A few months after reaching his goal of living to the age of 100, Erwin Richard Frank died on March 12, 2024.
Born November 6, 1923, in Hamburg, Germany. Erwin was the 6th child of Grete Anna Elisabeth Schloss and Richard Carl Wilhelm Frank (Fick). He outlived all his siblings: Elfriede Kuehne, Otto, Willy, Gertrud Menssen, Elsa Muecke, Alfred, and Elisabeth.
In 1941, at the age of 17, Erwin was drafted into the Reich Labour Service, a German work organization. He worked there for six months guarding aircraft hangers in France. After being home for just two weeks, he was drafted into the Signal Intelligence Agency of the German Air Force, working in communications. During World War II, Erwin saw action in Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, and Elba, of Italy and Wiesbaden, Germany.
While he was serving in the war, Erwin’s parents moved to another part of Hamburg. Erwin’s sister, Lisa (Elisabeth) became friends with Ruth Drachenberg as they both attended the same ‘The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ youth program. Lisa mentioned she had two brothers that would be home on leave soon.
In July 1943, Erwin came home on furlough from Italy for two weeks. While he was home, Ruth asked her mother if she could take some strawberries over to the Frank family since Ruth’s brother Waldemar had been good friends with Erwin. Ruth liked Erwin right away and two days later she found Erwin waiting for her at the door when she was leaving work. They were inseparable for the duration of his furlough. Erwin and Ruth wrote letters to each other after Erwin returned to Italy. Ruth said he wrote beautiful love letters.
While home on sick leave in October 1944, Erwin proposed to Ruth. After recovering, he returned to Italy.
When the war ended in May 1945, he returned to Hamburg. Erwin found work at the Barmbecker Hospital which had been taken over by the British.
Erwin and Ruth were married by the Justice of the Peace on August 18, 1945. Later that afternoon they had a ceremony at the Altona Branch after which Erwin had arranged for a horse drawn coach to take them back to her parent's home for a celebration.
Initially, the newlywed couple lived with members of their family until they were able to build their own home with bricks they collected from bombed out houses. They stayed in their home for a summer, later moving in with family again.
Food was scarce. Times were hard. In 1947 when the shortages were at their worst. President Ezra Taft Benson, an apostle for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and church emissary for the reconstruction of Europe, brought needed food and clothing.
Erwin and Ruth welcomed Uwe “Wally” in 1947 and Raimund “Raymond” in 1949.
Erwin's parents had immigrated to America in 1948 to join Erwin's older sister, Elfriede (Erich) Kuehne and Uncle Otto (Rosie) Schloss, Grete's brother, both living in Salt Lake City. Erwin and Ruth desired to join their family in America. Uncle Otto Schloss’ bishop, Sterling W. Sill of the Garden Park Ward, agreed to sponsor them. On January 24, 1950 Erwin, Ruth, Uwe “Wally”, and Raimund “Raymond” arrived in New York by steam ship, The Washington and then finished their journey to Salt Lake City, Utah.
On September 11, 1950, Erwin, Ruth, and their children were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Another important date for them was when they became American Citizens and were sworn in on May 19, 1955.
They lived with Uncle Otto and Rosie Schloss for 3 months until Erwin got a job with Whitmore Oxygen. They were able to pay off their loan from the Credit Union for their passage in one year. Erwin and Ruth rented a home from Dr. Stobbe in Sandy and then moved near the Utah State Fairground area. Later Erwin and Ruth bought a home on the Avenues where they lived for 49 years.
During his lifetime Erwin worked for Pacific Intermountain Express (P.I.E.), Southeast Furniture Co., JC Penney, Meadow Gold Dairy, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Institute of Religion, Granite School District, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He retired in 1988.
After arriving in America, five more children would join their family: Steven (1951), Dennis (1952), Janet (1955), Linda (1958) and Douglas (1963).
Erwin and Ruth were married for nearly 63 years when Ruth passed on July 30, 2008.
Erwin was a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Erwin was a gardener and planted a large garden every summer. Fitness was important to him. He participated in 5K races until the age of 88. Over fifty-five years ago, he joined a gym, encouraging family members to come as well. He enjoyed the hot tub, sauna, steam room, and walking in the pool. He continued walking in the pool at Sagewood at Daybreak until weeks before his death. He enjoyed music. He was a good dancer and played multiple instruments. He would play his harmonica at family events, birthdays, funerals, and Christmas parties.
For more than thirty years, Erwin enjoyed dining at the Liberty Senior Center. He had a world of friends there.
