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Frank Sturzl Jr.

1945 - 2018

Frank Sturzl Jr. obituary, 1945-2018, Austin, TX

FUNERAL HOME

Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home Lake Travis

411 Ranch Road 620 South

Austin, Texas

Frank Sturzl Obituary

STURZL Jr., Frank Joseph Frank Joseph Sturzl, Jr. was born in Pipestone, Minnesota, on October 10, 1945, to Frank Joseph Sturzl, Sr. and Helen Audrey (Hansen) Sturzl. Awaiting Frank in a small two-bedroom home were five sisters. A sixth sister had died before Frank was born, and a seventh sister was born in 1952. He had no brothers. Frank always said it took many years for him to realize how fortunate he was to have been surrounded in his formative years by these strong, capable, and talented young women. After graduating from Pipestone High School in 1963, Frank went to college in California. This initial attempt at higher education was an abject failure. In less than a year, he was no longer in college (he had been asked to leave), he was without a job, and he faced the certainty that he would soon be drafted. In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, a decision he later described as the most transformative event of his life. After basic training, Frank was sent to intensive language training at Indiana University, where he studied the Russian language for ten months. Following language school, he spent nearly three years overseas as an active participant in the Cold War. He was then transferred to Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, where he was an instructor until his discharge in 1972. Frank immediately enrolled at Angelo State University where he majored in government. After graduating from ASU in 1974, he was fortunate enough to be accepted at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas. He received his Masters Degree in Public Affairs in 1976. After a short tenure with a consulting firm, Frank went to work for the Texas Municipal League where he stayed for 31 years. He was the TML executive director for 22 years, from 1988 until 2010, when he retired from the League. Frank always maintained that the League's many successes during his tenure as executive director were attributable to the diligence and brilliance of the TML staff and that any failures were his and his alone. Frank didn't stay in retirement; he immediately went to work for HillCo Partners, an Austin-based government relations firm with which he was proudly affiliated for seven years. Throughout his career, he worked to prevent the Texas Legislature from destroying Texas cities and depriving local voters of their right to govern themselves. He is survived by his wife Brenda Lynn Sturzl, his best friend and eternal love. He is also survived by his son Bart Henry Sturzl and wife Becky of Austin; Brenda's three daughters, Lisa Kirk, Christie Morris, and Melanie Kirk. Frank is also survived by four of his sisters and by seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren, his most precious jewels. Frank's body will be cremated, and the ashes will be scattered. There will be a celebration of his life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 11, 2018 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, 411 RR 620 South, Lakeway, TX. Those who wish to memorialize his life are asked to make contributions to the Frank Sturzl Scholarship Fund at Angelo State University; the Air Force Memorial Foundation in Arlington, Virginia; or the LBJ School of Public Affairs "We are here to help each other get through this thing, whatever it is." Kurt Vonnegut Remembrances may be left at www.wcfish.com.

Published by Austin American-Statesman from Aug. 5 to Aug. 9, 2018.
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Memories and Condolences
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I was crushed to hear of your passing, Frank. You were an amazing man & a fabulous boss. I treasure the 6yrs I worked as your administrative assistant and all the things you taught me about local government. I'm sorry we didn't get to have lunch together one last time. You will always hold a special place in my life.

Anna Cooper

September 29, 2019

Frank was always and foremost a man of his word. He understood the legislative process & sought compromise even when he could have won. He sought what was right. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent with Frank & will miss him every day of my life.

Jon Fisher

August 21, 2018

It is with a heavy heart that I offer my deepest condolences to Frank's family and friends. It was an honor to know him and to have worked for him for almost ten years at the Texas Municipal League. His leadership and his kindness will never be forgotten.

Cheryl Ribich

Coworker

August 10, 2018

I was a classmate of Frank Sturzl in Pipestone MN from Kindergarden through 12th grade. He was the class president our senior year. I remember his campaign speach. It was funny and very well delivered. He won the election! We are celebrating our 55th reunion the end of this month. He attended our 50th and I was hoping to see him again. My classmates and I send our condolences to his family. You have suffered a great loss.

