Francis J. “Frank” Wald, 76, Dickinson, died Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at his home. Frank’s Mass of Christian Burial at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 7, 2011 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan on Monday, May 9, 2011 at 1 p.m., CT. Military honors will follow the Mass and be provided by the Dickinson Honors Team. Visitation will be on Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Friday at the church. Visitation will continue at Ladbury Funeral Service on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., there will be NO visitation at the church on Saturday. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Friday at the church.
Francis John “Frank” Wald was born April 8, 1935, the fifth of seven children to Anton and Magdalena (Bosch) Wald, on the family farm near Napoleon. Frank attended rural grammar schools in Logan County. He graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in Bismarck in 1952. He attended Bismarck Junior College and graduated in 1954. Frank joined the U.S. Army in January 1955 and served a tour of duty in Korea with the 7th Infantry Division.
Upon honorable discharge from the Army, Frank returned to North Dakota where he attended the University of North Dakota from 1957 – 1959, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Frank has always remained a loyal Fighting Sioux fan.
With his wife and children depending on him, Frank took the brave step of starting the Wald Agency in 1973. The Wald Agency later merged with Prairie Insurance to become the largest Property & Casualty agency in southwestern North Dakota. American Bank Center, formerly known as American State Bank & Trust, purchased the agency in 1998, where Frank continued to work until recently.
Frank was elected to the North Dakota House of Representatives in 1978, serving 30 years representing District 37 (Dickinson area). Frank was elected Speaker of the House in 1999, which he always held as a great honor and responsibility. During his tenure in the House, he spent most legislative sessions on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Frank worked tirelessly on behalf of his constituents and for Southwest North Dakota. He was a strong advocate for protecting innocent life, responsible energy development, the Southwest Water Pipeline and Dickinson State University.
Frank strove to be a statesman, dedicated public servant and an effective legislator. He was an avid pinochle player and enjoyed fishing and blackjack. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time at his cabin in the Black Hills.
Frank knew he was blessed with a peaceful, dignified death at his home in Dickinson, on May 3rd, surrounded by his loving family. He fought a brief, but courageous, battle with lung cancer and heart disease. Maintaining his sense of humor and strong will to the end, he confidently commended his soul into the loving arms of his merciful Savior, Jesus Christ.
Frank’s Civic Accomplishments: Appointed by Governor (now US Senator) John Hoeven to represent North Dakota on the Interstate Oil & Gas Compact Commission, Past President of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents, Past President of the North Dakota Association of Professional Insurance Agents, North Dakota “Agent of the Year” in 1987, Past President of the Dickinson Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the Dickinson Rotary Club, Lifetime member of the Elks, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church and recent recipient of an Honorary Degree from Dickinson State University
Frank is survived by his wife, Sharon (Mischel), their eight children: Kirk (Laura), Jo (Steve) Bogner, Mark (Maria), Laura (Michael) Gustafson, Cara (Larry) Pollock, Maria (Attas) Boutrous, Michael, Joseph (Erica) and 12 grandchildren: Ben, Sophia, Raquel, Amelia, Celine, Olivia, Colette, Matthew, Christiane, Micah, Christopher and Nicole. Frank is also survived by his siblings: Stanley (Fran), Marcella (Francis) Streifel, Wolfram “Wally” (Betty), sister-in-law Sheila (Milbert) Wald, as well as numerous beloved nieces and nephews. His siblings Milbert, Baltzer and Mary Helen preceded Frank in death.
The Wald family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and sincere thanks to the professional and compassionate physicians, nurses, staff and clergy of St. Alexius and St. Joseph hospitals and Heartland Hospice. We also thank Frank’s many wonderful relatives, friends, colleagues and well-wishers. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Home on the Range at www.hotrnd.com or 16351 I-94, Sentinel Butte, ND 58654.
