage until Mildred’s death February 8, 2006. Four children blessed their union: Phyllis, Ralph, Ronald and Faye Lynn.
Ed was an avid sport’s enthusiast. He refereed basketball games, played baseball, managed the Westfield team, enjoyed bowling, basketball, fishing, and hunting.
From 1937-1942, he sold and distributed Gardow’s Westfield bologna, traveling north to Stevens Point and south to Madison. At the onset of World War II, he worked at Badger Ordinance in Merrimac. After the war, he started the artificial insemination program in Marquette County and parts of Adams and Green Lake Counties, working for Badger Breeders from 1947 until 1953, when he quit because of the workload in Harrisville businesses. In 1954, he and Mildred began managing Frank’s Tavern in Harrisville, while farming two hundred- fifty acres of pickles and managing the pickle receiving station. One hundred twenty-five Mexican workers were hired. That year he also took over Arnold Schauer’s Plymouth and Chrysler garage in Westfield. He sold the garage in 1961.
Being the entrepreneur that he was, he built fourteen kilns for making charcoal, which helped the local economy. Ed’s dad began buying furs in the early 1900’s, and Ed continued the family business after Tade’s death in 1960, buying furs for another forty years.
Loving to sing, Ed became a member of St. John’s Choir and joined the Marchord Barber-Shoppers who entertained in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Ed can also be remembered for his performances in many mock weddings. Not only did he work hard, but he played hard and had fun throughout his life.
Ed’s service to the community included life-long membership in the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Department, and serving as The Town of Harris Chairman and Marquette County Supervisor for over ten years. He also served as president of St. John’s Lutheran Church Council.
Upon selling the tavern in October 1972, his semi-retirement years were spent traveling to Florida, Texas, Mexico and other regions in the United States. However, his favorite place was Harrisville, Wisconsin, where he continued to garden and give vegetables to family and friends, refinish furniture and create woodworking projects. Ed thoroughly enjoyed his family, especially his great grandchildren. It was always a blessing for him and his beloved wife to have their family close by and stop in almost every day to visit or play a game of cribbage.

With the daily loving care of daughter’s Phyllis Ingram and Faye Lentz, helper Jean Gimnick, Northland Home Health nurses and assistants, and the wonderful support of family and friends, Ed’s wish was granted to remain in his home until his death.
Survivors include daughter, Phyllis (Mike) Ingram, Harrisville; son, Ralph Ephraim (Rimona) Frank, Alfe Menashe, Israel; son, Ronald (Linda) Frank; daughter, Faye Lynn (Steve) Lentz, sister, Dorothy Streich all of Harrisville, sister-in-law June (Leo) Parker Westfield. Grandchildren: Juliann (Terry) Kube, Jay (Yong Suk) Ingram, Yonatan Frank, Sehter Hadar Frank, Sarah (Dan) Winger, Edward R. (Angie) Frank, Timothy (Nichole) Frank, Brent (Jolane) Lentz, Rebekah (Neal) Camren, Elizabeth Lentz, Rachel (Mike) Melby, step-grandchildren Brian (Sue) Marotz and Annie Marotz (Emma). Great Grandchildren: Joshua Ingram, JeAnna Ingram, Nathanael Kube, Daniel Kube, Allen Grotzke, Kaylie Jo Winger, step-great grandson, Taylor Bilberry, Mackenzie Frank, Natalie Mildred Frank, Eve Frank, Leopold (Leo) Edward Frank, Breana Lentz, Brandi Lentz and Brayden Lentz.

A funeral service for Ed will be held on Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Harrisville with Rev. Robert Thays officiating. Interment will be in Harrisville Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the church.

Facts

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Services

Monday January 26, 2009, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Harrisville

Monday January 26, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, Harrisville

Monday January 26, 2009 at Harrisville Cemetery