Kathryn Ihlan Allocco

August 5, 2018

I'm so sad to learn of Frank's death. I got to know him as a fellow league director and always enjoyed his wisdom and wit at all of our meetings. Frank was a person who folks enjoyed hanging out with, knowing the warmth of his friendship and value of his example, ingenuity and counsel. The world is diminished with his passing...God Bless!

John Andrews

Coworker

August 2, 2018

I was very sorry to learn of Franks' passing. We were colleagues during our tenure as heads of State Municipal Leagues. He was always fun to be around. His passion for serving the TML was always obvious. My sympathy is offered to his family, friends and colleagues with whom he served.

George D Goodman

Friend

August 2, 2018

I had the privilege of getting to know Frank as a fellow Executive Director of a State Municipal League. He had exceptional wisdom that he shared with those of us just getting started in the profession. I still remember his advice about how he handled his lobbying staff. Very sorry to hear of his passing; rest in peace, Frank.

Ken Strobeck

Coworker

August 1, 2018

I first met Frank in first grade. I remember the two bedroom house, and used to visit there with my mother. We grew to be great friends, and I think of him so often. Brenda, I am so glad we were able to meet when you accompanied Frank to Minneapolis. Your love for one another was so clear. I am sorry for your loss. Sisters Sherry, Millie, Maxine and Sister Joann, I mourn for you too. He was so very special in so many ways. Susan (Smith) Chilcote-Kmetz

Susan Chilcote-Kmetz

Classmate

August 1, 2018

It was as an honor to know & work with Mr. Frank Sturzl. With his guidance the Texas Youth Advisory Board was formed for TML. Jackie Livingston & Karla Vining took the ball and ran with it. It is still going strong almost 20 years later and the Youth of Texas have a voice as part of TML! Frank & Karla took me to Lexington, KY to spread our message on TX Youth and I will always be grateful to them....prayers to the family. RIP Frank.

Terri Cardwell

Coworker

August 1, 2018

Another great man leaving this earth way too early. I am glad I came to work for TML so I could have the opportunity to know him. I know he is at rest in internal peace. God Bless the Sturzl family is you go through this time of sorrow.

Patty Jackson

Coworker

July 30, 2018

Frank was great friend from the LBJ School and always had sage advice for me while at school and early in my career. I also remember Bart well when he was a young man growing up in Austin. My congratulations to Frank on a life well-lived.

Jim Dear
Sterling, Virginia

Jim Dear

Friend

July 29, 2018

Frank was a fine leader, and helped many or us develop the skills we needed to manage a city government. Thank you Frank.

Steve Swan

Friend

July 29, 2018

I was always impressed by Frank's wisdom, compassion and incredible sense of humor. He was an inspiration to everyone at TML and he will be sorely missed.

David LaBrec

Coworker

July 28, 2018

Rest in eternal peace...

Suzanne de Leon

Acquaintance

July 28, 2018

Dad, it fills me with sorrow that this time has come. I know this is part of life and I am strong in the fact that God will welcome you with open arms. I wanted to let you know that I have lived my entire life striving to be like you. I have always looked up to you and seen you as an example as to what it means to be a man. I love you more than you know and I will miss your advice and strength. I wanted to thank you for being my dad. Thank you for being strong and hard on me when I needed that and for being forgiving and easy on me when I needed that. I am the man I am today because of your guidance. I enjoyed our lunches together and the time we did get to spend together. I hope you know you will be missed and that you will always be in my heart. Your son. Bart.

Bart Sturzl

Son

July 28, 2018

Thank you for being in my life, I love you still.

Ashley Sturzl

Grandchild

July 27, 2018

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Memorial Events
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Aug

11

Celebration of Life

11:00 a.m.

Weed-Corley-Fish Lake Travis

411 Ranch Road 620 South, Lakeway, TX

Funeral services provided by:

Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home Lake Travis

411 Ranch Road 620 South, Austin, TX 78734

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