Wesley Frank

Wesley passed away on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at Sanford Health Palliative Care in Fargo surrounded by his family.

Wesley Forbes Frank was born on August 17, 1922, in Brookings, SD, the son of William and Bertha (Krause) Frank.  He grew up in the Java area and attended seven years at the Sunshine Highland Grade School and moved with his grandparents from the farm into Java in 1935, where he graduated from High School in 1941. Wesley proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from October of 1942 until his discharge in October of 1945. He was stationed in Europe, Africa, Italy, Brazil and Yugoslavia. After his discharge he returned to South Dakota where he served as a Volunteer Fireman, operated the Java Grand Theatre with his brother Arthur from 1947 until 1957. Wesley was united in marriage to Ruth Kurle on October 25, 1951 in Java. They made their home in Java where they raised their family. Wesley served as a City Alderman for 6 years and City Mayor for 10 years. He worked as a relief rural mail carrier for 16 years, worked as a carpenter until 1965 when he started working with the Java Equity Lumber Department, retiring in 1986. Wesley was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Java.  He enjoyed playing baseball and refereed basketball for several years.  Wesley also enjoyed dancing, fishing, playing card, puzzles, and spending time with his family and grandkids. In 2010 Wesley and Ruth moved to Fargo where they have lived since.

Wesley is survived by his loving wife, Ruth of Fargo; his son, Clyde Frank of Rapid City, SD; his daughter, Colleen (Steve) Breitbach of Fargo; his grandchildren, Tyler (Amy) Breitbach and Tessa Breitbach both of Fargo. Also surviving are his half brothers, Curtis (Betty) Coos Bay, OR; Earl (Maxine) Frank of Java. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Betha; and his brother, Arthur.