Frank J. Hatzenbuhler, 93, went to his eternal rest on January 10, 2025 surrounded by his family and Rex (the Family Guardian Dog) at the family farm. Frank’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Friday, January 17, 2025 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Justin Waltz as the celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Dickinson. Visitation will be Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Ross Reiter presiding. Visitation will continue on Friday one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
He was born on August 8, 1931 to Jacob and Theresa (Miller) Hatzenbuhler and the youngest of 11 children. Frank graduated High School in 1949 and then attended Dickinson Teachers College and taught in rural schools until taking over the family farm.
Frank married Juliann Kolling on June 9, 1958 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dickinson. They made their home and raised their family on the farm south of Dickinson. Besides the farm he coordinated National Farmers Organization programs as needed. Working at the Leigh Briquetting plant when that shut down, he went to work for Electric Sales and Service. Frank wanted to contribute his talents to the area, one was the Rural Community Development and was a dedicated board member. But Frank’s passion was the Rural Fire Department where he was a member for 44 years.
Frank could have been fishing all summer. If the fellas could go with, it was even better. (Pinochle, fishing, pinochle, and fishing, Repeat).
Frank is survived by his wife of 66 years, Juliann; daughters, Theresa (William) Sanchez, Anna Mae Hatzenbuhler, Charlotte Holverson, Paulette (Clay) Johnson, and Rayne (Todd) Anderson; sons, Frank Jr. (Cece) Hatzenbuhler, Joseph (Danielle) Hatzenbuhler, and Mark (Myra) Hatzenbuhler; along with 29 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his son, Leslie; daughter, Helen; and parents, Jacob and Theresa; along with his siblings, John (Mary), Albert (Opal), Hilda (Ray) Conner, Clement (Betty), Betty (Albert) Marsh, Maggie (Louie) Pribyl, Pauline (Joseph) Greff, Margaret (Laudie) Ficek and Mike (Leona).
Dad will be elated that the tradition of Medicinal Shine is being carried on by the Family. His pheasant hunters will always be welcome at the farm. Lady, dad’s trusted hunting dog and partner, will be interred with dad and will carry on their hunting expeditions.
