Frank W. Peterson

Frank shared 59 years of marriage with his wife, Lue. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendship, laughter, and more than a few adventures. He was the proud father of two daughters, Tanya and Stacie, and the adoring grandfather of Hudson, Garrett, and Max. To Frank, being a grandfather wasn't simply a title - it was one of the great joys of his life.

Born in Fargo, North Dakota, Frank grew up following his grandfather around the family’s jewelry store, where he developed an early curiosity about people and the world around him. He was the proud big brother to twins Michael and Mitch and to his little sister, Claudia. From an early age, Frank naturally took on the role of guide, protector, and ringleader - a role he happily carried throughout his life.

After meeting and marrying Lue, the two set off for Texas to begin their life together, eventually finding their forever home on Mockingbird Lane in Indianapolis. For decades, their home was a gathering place for family and friends—filled with progressive dinners, birthday celebrations, Christmas spirit, and countless evenings spent with people who simply enjoyed being in the company of Frank and Lue. It was a home with an open door, where there was always a reason to gather and always room for one more.

Frank believed life was meant to be lived boldly. He encouraged the people around him to take chances, try something new, and not be afraid of a little risk—and he lived that philosophy himself. Inspired by Ernest Hemingway, Frank traveled to Spain with his son-in-law, following Hemingway’s path and, never one to simply watch from the sidelines, ran with the bulls in Pamplona. Not long after, while awaiting the arrival of his first grandson, Frank fulfilled another dream—learning to fly fish on a stream in Pennsylvania.

His adventures took many forms. He loved visiting his daughter Stacie in New York City twice a year for the food, theater, and fireworks or later in Maplewood, New Jersey exploring the Garden State. Las Vegas held a special place in Frank’s heart, made all the more memorable by the trips and adventures he shared there with his daughter Tanya. He appreciated a good old movie, a good diner for breakfast, enjoyed reading the newspaper, was an expert backgammon player, and rarely turned down a good game of cards.

But for all the places Frank traveled, some of his favorite destinations were wherever his grandchildren happened to be.

He was a familiar face in the stands and the audience at football, lacrosse and baseball games, spelling bees, theater productions, graduations, and countless other milestones. If it mattered to one of his grandchildren, it mattered to Frank. He showed his love by showing up, again and again.

Frank never met a stranger. He had a natural ability to connect with people and became a mentor to many throughout his life. He was curious, encouraging, adventurous, and always ready with a story, a spirited political debate, or an invitation to play one more game.

Frank leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Lue; his daughters, Tanya Lake and Stacie Hasler (Dan); his grandchildren, Hudson Reamer, Garrett Reamer, and Max Lake; and the many family members, friends, and people whose lives were made richer by knowing him.

A private family service will be held at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens.

In honor of Frank, the family invites you to celebrate his life in a way he would have appreciated: visit a city you've never seen, watch a good old movie, read the newspaper, play a game of backgammon—or take a chance on an adventure you've been putting off.

Frank would surely tell you to go.