Gerald “Jerry” Frank, age 90 years of International Falls, died on Monday, February 13, 2023, at Rainy Lake Medical Center. He was born on May 26, 1932, in Pelland Junction, Minnesota, the son of William and Eva (Braford) Frank. He grew up in the Falls with his siblings, brothers Billy and Don; and sisters, Karen, Janet, and Linda. Jerry attended Holler School, Backus Jr. High and graduated from Falls Sr. High School in 1950.
Jerry enlisted with the US Air Force in October 1950 and was honorably discharged December, 1953. He spent his military time at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Jerry and Yvonne (Carew) were united in marriage on July 9, 1951. They enjoyed 71
1 ⁄ 2 years of marriage. The couple raised their three children (Cindy, Mike and Brian) in International Falls.
Jerry started working at M & O Paper Company (Boise) in 1950. He put in his time with the Air Force and then returned to work in International Falls. Jerry was injured in a mill accident in 1971 but continued to work and retired March 1985. He enjoyed his time at the cabin in Birchdale, and gardening was a highlightsharing the fruits of his labor with friends and relatives. He enjoyed time spent with his sons, grandsons, and extended family members, especially during hunting season. Family was very important to Jerry. He was a member of the American Legion; a member of the First Baptist Church, a member of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, and a Retired member of Machinist Local 760. Jerry & Yvonne moved to the Littlefork Care Center in December 2022.
Jerry is survived by his devoted wife, Yvonne; daughter, Cindy (John) Hall of Laguna Vista, Texas; sons; Mike (Diane) Frank of Cloquet and Brian (Sue) Frank of International Falls; grandsons, Andrew Frank of Superior Wisconsin, and Nicholas (Kristine Dahl and her daughter Charlotte) Frank of Cloquet; sisters, Janet Oliverson and Linda (Don) Mulkey; brother-inlaw, Duane Krueger; numerous nieces, nephews and the Carew family. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Billy and Don Frank; sister, Karen Krueger; brother-in-law, Kenneth Oliverson; sister-inlaw, Joy Frank; in-laws A. J. and Arline Carew; and other extended family.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Frank and Carew families, cherished friends, and his church family for all the meals, visits, prayers, and continued support given that allowed them to continue living in their home for so long, and for the visits at the Care Center.
As family is mostly from out of town, please consider memorials in lieu of flowers to the First Baptist Church in Int’l. Falls, MN or the Littlefork Care Center.
Funeral services will be conducted at the First Baptist Church in Int’l Falls on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will held prior to service time, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m.
Condolences may be left at www.greenlarsen.com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
A weekly Friday newspaper serving International Falls and all of Koochiching County