Age 61, a lifelong resident of Northwest, Indiana, passed away Friday, January 04, 2013 at the University of Chicago. Joseph was born on September 7, 1951 in Hammond, Indiana, the son of the late Frederick A. and Geneva (nee Heath) Frank. He married the love of his life Marsha (nee Farmer) on January 30, 1968; Joe was a loving and devoted husband of almost 45 years, a teenage love that beat so many odds. He loved to operate heavy equipment and machinery at Safety Kleen, Phillips Metals and SMS. Joseph was a member of the Masonic Roosevelt Lodge No. 716 and attended The Church of Nazarene of Hobart. His favorite hobbies where; spending time with his family, history buff, fast cars, talking, collecting hats, watching old westerns and comedies ex; The Three Stooges. He taught his family about love and loyalty, beginning frugal, the value of hard work, and living life. He won his battle with lung cancer but lost the fight to a short-term acute illness. Joseph will be remembered as a loving husband, dad, and paw paw lost too early and will be forever and will be deeply missed.
Joseph is survived by his wife; Marsha Frank of Hobart, Children; M. Catherine (Tim) Fulton of Valparaiso, Wanda (Tom) Mathis of Valparaiso, Christopher B. Frank of Valparaiso, Angela (Frankie) Monahan of Valparaiso, grandchildren; Tommy, Brittany, Jacob Mathis, Timothy Fulton, Haley Yanez, Victoria and Noah Monahan, great-grandchildren; Tommy and Nevaeh, brothers; John of Hammond, Fred (Barbara) of Hobart, and Robert of Westchester, IL, a devoted best friend and brother to Fred, and 35 year friend of Bill W., who helped him salvage his life from alcoholism, find a God of his understanding, and to become the man who God intended him to be.
He is preceded in death by his son Joseph B. Frank and his parents .In lieu of flowers donations to the American Lung Association, 115 Washington St. Suite 1180 S. , Indianapolis, IN. 46204 or to the family of the Frank's would be appreciated.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Roy Richardson officiating at The Church of the Nazarene, 1. West Old Ridge Road, Hobart, Indiana. Visitation will be Thursday, January 10, 2013 from 2:00-7:00pm, at Rees Funeral Home, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart Chapel. Cremation will follow Call 219-942-2109 or online at www.reesfuneralhomes.com