Mueller Funeral Home

Patrick Terrance Frank

05/11/1949 - 02/15/2014

On Saturday, February 15, 2014, Patrick Terrance Frank, 64, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at home in Winneconne, WI.
Pat was born on the Fort Clayton military base in Ancon, Panama on May 11, 1949, to Sgt. John Frank and Kathleen (Kadlec) Frank, who both lived in the Panama Canal Zone during their terms with the US Army. The family soon returned stateside, being stationed at various places across the country, until John retired after 20 years of service. They moved to Ft. Smith, AR, where John and Kathleen raised Pat and his three brothers: Scott, Michael, and William.
Pat graduated from Southside High School in Fort Smith and enlisted in the United States Army in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 7, 1967. He attended Helicopter Mechanics training in Ft. Eustis, VA, where he specialized in the maintenance and repair of UH-1 - HUEY helicopters. Assigned to A Troop 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment, otherwise known as the 1/9th "Headhunters", he arrived in the Republic of Vietnam on February 9, 1968, serving as a helicopter crew chief. By December 18, he achieved the rank of E-5, and in February of 1969, he departed Vietnam. On July 9, 1970, he was honorably discharged and returned to Appleton, WI to be closer to his family.

During his military service he became a qualified marksman of the M14 and M16 and awarded the following citations: Bronze Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

In September 1971 at a roller-skating rink in Neenah, he met the love of his life, LaVonne (Finger) Frank, and on February 29th of the following year, Leap Year's Day, they were married in front of a small group of friends and family in Appleton. During the next several years, they bought a home in Menasha and started building their family. In May 1989, Pat and LaVonne moved to their home in Winneconne, where they raised three children, a cat, and two dogs during their years together.
Retiring in 2009, Pat was happy to continue in his most revered role, Protector of the Frank House and Defender of Good. Along with being an active member of the Lake Poygan Conservation Club and the Outagamie Conservation Club, he enjoyed collecting historic memorabilia, researching genealogy, listening to and playing music, shooting trap, spending time with family and friends, listening to cowboy poetry, gardening, working on his tractor, attending Vietnam Veteran reunions, and travelling with his beloved wife.
On January 17, 2014, Pat received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and savior. What followed was a total transformation of heart and spirit. Pat professed sincerely and openly his love of Christ and those around himoften in tears. Within a week, his oncologist informed him that chemotherapy had failed offering home hospice as a last option. Though he was disappointed, Pat's faith never wavered. When subsequently notifying relatives and friends, Pat always began with the good news of his salvation before giving the update of his medical condition. Prior to his final decline, Pat was baptized in the Holy Spirit. Reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, Pat has gone home to heaven, joining the eternal church of believers and community of God.
Pat is survived by his wife, LaVonne, his three children, Erin Flanagan (Peter), Kendra , and Seth (Alicia Frank), brothers Michael (Susan) Frank and William (Susie) Frank, nieces Libby Frank and Randi Shirley, nephews Nolan and Will Frank, and grandchildren Rohan and Frank Flanagan. Pat was preceded in death by his parents John and Kathleen, his brother Scott, his mother-in-law Darlene Backus, several aunts, uncles, and cousins, and many special military brothers. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name to the A Troop 1/9th Cavalry Reunion Fund is appreciated and can be sent directly to the funeral home.
Services will be held Thursday, February 20 at Mueller Funeral Home at 904 East Main Street in Winneconne, WI. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m., followed by Military Honors at 6:00 p.m. and memorial service to follow.

Guestbook

Danny Rojas wrote on March 9, 2014
We never met but the correspondence I carried on with Pat will last 'til we do meet. He was a friend to all. "To The Stars Pat"

Tom Groh wrote on February 21, 2014
Lavonne, You are in our prayers.

Susan Engeseth wrote on February 20, 2014
Kendra Please accept my deepest sympathy. As I've said before, he will always be with you. Please offer my condolences to your family.

Chris Stanaszak wrote on February 20, 2014
LaVonne and family, I very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you in this challenging time.

Pete and Rosemary Haepers wrote on February 20, 2014
Sending love and prayers to you and your family. Sorry Mother Nature didn't cooperate so we could be there with you, but please know you are in our thoughts. Love you!

Paul & Nikki Flanagan wrote on February 19, 2014
Thinking of all of you during this time. Our thoughts and prayers and support are with you always.

Judy Buss wrote on February 19, 2014
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Pat was great guy.

Ray Parnell wrote on February 19, 2014
I have many fond memories of working with Pat, struggling to bring Akrosil into the computer age. My condolences go out to his family.

Bob & Judy Piel wrote on February 19, 2014
LaVonne & Family--have thought of you a million times since Sat. night. What a wonderful story & tribute to Pat--sending more prayers to you during this sad time. Take care

Rachel and Terry Mix wrote on February 19, 2014
La Vonne and family - There are not enough words to express our deepest sympathies. Pat was quite a role model to people and quite admired. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers, and we love you all! Rachel and Terry

Scott, Julie, Brandi, and Kristofer Backus wrote on February 19, 2014
Pat was a wonderful person and will be deeply missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Love you all!

Jennifer Calhoun wrote on February 19, 2014
Erin, I am so sorry about the loss of your father, it sounds like he was a remarkable person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bob & Mary Hrubes wrote on February 18, 2014
Erin so sorry to hear of your fathers passing, we can't imagine the loss for your family. Hold onto all those wonderful memories, life is precious.

Rusty Robinson and family wrote on February 18, 2014
Dear LaVonne and family, Pat was larger than life and he influenced so many people. He was a close dear cousin and a very special man. And now he is in the presence of the Lord!! <>< May you be comforted & filled by God's love and peace. With love, from all of us!

Amy (Piel) Randall wrote on February 18, 2014
Thinking of the family and sending up prayers for comfort during this incredible time of loss.

Cathy (Piel) Olig and family wrote on February 18, 2014
LaVonne and family, we send our love and prayers to you. May the closeness of family and friends help you through this difficult time. God bless.

Jennifer Leonard wrote on February 18, 2014
Erin, There is something special between a dad and his daughter. Hold onto that every moment you miss him. I'll tell my mom and dad to look for your dad in heaven, I am sure they will be good friends.

Joe Bowen wrote on February 18, 2014
We pray that you will find some solace in that Pat had many, many friends that had the utmost respect for him and grieve with you. I believe that the Angels lifted him up and his Brothers who passed earlier flew alongside him. Apache Red, God Bless.

Anne Lagunes wrote on February 18, 2014
Seth and Family, I am so sorry to hear the news that your father passed away. My prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time. ~Anne Lagunes

James Cruthers wrote on February 18, 2014
LaVonne and Family. Please know you are in my thoughts.

Greg Blume wrote on February 18, 2014
LaVonne and Family, I was saddened to hear of Pat's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Tiffany Cody wrote on February 17, 2014
Erin, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. If you need anything please let me know.

Julie Wockenfus wrote on February 17, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family LaVonne. Love and Hugs, Julie Wockenfus

Elizabeth ,Tyler and Lawson Luebke wrote on February 17, 2014
Your father sounds like such a wonderful man Sorry for your loss may his soul rest in peace Hope for peace for all of you

patty & gary schwarzbauer wrote on February 17, 2014
Thinking of you Lavonne during this difficult time and God bless you and your family. Our sincere sympathy, patty & gary

VERNON AND SANDY ORTENZI wrote on February 17, 2014
LAVONNE AND FAMILY, our prayers and thoughts are with you. We love you very much.