Merlin Albert Frank, age 74, of New Richmond, passed away Tuesday, November 6, 2007 at Westfields Hospital.
Merlin was born in Forest Township May 17, 1933 to Ronald and Anna (Ailts) Frank. He was a 1952 graduate of New Richmond High School and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. Merlin married Joan Dittman on April 12, 1958 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.
Merlin was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harland and Ronald, and one sister Bernice Rahn.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joan; six children, David (Lisa) Frank of New Richmond, Gretchen (Larry) Demulling of Star Prairie, Dan (Cathy Theisen) of Kasilof, Ark., Diane(Dan) Heintz, Bob (Tammy) Frank, Arlin (Shauna Haworth), all of New Richmond; 11 grandchildren; two sisters, Muriel Volkert of New Richmond, Mary Lou Volkert of West Lakeland Township, Minn.; one sister-in-law Geri Frank of Baldwin; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Saturday, November 10, 2007 at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in New Richmond with Reverend Ray Wiebold officiating. The St. Luke's Choir were accompanied by organist Karen Volkert. Active casketbearers were Duane Beebe, Joe Carnine, Jeff Frank, Gene LaMere, Larry Schleusner and Scott Snyder. Honorary casketbearers were Dave Anderson, Glen Boldt, Edgar DeBoer, Arlin Dittman, Harry Hansen, Harvey Pederson, Dick Pelc and Norman Reiss. Military honors were provided by the Wisconsin Honors Program Spooner Unit and the New Richmond VFW Post 10818. Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park.
Arrangements were with the Beebe Mortuary.
(New Richmond News - Thursday, November 15, 2007)
