Verdon Keith "Jim" Frank

Verdon “Jim” Frank, age 82, was called home Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Chippewa Manor in Chippewa Falls WI. He was born December 12, 1932 in New Auburn to Ira and Irene (Metcalf) Frank. He was named Verdon by his mother, but nicknamed “Jim” by his father. Jim grew up in “Mudbrook” in a close knit family of eleven children and many relatives. He enjoyed the outdoors, gardening, hunting, fishing, and passed that love onto his children and grandchildren.

On his 20th birthday he was inducted in the US Army and served two years in Korea. Upon his return, he married Goldene Rufledt in a double wedding with Rhodora “Dorie” and Francis “Sonny” Robey on September 10, 1955. Jim and Goldene farmed the first five years they were married. Most of his career was spent in road construction as an operator/grade foreman for Dresel Construction and later Mashuda Construction until age 59 ½ when a stroke caused him to retire. Jim “never let his tools rust” and was very active even after his stroke. He was an excellent woodworker. He designed and built a variety of projects including furniture and a tree house twelve feet from the ground. Beside his family, his pride and joy was his cabin where he spent so many hours landscaping, building, remodeling, feeding his birds and deer. He was a problem solver and known for his quick wit. Through his many health problems he kept a positive attitude and sense of humor. He never quit and was always there for his family.

Jim was a member of St. John’s Lutheran church in Eagleton, the American Legion, Operating Engineer’s Local 139 and Mudbrook Sportsman’s Club.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years: Goldene; four children: Margery “Maggie” Hansen, Ronald (Roberta) Frank, Lisa (Donald) Prill and Carol (Darren) Rust; Grandchildren: Gina (Mike Lesik) Durch, Brandon Frank, Derek, Jacob Aaron and Elijah Prill, Jonathan and Julia Rust; three brothers: Claire “Wop” Frank, Dale “Shorty” (Ken Reaves) Frank and Wayne “Jack” (Linda) Frank; three sisters: Geraldine “Pooey” Huhn, Ardis “Tiny” (Chuck) Frenz and Loris “Snottsy” (Jerry) Seibel; in-laws: Mae Frank, B. Jean Frank and Gary Vetterkind.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Ira and Irene Frank; one granddaughter: Bethany Jill “Buffy” Durch in 1986; two brothers: Arlyn “Bunk” Frank and Duane “Tom” Frank; two sisters: Lillian “Beans” Novak and Joyce “Rosie” Vetterkind; in-laws: Louise Frank, Errol “Cheesy” Huhn, Chet Novak and Edward and Hazel Rufledt.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Patient Express and their wonderful drivers, Mayo Dialysis on London Road, the staff at Chippewa Manor and the swing bed staff in Bloomer for their exceptional care.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Eagleton. Burial will be in the Rufledt Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 on Friday at the Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday.