Henry Frank

Henry J. Frank, age 89, of Willmar, passed away Tuesday evening, October 17, at the Rice Care Center in Willmar, surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 23, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, at the St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery in Olivia. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 22, at the Church of St. Mary and visitation will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Henry James Frank was born on January 8, 1928, to Henry F. and Josephine (Kojetin) Frank, at their rural home near Morton, MN. He attended Country and Morton Public Schools, and worked on the family farm. Henry served his country in the Minnesota Army National Guard 47th Infantry Division from 1948 to 1952, deployed to Camp Rucker, AL, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant.

Henry married Mary Jane Herdina on August 21, 1954, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bechyn, MN. They made their home on a farm near Morton, where they lived for 26 years, raising crops and livestock. They were blessed with seven children who helped on the farm and kept their lives busy.

Henry enjoyed family and friends. He was a master gardener, fisherman, hunter and card player. He grew amazing gardens, and shared his bounty with family, friends and neighbors. He taught his family the secrets of catching fish even when they weren't biting. He enjoyed annual hunting trips for deer, pheasant, and ducks with family and friends. He loved playing cards, especially Dirty Buck, and always seemed to win no matter what game he played. His hobbies included woodworking, league billiards and watching Twins baseball.

Henry loved his wife and family dearly. He valued honesty, integrity, and a good work ethic, and passed this legacy on to his family. He had a deep faith in the Lord and held several offices at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bechyn. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. Henry and Mary Jane retired to their beautiful home on Clearwater Lake near Brainerd, MN, in 1980, where they spent the next 25 years making memories with family, friends, and neighbors. They also enjoyed traveling throughout the country. In 2004, Henry and Mary Jane made their home in Willmar, MN.

Henry is survived by Mary Jane, his wife of 63 years; his seven children, Ramona (Dan) Scarlett of Spring, TX, Theodore (Christine) Frank of Lino Lakes, Cletus (Deborah) Frank of Willmar, Timothy Frank of St. Bonifacius, Laurie (Brian) Miller of Lino Lakes, Gary (Lynn) Frank of Cheyenne, WY, and Anne Frank of Mission Viejo, CA; 19 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; and two sisters, Rita Hilgert of Bird Island and Sylvia Elfering of Olivia.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry F. and Josephine Frank; and five siblings Milo, William, Wencel, Angie and Bernard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: Church of St. Mary, Attn.: Henry J. Frank Memorial, 713 12th Street SW, Willmar, MN 56201, or Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN), Attn.: Henry J. Frank Memorial, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35210.

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