Frank Heiss

1929 - 2025

Frank Walter Heiss

1929 ~ 2025

Sandy, UT-Frank Walter Heiss, age 96, passed away peacefully on 15 August 2025.

Frank was born on 26 February 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, to Frank J. and Gertrude M. Heiss. The Heiss family moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, California, when he was six months old. Frank was raised in Daly City, California, graduating from Jefferson High School. As a teen, he was a dedicated Boy Scout. In 1945, he was enlisted as one of the select group of Eagle Scouts to perform messenger duties at the United Nations Conference on International Organization, held in San Francisco. He attended San Mateo Junior College, receiving an Associates of Arts degree in mechanical engineering. From 1949 to 1951, he served in the Swiss-Austrian Mission.

After returning from his mission, Frank was drafted into the US Army, serving two years at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as a first sergeant in a training outfit. Following his military service, he returned to college and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. Upon graduation, he was employed as an engineer for the phone company and was later recruited as a sales engineer, which became his career until retirement.

In 1956, Frank married Patricia Weiner, with whom he had five children. They were later divorced. In 1995, he married Sharon Sessions, with whom he enjoyed missionary service, travel, and family get-togethers.

Frank was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in several callings, including as San Francisco Stake assistant executive secretary, Elders Quorum president, Scoutmaster (for nearly 21 years!), member of the High Council, bishopric 2nd counselor, bishop, and Beirut Branch president, while he and Sharon were serving in the Greece Athens Mission with a special assignment to Lebanon, 2002-2004. Frank and Sharon served two additional missions: Europe Area office in Frankfurt, Germany, as humanitarian specialists, 2006-2008, and in the Welfare Services Department in the Church Office Building. They also served in the Oakland California and the Jordan River temples.

Always active in the Boy Scouts of America, Frank received his Eagle Scout award and later the highest Explorer Scout award -- the Ranger Award. As an adult Scout leader, he received the Silver Beaver award in 1975. He was a Scoutmaster, Round Table commissioner, and Scoutmaster trainer in the Wood Badge course, where he received his third bead. His proudest moment as a Scoutmaster in Troop 106 (Fremont 3rd Ward) was when twelve young men received their Eagle awards at the same court of honor, which was one of the largest single groups to receive their Eagles in the United States at one time. His final service in Scouting was as Webelos Leader in the Hidden Valley 4th Ward. He was only in his mid-80s when he was doing that! He loved Scouting.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, wife Sharon, and his daughter-in-law Karen. He is survived by his children, Matthew (Becky), Nicki, Reid (Darla), Stacey, and Rod (Marie), as well as by his stepdaughter Judi (Kent) Judkins, and by 13 grandchildren and by 24 great-grandchildren.

A celebration of Frank's life will be held on Saturday, 23 August 2025 at the LDS meetinghouse located at 1450 Raddon Drive in Sandy, Utah, at 10:00 a.m. No flowers please. Those inclined are asked to make donations to the Latter-day Saint Charities.