Frank Donald Grabenstatter

Frank was born on November 30, 1946 in Buffalo, New York to Frank Debus and Margaret (Jensen) Grabenstatter. As a young child, his family relocated from New York to California where his father pursued several business opportunities, eventually purchasing a service station in the mountains of Crestline, CA. Frank helped manage the service station on “the brim” and that is where he met a beautiful girl named Kathy who he would marry, grow a family with, and love for the rest of his life.

Growing up, Frank was influenced by his father’s work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. As a young man, Frank displayed qualities that would characterize the man he became. He was smart, brave, hardworking, gregarious, and chased adventure. He was never far from a dune buggy race in the desert, dirt biking on a camping trip, and developed into an avid outdoorsman. He boxed, played Triple-A baseball, and met his lifelong friend, Don Simonet, hanging out at the fraternity house. Not unlike his dad before him, he held several jobs: delivering Sparklets water, auto mechanic, and real estate agent. Don encouraged him to try out for the fire department given the solid benefits and his general disposition: once he set his mind on a goal, he didn’t stop until he achieved it. Frank traded his old past times for a training routine in the foothills outside of their Glendale home to work towards passing the strenuous fire academy entrance exam. He was hired to the Glendale Fire Department 9/16/1977. The fire department still offered that sense of adrenaline, and Frank spent time as a firefighter, an Engineer, and eventually rose up the ranks to Captain. Never satisfied to be stagnant for long, Frank took every opportunity to participate in trainings, gain new expertise, and ensure his men were safe. He was proud of his time as firefighter and cared deeply for the men he worked alongside. Decades later many of the men that worked for him still insisted on calling him Captain Grabenstatter, demonstrating the respect his men had for him. They were happy to see him arrive on a call and knew him as tough, but fair. An injury on the job led to an early retirement from his post as Captain in 1996.

While away from work, Frank and Kathy provided a rich, loving family life for their three daughters. Family was Frank’s top priority; he focused on providing for them the best he could. Moreso, he was their foundation, the pillar of the family that kept us safe, taught us how to approach life with our eyes wide open, and created opportunities for us to play, learn, and thrive along the way. Every overnight he spent at the station, Frank called to check in with Kathy and the kids. We talked about our day at school and sports practice, and he always said, “I love you,” to each of us before we passed the phone off. If there was a soccer game while he was scheduled, he and the crew would show up with the truck to make sure he didn’t miss his girls play. When he and Kathy had the opportunity to retire, they drove the two youngest girls to college towns to help pick their retirement spot based on where the girls wanted to relocate for their college education. As time passed, Frank’s family expanded, and he also played the role of a benevolent father-in-law and grandfather to the son-in-laws and grandchildren. Frank was always involved, a solid figure that always offered sound wisdom to each of us as along the way.

A common theme throughout Frank’s life was that he was always generous with his time and resources, willing to help anyone that may need it. His impact is difficult to measure as it transcends his professional service to others.

Frank is survived by his daughters, Kirsten Hillhouse (and husband, Josh Hillhouse) and Heidi Grabenstatter (and husband, Mike Griffith); son-in-law, David Escobar (and wife, Adriana Escobar); sister, Karina Grabenstatter; grandchildren, Maggie Griffith, Harvey Griffith, Samuel Griffith, Gabriel Hillhouse, Alonzo Escobar and Kaitlin Escobar and a niece, Jamie Renstrom.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine Grabenstatter, his daughter, Gretchen Grabenstatter-Escobar and his parents, Frank Debus Grabenstatter and Margaret Grabenstatter.

**A celebration of life will be held for Frank on Thursday, June 26th at 11:00 AM at Buckhorn Presbyterian Church, 8762 N Co Rd 27, Loveland, CO 80538

**Glendale Fire Department is honoring Frank and his service with a flag ceremony on Tuesday, May 27th at Fire Station 29, 2465 Honolulu Ave, Montrose, CA 91020

**If interested, donations can be made in Frank’s memory to Rescue7.org. Rescue 7 supports patients (in need of housing, food, and transportation during treatment) through charity events rooted in deep traditions of Fire Departments, Police Departments, and Military Branches.

To leave condolences for Frank's family, please visit www.allnuttloveland.com.