Valentine Joseph Frank

Valentine J. Frank, age 87, passed away on October 23, 2012; at Hospice of the Valley in Mesa, Arizona after a short illness. He was born on November 6, 1924 in Cross Plains, WI. He attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grade School and the University of Wisconsin High School. After graduation he went to Seattle, WA to work at Boeing, building airplanes as World War II started. He came back home and joined the Army Air Corp. Then he joined the Cadet School for pilot and became a B-24 Pilot. He went on to become Captain of a crew at age 19. After the war ended, he stayed in the Air Force Reserves until his father needed him in his business, “Franks’ Market.” He operated and later owned Franks’ Market in Cross Plains for 41 years. He served on many boards and organizations. He was a Charter member of the Cross Plains American Legion and was Commander when they built the new Legion Hall, and remained active until his retirement at age 62. He served as President of Mid-state Grocers and State Grocers Associations, board member of the Certified Grocers of Wisconsin, and served on the State of Wisconsin Meat Advisory Committee. He also served on many local boards in Cross Plains and at his church, St. Francis Xavier. He was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Regina Frank, his brother, Don and sister, Virginia. Survivors include his beloved wife Mary, his four children; Michael, John (Susan), Julie, and Tom (Laura) and four grandchildren; Kyle, Sarah, Cassie and Maddie. Also survived by his brother, Roland; and sisters, Winnie Durkin and Connie Faust. The family wishes to thank his caregivers from Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ, 85014-5656. In lieu of flowers and expressions of sympathy, you may donate to Hospice of the Valley. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 30, 2012 in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 2213 N. Lindsay Road, Mesa, AZ; with burial at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery in Scottsdale, AZ, on October 30, 2012