James L. Frank, 64
Published 5:32 pm Saturday, September 6, 2014
James L. Frank, 64 of Austin, Minnesota.
The community lost an honorable and generous man with the unexpected passing of James Leland Frank at the age of 64. Having recently retired as a civil engineer with 42 years of service to Hormel Foods, he was enjoying an active retirement, planting trees and pursuing his favorite avocation, fishing.
He passed away in his sleep late Sept. 2 or early Sept. 3 at his family home near Austin.
He was born on Oct. 22, 1949, in Huron, South Dakota. Jim grew up on a farm near Wolsey, South Dakota and attended St. John’s parochial school there. Later, he graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School in St. Paul and attended Concordia College for one year.
James Frank
He married Rhoda Greve on Dec. 20, 1970, in Aurora, South Dakota, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the South Dakota School of Mines in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Beginning work with Hormel in 1972, he raised two boys and a daughter in Austin and became an active member of the community. He also served many years in the National Guard and later was active with the Salvation Army. Jim enjoyed living in the country where he and his wife Rhoda converted farmland into a forested nature preserve. He was involved with the Isaac Walton League, and connected with regional conservation issues. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who loved the adventures awaiting them at their home.
Survivors include his mother Neoma Frank of Wolsey, South Dakota, wife Rhoda Frank of Austin, children Sean Frank of Austin, Joseph (Melissa) Frank of Whitehall, Wisconsin, and Cody Frank of New York City; grandchildren Riley and Madelyn Frank; siblings Eugene (Yvonne) Frank of Grand Island, Nebraska, Karen (Alan) Albright of Watertown, South Dakota, and Elizabeth (Greg) Brower of Wolsey, South Dakota; brothers-in-law Robert Trulock of Phoenix, Arizona and Ron Greve of Brookings, South Dakota; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Julius Frank, sister Lois Frank, and sister-in-law Roberta Trulock. Much loved, Jim will be deeply missed by friends and family.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin, with Pastor Tom Ogilvie officiating. Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7, at Worlein Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Monday. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.