Franklin J. Lothspeich

Franklin James Lothspeich, age 74, dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, departed this earth peacefully at his home on Tuesday, November 11, 2008. A long-time resident of Fargo, Frank had been living near Pelican Rapids since 2003. Frank was born on February 27, 1934 in Wales, ND to Edward and Rose (Dirkes) Lothspeich. He graduated from Wales High School and served his country in the Armed Forces from 1955 ? 1958. He was stationed in Germany for two years. After graduating from Dakota Business College in 1959, he pursued his career in the grocery wholesale business. He worked for Gamble Robinson Co., Flemming Brokerage, Durkee Foods and the North Dakota State Tax Department. He was a grocery merchandiser for Food Services of America before his retirement in 1996. He held membership in the Knights of Columbus and the Legion Club of Fargo. He was a life member of the VFW. He was proud to be one of the founding members of the Knights of Columbus at the Nativity parish. He married his beloved wife, Mary Catherine Zeis in 1960. They lived in Minot, Williston and Fargo, ND and most recently, on Franklin Lake in Minnesota. They raised four wonderful children of whom he was extremely proud. Frank loved socializing with family and friends, and made everyone feel welcome in his home, whether sharing a delicious meal or playing a friendly game of cards or dice. His kindness, humility, humor and generosity will forever be remembered by everyone who knew him. He is survived by his wife Mary, their children, Dennis Lothspeich (Pat Gimbel) of Brainerd, MN, Ruth (Doug) Hursman of Langdon, ND, Pamela Lothspeich (Dylan Sugiyama) of Pittsboro, NC, and Thomas (Natalie) of Muscatine, IA. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Audrey Lothspeich, Allison and Devin Hursman, Zoe, Ursula, and Tallulah Sugiyama, and Tyler, Sarah and Molly Lothspeich; three brothers, Edward (Irene) of Dickinson, Marlin of Park River, Lyle (Iris) of Langdon; one sister Ann (Larry) Hagen, Williston; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Lothspeich, Dickinson. Frank was preceded in death by his parents; three sons, Keith Alan, and twins, John Mathew and Joseph Edward; brothers, Eugene, Harold, Gerald, Donald and Leon; and sister-in-laws, Marion Lothspeich, Deloris Lothspeich, Patricia Lothspeich and Marie Lothspeich. Frank will be deeply missed by his many loved ones who cherish him so much. Visitation: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, November 14, 2008 at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, ND with Rosary at 5:45 pm followed by a Prayer Service at 6:00 pm. Funeral: 1:00 pm Saturday, November 15, 2008 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Fargo, ND.