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Joel Frank Obituary
Joel is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Frank (Herren); his wife, Erin Frank (Appenfeller) and his children, Sophia Marie and Samuel Wesley, of the home; 3 siblings, Jeff (Jennifer) Frank, Justin (Annie) Frank and Jan (Tim) Hutley. He is preceded in death by his father, Gary.
Joel was born in Topeka, KS to Gary Dean and Elizabeth Ann Frank (Herren) on December 11, 1968. He graduated from Wabaunsee High School, Alma, KS, then earned his BS from Emporia State University and his MBA from Baker University. Joel married Erin Day Appenfeller on September 3, 2005 in Alma, KS. He worked in the railroad industry for 28 years as an Executive and Plant Manager, and with Erin, owned and operated several businesses. Joel was a trusted and successful businessman. Joel was an involved member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, including singing as part of the Creative Arts Team.
Joel was a devoted father and husband who loved to cook. His favorite place to be was in front of his smoker with a "brown" in his hand. Joel loved camping, gardening, and enjoyed anything he did with his kids. Joel was a teacher/coach at heart. He knew how to challenge people. He was a true leader who knew how to motivate people and inspire them to be their best. He was an avid jokester with his friends and family. Joel was always convincing Soph (Chicken), a talented dancer, that his triple turn and every other move, for that matter, were better than hers. He worked every day at instilling Sam with a vast knowledge of skid loaders and how to recognize "junk Chevys".
Pallbearers will be Jackson Frank, Curtis Havenstein, Darrin Hermesch, Evan Hutley, Tim Hutley, Arlan Miller, Tim Schuck, and Byron Wenderott and Honorary Pallbearers will be Jeff Frank, Justin Frank, Bob Harris, Brad Henry and George Wong.
Joel will lie in state on Friday, September 11, 2020 at 9:30 am at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 1600 Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068. The visitation will be followed by funeral services at 11:00 am, with Pastor Merle Mees of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, officiating. Interment will follow at 3:00 pm at the Peace UCC Cemetery, Cedar Point Road in Alma, KS, 66401, with Rev. Robert Grimm officiating. Arrangements are by the Stewart Funeral Home of Alma. Memorials can be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, PO Box 126, Alma, KS 66401 and will be designated toward Sophia and Samuel's education. Flowers may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd. Wamego, KS 66547. Condolences may be left at stewartfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Frank
Sponsored by CJOnline.com.
RANDALL G SIPES
January 21, 2023
Out here at Arrowhead getting ready for The CHIEFS to skin the Jaguars. I know you would cooking with a brown in your hand!
Ralph & Wanda Eberwein
September 22, 2020
Joel we be missed not only by family but all his friends
Anna Razo
September 19, 2020
My condolences to your family. I loved the video and could see how much Joel loved his family. I worked with your Mom at the AG’s office and I loved the way she spoke of her daughters and their families. Blessings to you Erin and your beautiful family.
Steve Krilich
September 15, 2020
Condolences To All From The Steve Krilich Family. We Are Very Sorry For Your Loss.
Paul Diepenbrock
September 14, 2020
Thoughts and prayers to the family of Joel Frank, will be remembered always. God Bless
Dale Sommer Family
September 12, 2020
Our thoughts and prayres are with you and your family Beth. Very sorry and saddened to hear about Joel.
Mindy Lesline-Ketchum
September 11, 2020
My heart breaks for the loss your family has suffered. It is obvious from all your family photos how much Joel loved his family and you all loved him. Prayers to Erin, Sophie and Sam. May God grant you peace.
Larry & Carol
September 10, 2020
We are sorry to hear about the loss of Joel. He will be missed. Prayers for the Frank Family
Lori Mannoni (Feyh)
September 10, 2020
I enjoyed growing up with Joel. He was a wonderful person and friend to everyone. While his presence will be missed the wonderful memories will live forever. Keeping you all in our thoughts and praying for peace and comfort.
Jeff Koopmeiners
September 10, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with Joel at Nordco. When I came to town he always ensured that we had a good lunch and maybe even a drink.
We spent as much time talking about our families and interests as we did work.
Joel will be missed. I will fondly remember the way he would light up talking about his family and hobbies.
Dew Burris
September 10, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I know his presence will be felt for a long time. His personality was amazing and I enjoyed the time I spent with him studying for our MBA, working and traveling together. He made it fun.
Karen McDaniel
September 9, 2020
May you have comfort in knowing that friends are here for you and we share in your sorrow.
Randy, Donna and Brett Teel
September 9, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Frank family. Joel had an amazing smile and was a terrific guy. So sorry for your loss.
Randy, Donna and Brett Teel.
Dave and Debbie Ast
September 9, 2020
Very sad. A great guy and a lot of fun to be around RIP Joel
Janet Hund
September 9, 2020
I have fond and funny memories of Joel from our Wabaunsee High School days. The bunsen burner mini-disaster from our Chemistry teacher, Messner's class, particularly comes to mind. Joel always had a smile on his face, a positive care-free attitude. My condolences to the family. Rest In Peace, Joel
Kelly Lietz
September 8, 2020
I was fortunate enough to sit across the cube wall from Joel not long after I first started working at BNSF. For those that know him best, he was on the phone 7 of the 8 hours we were there, helping, listening and occasionally telling a story or two My first trip to the WB was a Mulligan that he was hosting – just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, Joel started singing I will never forget that voice or that smile. I know the stories and memories will live on - Hugs and prayers to you all.
