Frank J. Wehner, 92, Richardton, died Thursday, November 14, 2013 at Sanford Health, Bismarck. Frank’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Richardton with Fr. Boniface Muggli, OSB as celebrant and Abbot Brian Wangler, OSB as con-celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Richardton. Visitation will be Monday, November 18, 2013 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and will continue at the church Tuesday one hour prior to service time. There will be a Knights of Columbus Council 4185 rosary and vigil Monday at 7 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, with Deacon Ralph Stockert presiding.
Frank J. Wehner was born April 4, 1921 at Detroit, Mich. to Joseph and Anna (Krug) Wehner. Frank moved frequently during his childhood but he always spent the summers at his grandparents’ farm near Taylor. After graduating from Gladstone High School, Frank joined the U.S. Army and served honorably from May 1942 until October 1945. As a Sergeant, he served in the signal corps in the European Theater. After his discharge, Frank worked as an orderly at the Ft. Meade, SD hospital where he met Esther Bogner. They married on August 26, 1947 after his graduation from Moler Barber College, Fargo. Frank barbered in various locations in ND and SD before settling in Richardton in 1952. Frank retired in 2000 after 53 years as a barber, at the age of 79.
Frank was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and the Elks. He also was treasurer of the Lions and managed the trailer court for 30 years. Frank belonged to a musical group, the Friday Nite Gang for 20 years where he played the accordion, concertina and harmonica. He also enjoyed woodworking but his favorite times were those spent with his family.
Frank is survived by his three daughters, Linda (Jim) Farina, Prospect, Conn., Charlene Wehner, Minneapolis, Minn., and Marilyn (Mark) Van Gestel, Omaha, Neb.; special friend, Sylvia Feller, Taylor; six grandchildren, Jamey (Mark) Spain, Becky (Josh) Nichols, Nick Farina, Zach (Catie) Van Gestel, Adam Van Gestel, and Laurie Farina; two great-grandchildren, Jackson Nichols and Adam Farina; four sisters, Ann Toth, Dorothy Wiege, Faye (Ron) Carlson, and Sherry (Frank) Meyers and one brother, Roger (Joan) Wehner.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther; four brothers, Allen, Martin, Richard, and Carl; one sister, Rose Marie and one infant daughter, Shirley. Memorials may be made in Frank’s name to: Sanford College of Nursing, 512 N 7th St, Bismarck, ND 58501.
