Donald Frank

Donald E. Frank, age 88 of Redwood Falls, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024 at CentraCare St. Cloud Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Redwood Falls, with military honors to follow. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the church service. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Bechyn at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving a donation to St. Catherine’s Catholic Church for Mass intentions, The Redwood Falls Senior Center, or the St. Mary’s Preservation Society.  Stephens Funeral Service – Redwood Valley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald E. Frank was born November 15, 1935, on his parents’ farm in Flora Township, Renville County, Minnesota. His parents were Henry and Angela (Kojetin) Frank. He was baptized at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bechyn, Minnesota. Here, he received the Eucharist for the first time, was an altar server, was confirmed in the Catholic faith, and will be buried in the adjoining cemetery. Donald will be remembered for his strong faith, kindness, loving his family, generosity to many, hard work, and being a quick thinker at card games. He will forever remain the “Sequence Champion.”

Donald was a proud American. He farmed with his father until being drafted into military service with the US Army. He served his country from 1958-1960 primarily in Germany where he stated he “drove trucks” and was honorably discharged. In those days, he enjoyed his unfiltered cigarettes like many military men. He married Veronica Serbus at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Renville, Minnesota, on February 3, 1968. Together, they were dedicated to raising a faith-filled family. Five children were born from their union: Donald Jr., Duane, Deanna, Darcy, and Derek. Their children and grandchildren learned how to work. Donald and Veronica moved to Redwood Falls in 1999. They continued to farm until 2007. Donald continued cultivating the soil through a beautiful garden where he was known to share the produce with many. In addition to farming, Donald held various jobs during his life such as working at the sugar beet plant, Jackpot Junction where he dealt cards, and custom spraying. Town life to Donald was joyful. Friends and family were around the table enjoying food and conversation followed by a game of cards, Yahtzee, cribbage or Sequence. Donald enjoyed volunteering and spending time with his friends. He especially loved going to the Senior Center for food, games, conversation and laughs. He enjoyed teaching card games to many including his twelve grandchildren and their friends. He loved playing Hearts on the computer – “the only thing it (computer) was good for” – in his free time. He volunteered in his community in many ways. He was a member of Knights of Columbus, served on the boards for Holy Redeemer Church, volunteered with St. Mary’s Preservation of Bechyn, and most recently the Redwood Falls Senior Dining Center. He always had time to enjoy a cup of coffee, game of cards, or visit with people – and don’t forget the snacks! His generous spirit made an impact on so many. Donald enjoyed vacations as much as hard work. His children remember road trips in the van with the 8-track tape player and CB radio, and spending time playing shuffleboard, mini golf and campfires at Cutty’s of Okoboji, Iowa. Trips were taken to New York, Florida, South Dakota, Nebraska, Mississippi, Texas to Mexico, Hawaii, and Branson, Missouri. In the last year he went on cruises to Alaska and the Panama Canal with his sons. His family thanks him for his great unconditional love. Donald was physically active and cared for his family until his death.

Donald is survived by his wife of 56 years, Veronica; his children: Duane (Shereen) Frank, Deanna (Jay) Johnson, Darcy (Andrew) Prosser, Derek (Angie) Frank; his “12-pack”: Tamarah Jo (Webster), Brendan (Marianna), Rose, Mariah, Jack, Jordan, Miranda, Isabella, Alexa, Ethan, Justin, and Isaiah; and his “baby sister” Betty Galstad Miller. Donald’s parents, infant son Donald Jr., and siblings: Myron Frank, Susie Drexler, Henrietta Mages and infant sister Mary Ann preceded him in death.

Blessed be his memory.