Rowan M. Frank

Obituary

Class of 1940

July 21, 1922 – Oct. 14, 2007

Rowan M. Frank, 85, formerly of Weiser, passed away peacefully Oct. 14, 2007 at home in Cambridge. Rowan was born on July 21, 1922 in Weiser, Idaho. He was the son of Heber C and Alice M Frank. He was raised in Weiser and graduated from Weiser High School in 1940. He worked early on in Barton’s grocery store. He attended night classes in sheet metal crafting and then began working for Boeing in 1941. He joined the Navy in 1942 and served in the South Pacific as an aviation mechanic until the end of the war.

After his discharge in 1946, he became a blacksmith apprentice and later purchased the business from his employer. He married the love of his life, Barbara Ann Gelskey, on Sept. 28, 1947 at Weiser. She became his supporter and companion for over 58 years until her death April 27, 2006. Mom helped Dad in their blacksmith business until it was sold and he went to work for the Post Office full-time in 1962. He was a very good provider and mentor. He loved to be available as a helper and as a friend. They enjoyed many camping trips together, numerous trips south during the winter, and attending their grandchildren’s activities.

He is survived by his children Ron of Weiser, Larry and Judy Frank of Cambridge, and Laura and Leon Griffin of Ontario. Grandchildren: Kevin Griffin, Jaimie (Sam) Widmer, Jill Griffin, Scott Griffin (Aravella), Theresa Peterson, Kelli (Dominick) Valentine, Melissa Frank & fiancé Pete Longgood, great-grandchildren: Mitchell Ueltzen, Nathan Ueltzen, Chloe Widmer, Luis Sanchez and Mia Griffin, numerous step grand and great-grandchildren, a brother Chris Frank of Nampa, numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

He was preceded in death by siblings Alma Frank, Roma Dille, and Joe Frank. Memorials may be made to the Rowan and Barbara Frank Memorial Fund, a permanent endowment at the Idaho Youth Ranch, PO Box 8538, Boise, ID 83707. A special thanks to employees of Heart ‘n Home Hospice for their very caring services and to all of Bab’s and Ro’s friends and neighbors for their calls and visits. Graveside services will be at Thursday, 11 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery in Weiser. Services under the direction of Thomason Funeral Home.

From The Idaho Statesman, October 16, 2007 Main Page 6