Erwin was preceded in death by his wife Ruth, daughter-in-law Kristie (Dennis), and great grandchildren: Drake Frank and Jeremy Duce. He is survived by his adopted brothers: Reynold and Tom (Robin), two nephews whom his parents adopted in 1955; seven children: Uwe “Wally” (Nancy), Raimund “Ray” (Shelley), Steven (Judy), Dennis (Ada), Janet (Lorin) Capson, Linda (Jerry) Gross, Douglas (Dwain Hart); thirty-one grandchildren, eighty-three great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
A special thank you to the many Canyon Home Care professionals who were dedicated to improving Erwin’s health and living his best life for many years. He spent the last two years living at Sagewood at Daybreak where he enjoyed his new friends and remarkable care from the staff. He was blessed to have Canyon Home Care and Hospice’s help in making him comfortable during the last weeks of his life.
Dad was well taken care of and loved by many neighbors, friends, and family members. Thank you to the many that called and visited him, wrote him letters, played his favorite game with him, brought over his favorite candy, cooked his favorite meal, his favorite dessert, his favorite brats, his favorite fruit, decorated his walls with holiday decorations, cut his hair and offered prayers on his behalf.
Much appreciation and gratitude to his niece, Birgid, who wrote a letter to Dad every day for more than 3 years.
A “Celebration of Life” with Erwin in attendance, was held last summer with family and friends.
No funeral service.
Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery in Utah.
What a wonderful man he was. And lived a life full of special memories. He is with his wife now . My thoughts and prayers to all the Frank family Love grandma great. Huber
To know Onkel Erwin was a lesson of a life well lived, a life that radiated his love for all of us who knew him. His faith in our Lord kept him moving successfully through some of his life’s expenses that would have broken and did many others.. Yes, he outlived all his siblings. And now they and his beloved Ruth welcome him with love. Perhaps the Lord will allow him to reconstitute the Fabulous Four harmonica band to bring the same joy in Heaven it brought to us on earth.
I will always remember Uncle Erwin for so many reasons since his arrival in Salt Lake City until his 100 anniversary celebration. But my most enduring memories have been watching and listening to him playing his harmonica with others at the many birthday and family gatherings over the years.
What a jewel of a man! Our future reunion will be wonderful.
Dear Frank family, I grew up with all of you on the Avenues in the Ensign 3rd Ward. What a pleasure it was to read this wonderfully written obituary. On behalf of the 9th Avenue Mower siblings (David, Carol, Jay, Jeanene & Janice) I express our sadness for the loss of Erwin. His century of service is remarkable. We take comfort in the Resurrection.
My Grandparent’s Lee and Dorothy Boswell lived two houses away from Ruth and Erwin and their family and attended the ward for many, many years. My grandpa always spoke highly of them. I’m happy to see that Erwin had a long and seemingly happy life. My condolences to his family.
What a blessing this sweet uncle has been to out family. I can only imagine the reunion that has taken place with Oma and Opa and all their children together again. Our love to all of Erwin and Ruth”sfamilt
Erwin was a good neighbor and friend and I'm glad I got to see him just a week before he died.
Franks were always leaders in the gospel. My parents loved your parents and always looked up to them for leadership. What wonderful Saints that dedicated their lives and gave all to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They were the early pioneers of Hamburg. Hummel Hummel
I was a missionary with Dennis. I don't know how to reach him at this time. I am saddened to learn of your father's passing. He lead a long and most remarkable life. I know you will find comfort in the power of the atonement at this difficult time.
When my wife Angie and I moved to Sagewood, Senior Living, Erwin was our neighbor. He greeted us with his old familiar smile.
He and I became breakfast buddies for several months. I can still remember him sharing his early days as a German immigrant in the Salt Lake area.
He told me about “my boys” as he referred to them.
I was fortunate to meet some of them when they came to swim with their dad.
It was obvious to me that they had a good bond with each other.
Last Fall, before his 100th birthday, I encouraged him to bear his testimony in church. I can still hear him sharing his love for the Gospel as he proudly held in his hand one of his church certificates.
Thank you Erwin for being a kind friend. Thank you for you warm smile.
See you soon,
Love you brother.
Serge
So very sorry Doug !!! My love to you and your family 💜
Dear Frank family,
I am sorry to read of the passing of your father, but it brings me warm memories as I see his face in the photos. I remember Erwin and Ruth spending evenings in our home, playing games, laughing, and visiting as they were helping my mother learn German for a University class, and they were practicing their English.
