Frank Charles Rehling

Frank Charles Rehling, 98, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2021. Born May 12, 1922, in Vienna, Austria to Franz and Mary Gratzl Rehling. Frank immigrated to the United States at the age of 7, and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942. He trained as an Aviation Machinist Mate, which is an aircraft engine mechanic. He was stationed in the Philippines during WWII performing the critical job of repairing and maintaining aircraft. After several re-enlistments, Frank achieved the rank of Chief Aviation Machinist’s Mate B and went into the Reserves in 1966, then retired from the Navy in 1976. Frank continued to teach aircraft repair at Hill Air Force Base as a civilian until he retired in 1992.

While preparing for deployment to the Philippines during WWII, Frank passed through Salt Lake City, Utah, where he met his future wife, Sherry Ruth Andrews, in a dance hall. They were both great dancers and that became their connection. Conversing by letter while Frank was stationed in the Philippines, they carried on a romance until he returned from duty. They married on February 2, 1946 and spent 64 years together. He affectionately called Sherry his “Dove” and they raised a son and a daughter while moving around the country during his time in the Navy. They also suffered the heartbreaking loss of their third child, a still-born daughter.

Frank and Sherry enjoyed dancing, playing cards, gambling trips to Las Vegas and Wendover, and taking their trailer to Lava Hot Springs. Their home was always the gathering place for extended family and Frank loved to entertain their guests as “the host with the most.” Frank enjoyed bowling and golf. He was an avid reader with a wide range of knowledge and an incredible memory. He was a lifelong Dodgers fan and actively followed the Utah Jazz. He could always recall stats, contracts and trades.

After the passing of his wife Sherry on February 20, 2010, Frank became active at the Murray Heritage Senior Center. He played bingo, took strength training and balance classes, and yoga. Most of all, he loved dancing there every Thursday evening. He was a wonderful dancer and all of the ladies loved dancing with him.

Frank continued bowling on his senior league and that’s where he met his second wife, Shirley Rutta. They married on May 10, 2012. They continued to be active at the Senior Center, took day trips to Wendover, bowled, traveled on many cruises and could be found dancing nearly every Thursday night. They enjoyed 8 years of marriage before Shirley passed away August 15, 2020.

Survived by son Frank Jr, daughter Sherry Anne (Robert) Fuhriman; grandchildren Kelly (Ronnie) Cooper, Camie (Ryan) Nord, Brian Rehling and John Shackelford; and seven great-grandchildren. Preceeded in death by his parents, sister Mary Rehling Walker Fiedler, wife Sherry Ruth, a still-born daughter, second wife Shirley, and daughter in law Carol.

Friends and family are invited to celebrate Frank’s life on Monday, February 1, 2021 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 S).