Bill Haralson
September 8, 2020
To the Joel family,
I'm so sorry that to hear that Joel died so young. Joel was a great, fun loving guy. Over the years, when I would see Joel, he would always give me his big smile, handshake and maybe a hug. He would ask me how I was doing and then proceed to tell me all about what was happening in his world. Before long, he would have me laughing about some past adventure. Joel was a friend that will be missed by all that knew him. I'm sure that Heaven has certainly gained a big fun-loving Angel. May your sadness and sorrow be eased by all the good memories and fun times that you had with Joel over the years.
My God Bless,
Bill Haralson
Friend and former co-worker
Carlos Garcia
September 8, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Sending our prayers for you.
Ken Brame
September 8, 2020
Our family is still in shock over Joel's passing. The Franks were some of the first people we met when we moved to KC 5 yrs ago and we quickly bonded. We were lucky enough to have them at our house to share a few "browns" and watch Joel's beloved Chiefs Win the SuperBowl together this past Winter. He was so happy. He will be missed by many....
George Davis
September 8, 2020
Thanks for the opportunities Joel, and it was a pleasure to work for you.
Brit Harris
September 7, 2020
Joel was an amazing business mentor and all around great friend to Payden. His presence will be missed dearly.
I loved hearing stories about Payden, Joel, and Sam driving around in the truck, belting out the song Shiny! We are sending prayers to all of the Frank family.
Starla Geisler
September 7, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Penny Kinder
September 7, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with Joel’s family and friends. He was a special person, who would light up the room with his outgoing personality.
Randy Sipes
September 6, 2020
I will always remember the Mulligan Stew that Joel and his brothers would prepare to celebrate a good year. If anyone (Joel's brothers) would like to get together for Mulligan Stew and a "Brown" to celebrate Joel's life I would be interested. Let me know 816-585-6172. God Speed Joel!
Linda Foster
September 6, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Frank family. My prayers are with you.
Bob Harris
September 6, 2020
A special moment.
Shelly Henry
September 5, 2020
Joel, you were always the one in the room to make people smile with your Jokes! I’m so thankful that we got to see you Sunday at our daughters wedding! I tried to get you to go out on the dance floor and you looked at me and said, “Watching those 3 dance and have a good time is my fun.” He was such a good dad and husband and loved you all so much! We loved him and will miss him dearly!! We are just devastated by the news!
Mark and Bev Henry
September 5, 2020
Joel was an awesome person and such a true friend to our son Brad. He was like having a brother for Brad. Our prayers are with the family. He will be missed. Thoses who knew him will live with so many wonderful memories
Georgianna Wong
September 5, 2020
A wonderful man will be missed by so many. Prayers to his family and friends.
Gerry Schmanke
September 5, 2020
So sorry to hear about Joel passing! You have out deepest sympathy!
Ginger Bohn
September 5, 2020
I am so sad to here of my friends passing. I have a lot of memories of our families hanging out together at Mulligans and beer drinks. You will be greatly missed by many! My prayers go out to your family and other friends
Denise Mogge Ash
September 5, 2020
I am heartbroken for this family. Please know that I am thinking of you and sending many prayers. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Don Giron
September 5, 2020
So very sad to hear of Joel's passing. My sincere condolences to the entire family during this difficult time. Found memories of working with Joel on the ATSF. He will be missed and remembered fondly by many.
Janet Bredehoeft
September 5, 2020
So sorry to hear the tragic news about Joel. May God be with and comfort Erin, his children and family during this difficult time.
Marty Dennis
September 5, 2020
So sorry to hear of Joel's passing. Just like the rest of his siblings, Joel was a wonderful person to be around during our high school years. Friends & family will be in our thoughts & prayers during these difficult times.
Steven Gilley
September 5, 2020
Peace and blessings to your lovely family.
Dan & Mendy Samford
September 5, 2020
Joel was a business associate that I always considered a friend.
He always knew how to light up a room.
With a joke or a cigar, his positive attitude was always around.
Joel, you will be missed.
Prayers.
C ya when we get there.
Dan and Mendy
Sandy Turner
September 5, 2020
Our deepest sympathy in your loss. Prayers for strength, you all are greatly loved.
Brian Brazzle
September 5, 2020
Our prayers are with you.
Schell Sadowski
September 5, 2020
Joel was loved and will be forever remembered by so many. It was a true privilege to grow up with him. All our love and prayers given for all of Joel’s beloved family and friends.
margie hogan
September 4, 2020
The Frank kids were among my favorites, so sorry to hear of Joel's passing. Pat Capoun asked me to share his loss of a childhood friend, he always looked up to Joel. Always know your loss is Heavens, gain, hugs Margie Hogan
Robert Harris
September 4, 2020
A special moment.
USD 329 Wabaunsee
September 4, 2020
Please accept my most sincere heartfelt condolences on your loss. Prayers for God's Peace Which Surpasses All Understanding.
John & Myrna Gleue
September 4, 2020
We are so very saddened to hear of Joel's passing. Our deepest sympathies to each of you. In love & prayer.
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