Frank William Cervenka

December 18, 1940 – May 23, 2025

Frank William Cervenka, 84, of Morro Bay, California, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025. Born on December 18, 1940, in Hanford, California, Frank lived a life marked by service, discipline, and a deep appreciation for both family and the outdoors.

Frank pursued higher education with his characteristic focus and drive. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Engineering from California State Polytechnic College in San Luis Obispo, where he also completed the ROTC program—an experience that would prepare him well for military service. He later continued his education by earning a Master of Business Administration from the University of Santa Clara, further strengthening his technical and leadership skills.

Following his graduation from Cal Poly, Frank proudly served in the U.S. Army, where he rose to the rank of Captain. Stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany, he held key leadership roles as a Company Commander and Battalion Operations Officer in a Signal Corps battalion. His work was instrumental in maintaining the 7th Army Communication System, utilizing UHF radio and carrier equipment to support vital military operations.

Professionally, Frank made significant contributions to aerospace and defense. He worked for 10 years as a Senior Test Operations Engineer at Martin Marietta Astronautics at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Prior to that, he spent 6 years as an Engineer at Lockheed Missile and Space Company in Sunnyvale, California. In addition to his engineering work, Frank was a licensed building and landscape contractor and a certified Realtor—always finding new ways to apply his talents and knowledge.

During his first marriage, Frank also pursued his love of animals and rural life by owning and operating an Arabian horse ranch in Paso Robles. He took great pride in caring for his horses, and even raced a prized stallion named Markello—an endeavor that reflected both his competitive spirit and deep appreciation for the bond between man and horse.

Outside of his professional life, Frank was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. He loved being in nature and regularly competed in trap shooting competitions. His appreciation for the outdoors reflected his broader values—focus, patience, and respect for the natural world.

Frank is survived by his daughters, Stacy and Danielle, as well as granddaughters Ashlee and Shaylee and grandpups Clemmie and Rudy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Los Osos Valley Mortuary and Memorial Park in Los Osos, California. Family and friends are welcome to attend as we honor and celebrate Frank’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a veterans’ organization or a wildlife conservation group, in memory of Frank’s commitment to service and love of the outdoors.

Frank William Cervenka’s legacy is one of dedication, quiet strength, and enduring love for his family, his country, and the land he so deeply cherished.