Reinhold E. Frank

Reinhold (Ren) Edward Frank affectionately known by so many as “Mr. Frank” went to meet his Heavenly Father on August 16, 2020. Ren was born in a farmhouse on Frank Road in Frankenmuth, Michigan on July 8, 1948, the fourth child of Carl and Flora (Zehnder) Frank. He was baptized into God’s family at St. Lorenz Lutheran Church on July 25, 1948. He attended St. Lorenz Lutheran School and was confirmed in his faith on April 15, 1962. After graduation from Frankenmuth High School, Ren attended Concordia Teachers College, River Forest, Illinois.

In 1971, Ren accepted a call to be a teacher and assistant minister of music at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. During his years at Bethlehem he taught primarily in the middle grades. He was involved with music and worship planning, was organist and director of Bethlehem’s Children's Choir, Junior Choir, High School and Adult Choir. He married Kathleen (Rice) Wacker at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on July 8, 1979 (his birthday so he would not forget their anniversary). He taught and directed choir at Bethlehem until 2009 and then went on to teach at Lutheran South Unity School until his retirement in 2012. He continued to direct choir and play organ at Bethlehem for many years after his retirement. He touched thousands of lives over the years through his teaching, music, and ministry.

Ren is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Kathy Frank. He is also survived by his children, Mark (Shannon) Frank of Indianapolis, Indiana, Lisa (Paul) Vanek of Indianapolis, Indiana, Emilie (Chris) Nelson of Royal Oak, Michigan, and Michael (Kaleigh) Frank of Fort Wayne, Indiana; his grandchildren, Lauren and Trevor Frank, Sarah and Wesley Vanek, and Charlotte Nelson; sister Maggie Stroebel and brother George Frank. He is also survived by brother in-laws Walt (Colleen) Rice and Will (Nancy) Rice. He leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends to cherish his memory. Ren was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Flora Frank; in-laws Norval and Margaret Rice; brother-in-law Fred Stroebel; brother and sister-in-law John and Judy Frank; and sister-in-law Leanne Frank.

Ren enjoyed worship planning and playing the organ, traveling all over the world with his wife, Kathy, and spending time with family and friends. He was an incredible cook, enjoyed spending time outdoors and keeping up with his beautiful landscaping. He was very artistic and created beautiful flower arrangements, paintings, and was very particular about decorating his Christmas tree. He also loved relaxing in his hot tub, watching the Michigan Wolverines, and an extra dry gin martini.

Due to on-going health concerns and gathering limitations, social distancing is requested and face masks are required. Ren’s visitation will be held at D.O. McComb and Sons Funeral Home 1140 Lake Avenue Fort Wayne, Indiana on Friday, August 28 from 2 - 6 pm. His funeral will take place at Bethlehem Lutheran Church 3705 S. Anthony Boulevard. Fort Wayne, Indiana on Saturday, August 29 at 11 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. His committal and burial will be on Sunday August 30 at St. Lorenz Lutheran Cemetery in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Those wishing to express their condolences are asked to consider memorial contributions to Lutheran School Unity South; 5401 South Calhoun St.; Fort Wayne, IN 46807 or Bethlehem Lutheran Church; 3705 South Anthony Blvd.; Fort Wayne, IN 46806 (Note in the memo line of your check “Music Fund” or “Organ Fund.”