Erwin came to my father's viewing when he died in 2010 and my mother was so happy to see him again! I was surprised to see that you are related to Otto Schloss, who also was a friend that probably introduced our families. They were wonderful people! My sincere condolences.
I spent the first five years of my life not knowing any relatives outside of my immediate family. Then, beginning in 1948, things changed as grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins began coming to America. With great fondness, I remember the many great family gatherings that followed. Uncle Erwin, his brother Willy, our Uncle Otto and my father Erich made fun music with their harmonicas. Not too many years ago, Uncle Erwin noticed that I was no longer the skinny kid he first met many years ago. This encounter led to him inviting me to go to the gym with him. As always, concerned about others. He has left a legacy that will serve as an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.
My sincere condolences with the passing of Erwin who for more than 10 years was the love of my life. I wish you all the best with the great memories to be remembered. Ria.
Dear Frank Family,
So many life experiences with this goodly man. My parents. Ace and Marlene Avery lived in the Avenues when the Franks moved into their ward. My Father A.C. was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. But he served as an outstanding Scout Master. My mother Marlene was a member and served as a visiting teaching companion of Ruth's. My mom loved Ruth and talked of the goodness of the Frank family.
I wasn't born until 1963 so I did not know the Franks as we moved out of the Avenues in 1962 ish.
Fast forward to our daughter Julie Marlene Huber. She meet a referee who was referring her women's basketball team in young single adults. His name Andrew Christopher Frank. A grandson. Andrew loved the smell of icy hot. Haha all over Julie. He got the courage to ask her out.
Andrew arrived for the first date. The moment I met him I knew he would marry our daughter.
They did and we often said how Grandma Frank and Grandma Avery arranged their marriage in Heaven.
Grandpa Frank was always good to me and my family. He told me once it was Ace Avery who taught him how to invest and do well with money. He also said my father was the best Scout Master he'd every meet. Made me cry.
Grandpa Frank just hours before his death opened his eyes and smiled at Julie when she asked him to hug and kiss her Grandpa and Grandma Avery for her. Their love and mutual respect the two couples was shared for years.
May you all be comforted knowing he is so happy now. Together with his precious Ruth and watching over each of you. If you want to follow in his footsteps continue in having a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Give and love all and serve with all your might, mind and strength.
Good Bless every Frank as you navigate through this mortal life.
We love you!
Ron and Kristy Avery Huber
Janet, sorry for your loss. He lived a great life. And is now with the love of his wife celebrating. Love you, Valeen
We were so blessed to know Brother Frank the last few years of his life. We are neighbors with Jerry and Linda Gross and Darren and Anna Frank in Murray.
We would look forward to our nightly walks, and stopping by Erwin’s porch and listening to him play the harmonica and sharing stories with him. We were touched by his zest for life, his example, his talents, and his testimony, and especially his love.
He always had a smile on his face, and we loved talking with him. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to all of you, thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Much love ❤️
Allen and Laurie Hymas
I have many fond memories of Brother Frank and his dear wife Ruth my Primary teacher when we lived in Ensign Third Ward in the Avenues of Salt Lake City. They were a great couple and had a lovely family. My dad John Jenkins and my husband Alan Whitchurch who served in Germany on their missions loved to converse with Erwin every chance they got . He kindly obliged and carried on with their requests. He was a good example for us all of hard work and a strong testimony.
May warm memories of this wonderful man live on for all of us.
Mary Whitchurch
The Robert and Jo Ann Cummings family were near neighbors and fellow ward members of the Erwin and Ruth Frank family for nearly 50 years, and friends for almost 70 years. We admire the Frank family for their industry, loyalty and faithfulness. Bob especially remembers and appreciates the birthday torte Ruth gave him for many years. We treasure your friendship and look forward to continuing that friendship both here and on the other side of the veil. Our love and condolences,
The Bob and Jo Ann Cummings family
I will miss his smile. When I returned from my mission to Austria, Brother Frank enthusiastically took me to see German language movies at a theater on the west side. I rented one of his homes next door to him as a newlywed. I can attest to his gardening abilities! I think of him often and I will miss seeing him.
I knew Bro. Frank when I lived in the Ensign 4th Ward. He helped us arrange the room for Primary and always cared that it was done right. I loved and admired him from then on. He was always wonderful and kind.
My love to his family.
Dear Frank family:
I grew up next door to the Frank’s. I remember Ruth’s German chocolate cake. I remember how creative and kind Erwin was. I remember how Erwin and Ruth remodeled their home. They were the epitome of industriousness! So many people blessed by the Frank family!!
Doug Smith
