Frank, Edward W. (1901-1953)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1953 Feb 19 p. 9

Birth date: 1901 May 8

text of obituary:

MIN. EDWARD W. FRANK

Edward W. Frank, a son of William and Albertina (Doberstine) Frank, was born May 8, 1901, at Kitchin near Warsaw, Poland, and passed away 4:10 a.m. February 1, 1953, in our home north of Copeland, Kansas, reaching the age of 51 years, eight months and 23 days.

He came with his parents to America in 1903 and they lived with an uncle at Okeene, Okla. In the spring of 1904, his father homesteaded a claim near Balko, Beaver county, Okla., later moving his family there. In the fall of 1911, he with his parents moved to Alberta, Canada.

In 1917 he came to Colorado to visit, and made his home with his brother Adolph until the summer of 1918, when he came to Copeland, Kansas. Finding this a place of opportunity, he engaged in farming, and also became acquainted with the faith.

At the age of 19 he obeyed the call of God and was converted, finding forgiveness through the Blood of Christ. He was baptized March 27, 1920, by Min. Tobias A. Unruh, and became a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.

On June 11, 1922, he was joined in holy matrimony with his new deeply bereaved wife, Elizabeth Unruh of Galva, Kansas by Min. Tobias A. Unruh.

He was intensely interested in the Word of God, feeling the need that is should be taught more. Soon he with several other brethren organized a Sunday school in Haskell county. He enjoyed teaching and helping along wherever he could. His gifts soon were manifested. Since the church felt the need for more labourers, and through the leading of the Holy Spirit, he was chosen and ordained to the ministry March 27, 1927, by Min. Tobias A. Unruh. He was faithful and active in his God-given talents, being willing to render his service in evangelistic work in various places in the United States and Canada. He served on the Conference Arrangements Committee and various other church activities until health conditions would not permit him to work so extensively. Yet he was interested and devoted his time in the promotion of spiritual activities in the home community, for the welfare of the youth that they should become more acquainted and grounded in the Word of God. His last sermon to his home congregation on December 28, 1952, was “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found," Isaiah 55:6 to 9.

He enjoyed good health until January 1944, when he became very ill. Medical aid was sought far and wide. Soon it was discovered that he was afflicted with cancer, and it was thought that he had only a short time to live. God's help was sought and through much prayer and supplication, God saw fit to prolong his life nine more years. He often said, "I'm living on borrowed time." About the last week it became evident that he was failing rapidly. Through God's grace his pain was lessened, and being conscious to the end he could express his concerns to his family, the church, and the lost in the community. God called him home quietly, while his family was at his bedside.

His all too soon departure leaves a great vacancy in our home. Short seem the 30 years and seven months of our married life, in which we mutually shared the joys and blessings as well as the burdens and sorrows of life. He was much interested in the welfare and salvation of his children. He rejoiced much when they repented and his prayer was that they would remain faithful. It seems much too soon to give up husband and father, whose counsel and guidance we'll greatly miss.

His departure is mourned by his deeply sorrowing wife, two sons and five daughters, Sadie of the home, Florence (Mrs. Arlin Yost) of Sublette, Kansas, Floyd of Copeland, Esther, Mary, Jennie, and Paul of the home; one son-in-law, one daughter-in-law; two grandchildren; his mother of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada; seven brothers and two sisters, Ben of Pierceville, Kansas, Adolph of Lamar, Colo., Herman of Copeland, Harry of Winton, Calif., Otto and Sam of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Menno and Malina (Mrs. J. A. Miller) of Walsh, Alberta, and Clara (Mrs. Fred Reimchen) of Wetaskiwin, Alberta; and a host of relatives and friends.

We mourn but not as those which have no hope, for we have the full assurance that father has gone to his home above. Our determination is to meet him there. His father, two brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Thursday February 5, 1953, at 2 p.m. in the Copeland Mennonite church, with Ministers Vernon Nightengale and Norman Eicher in charge. Min. Eicher spoke from Isaiah 38:10-12, II Timothy 4:6-8, Revelation 14:12-13.

Interment was made in the nearby cemetery.