HENRY "HEINIE" M. FRANK

July 15, 1920 - July 21, 2012

Henry "Heinie" M. Frank, 92, of Caledonia, died Sat., July 21, 2012, surrounded by his family at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, LaCrosse, WI. He was born July 15, 1920 in Caledonia, MN to John and Elizabeth (Wilwert) Frank. Heinie graduated from Loretto High School in 1938 and attended Wisconsin Business University in LaCrosse. He worked for Low Motors of LaCrosse as bookkeeper and parts man. In Dec., 1941 he entered in the U.S. Navy and was sent to Dallas for 2 years as a recruiter. He then went to British Guiana, South America, for 1 year served PBM PBY airplanes while sinking German subs off South America. Henry then joined the Atlantic fleet on a destroyer, finishing the war in Alaska and the Pacific. Returning to Caledonia in 1945, he bought a filling station, John A. Frank and Sons and built it up to what is known now as Ellingson Motors. He received the DeSoto Plymouth franchise in 1945. In 1950 he added the Oliver Farm Machinery, in 1957 he purchased the Chevrolet franchise and in 1965 he added Pontiac and Buick. The Oldsmobile franchise was added in 1972. He retired in 1984 and spent many winters with his wife in Florida. On June 27, 1946 he married Helen Ganrude at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Caledonia. Heinie thanked the good Lord for the many wonderful years they had together. He was active in the community and church; he was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, charter member of the Caledonia Lions, MaCal Grove Country Club, American Legion Post 191 and VFW Post 3833. He enjoyed dancing and traveling. He is survived by his wife Helen of Caledonia, daughters, Mary (Richard) Leary of Caledonia and Carol (Tom) Klug of Racine, WI; 7 grandchildren, Erin, David, Sarah, Jason, Jacob, Sarah, and Leslie; and 10 great grandchildren . He was preceded in death by his parents, a grandson, Mark Sullivan, a son in law, Bill Sullivan, a brother, LeRoy Frank, and a sister, Alma Michaud. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Wed., July 25, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Caledonia.Father Gregory Leif will officiate and burial with military honors by American Legion Post 191 and VFW Post 3833 will be in Calvary Cemetery, Caledonia. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm Tues., at Holy Family Hall, next to the church, with a rosary at 5:30pm and and and prayer service at 7 pm. Friends may also call one hour prior to the service at the church on Wed. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family.