Ruthelle Frank

1927 - 2017

Frank, Ruthelle

Ruthelle Regina Frank, 89, Brokaw, died Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau.

Ruthelle was born August 21, 1927 in her beloved Village of Brokaw to the late Elmer and Dorothea (Baumann) Wedepohl across the street from the house she would eventually live in for her entire life. She was a 1945 graduate of Wausau High School and worked at Wausau Paper Mills until marrying Henry "Hank" Frank Jr. On June 27, 1953 at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with three children: Randy, Rochelle and Renae. Ruthelle and Hank celebrated 63 years together prior to his death on December 16, 2016.

Ruthelle relished being a mother and delighted in raising her children. She was devoted to her children teaching them practical skills like cooking, baking, gardening, raising pet chickens, instilling a love of reading and even sewed clothes for them. Family time included arts and crafts making Christmas tree and Easter egg tree ornaments. Most importantly, Ruthelle taught them by example to care for others first and stressed "If you don't use it, you lose it." She never let her physical challenges slow her down or stop her; traveling extensively throughout the country, often to the West Coast to visit relatives. She also enjoyed hiking in many parks and walking though the Village of Brokaw streets.

Ruthelle had a great love of the Village of Brokaw and served as a Trustee for 18 years. She gave back to Brokaw by donating her wages to go to Christmas decorations, playground equipment and flowers. Ruthelle was also dedicated to voters rights her entire life.

Ruthelle is survived by her beloved children, Randy and Rochelle Frank and Renae (Mitch) Butler; cousins and extended family and friends.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 AM Friday, June 9, 1017 at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Walter Davidson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service on Friday at the church. Burial will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park following the funeral service. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guest book at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church (2822 North 6th Street, Wausau, WI 54401).

A heartfelt word of thanks goes to the doctors, nurses and staff of Aspirus Wausau Hospital, especially for the compassionate care from the Emergency Department, Cardiac Telemetry Unit, Critical Care Unit and Palliative Care Unit.