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Francis P. "Frank" Uihlein Jr.
Francis P. "Frank" Uihlein Jr.
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Francis Uihlein Obituary
He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and the Korean War, retiring as major. He took great pride in being awarded the Purple Heart for his heroism in saving crewmates when the plane he was navigating was shot down. He was attached to the 390th Bombardment Group. Frank lived and worked for several years on Long Island where he owned and piloted his own plane, as well as owned Uihlein Construction Company. He retired from the Operating Engineers Union and moved to Plattsburgh in 1980. He has enjoyed a long and wonderful life. One of his greatest joys in his later years was going to Friendly's for breakfast with his great friends, military buddies, Mac, Mike and Nick. He has loved all the goodies his sister-in-law, Emma Tavernia, had brought him over the years.
Frank is survived by his daughters, Barbara Haapanen of California, Carol (Clyde) Olver of Pennsylvania and her children and grandchildren; a son, Jamie Uihlein and his wife Tammie of Port Kent and their children, Kirstin, Brett, Dylan and Logan; his wife, Melanie Spofford-Uihlein; his stepchildren, Mandi and Alex Spofford; his stepchildren from a previous marriage, Russell Thompson of Florida, Judy (Sean) Moore of Chazy; and several nieces and nephews.
He is predeceased by his former wives, Edna and Janet; his brother, John Uihlein; a sister, Emily Buckelt; and several of his canine companions, the most recent being his Cocker Spaniel, Pete.
Family will be receiving guests on Monday, May 26, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Heald Funeral Home, 48 Court St., Plattsburgh. Interment will be at a later date in the Saratoga National Cemetery.
Donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Adirondack Humane Society or to an animal charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Braelyn trombly
April 23, 2024
He was a great person and he is awsome
Stephen J. Van Woert
March 10, 2024
Hello. I would like to know if your daughter Barbara Uihlein was an alumna of Hartwick College, class of 1970. I was in that class. I recognized the name Haapanen and that they moved to California. That must be decades ago now. They made a beautiful couple as I remember them at college.
Tammie Uihlein
November 21, 2008
Hi Dad, as the holidays near I think of you and miss you more and more. I keep thinking of what to get you and there are so many things that I have seen that you would like. I wish we could have had one more holiday, one more christmas, just one more year with you. Logan is getting so big. He looks alot like you when you were a baby. He is round and cute!
I have told the boys that when the TV goes on in my room while we are all in the living room, it is you telling them to mind me! It makes me smile everytime it happens. I am glad you are still around!
We all miss you so much! We will be thinking of you and praying that you are looking down and enjoying your own feast with the family up there. I know the dogs will love the leftovers, and eating from your plate! :) You always did spoil them!
Well, I just wanted to tell you that I love you and miss you and appreciate you even now as you look down and try to help. Thank you Dad! For everything you have ever done and all that you continue to do even today from afar.
Love,
melanie
July 3, 2008
thinking of you this morning and wishing you were here to hold me my beautiful husband thank you for every day of love you ever gave me may it be enough to hold me over til the day I am back in your arms where I belong. I WILL TRY always Frank to raise Alex in a way that would make you proud. hard to believe that young man i brought to you all those years ago is 13..be with us today baby and I will be thinking of you tonight watching the fireworks and remembering the night we went in andys firebird and you told me the fireworks paled in comparison to me (may have been a line lol but sure made me feel good to hear it) missing you every day baby
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June 30, 2008
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
June 15, 2008
good afternoon!!!! Well Happy Fathers day to you and my Dad. I hope now that you two have met you see where I get my stubborn streak from! What do you think of me being all girly now? Pretty funny huh... Well Frank I hope you know what you're getting me into tomorrow. I know you will be right there cheering me on. Nicki and I had a great time yesterday and I hope I am doing the right thing by going to this Lisa Williams show.....I think if I go and don't hear from you I will think I am going crazy...too many things have happened for me to doubt that you are still taking care of me. Well regardless, I just wanted you to know that not a day goes by without you on my mind. I love you baby and miss you always. I pray that you are enjoying all of heavens beauty for YOU, my darling, deserve it! love ya! Mel
June 14, 2008
good morning my baby.....Happy Birthday to your mother & please send the same to my Dad and tell him I love him. Do you remember that this was going to be our original wedding day cause of our parents sharing this flag day birthday.....thank you for sending me back today to meet Tom....we had the best talk and after five minutes I knew that it wa him I was there to meet not Steve......weird but comforting at the same time. He is so smart and gave me a lot of good advice. I feel sure that our paths will cross again.
So looks like it may be Nicki and I going next saturday.....it would be the coolest thing ever if her father came thru for her. I am working so hard on my relationship with my kids....seems to be working but I guess time will tell. I have to say it was not easy sitting in a booth that you and the guys have been in but I did it. I am really doing this....I am so proud of all I have accomplished so far...Have to keep busy I guess that way I don't have to sit here and miss you or I would go crazy for sure.
well I am off to sleep without you another night......miss you my Frankie. I love you always....Mel
June 12, 2008
good morning my Frank the Crank,
First and foremost I would like to say thanks for sending us all the rainbows for I know they were from you and your way of telling me that I too can emerge from this "storm" and that there will again be beauty in my life. Thank you Frank more than I can ever say for keeping your word to me that you will take care of me. I can't tell you how freaked out I was when you told me to watch out for that truck....but Thank God that I listened...and as for my ticket...what can I say. Do you know how much comfort you bring me? Frank, I have never had such a strong connection with anyone in my life.....yes hunny, I can hear you and I know you are with me always. Now just keep heading me in the right direction okay...you'll have to be patient with me though as I am new to this whole experience. I love you so much, my baby. wishing you were here to say good morning too and wanting to see that smile to start the day and hear you tell me that I'm awful stingy with my kisses....lol
missing you always, Mel
June 10, 2008
Hey baby and thank your taking care of me even from heaven.
I wrote this to you earlier and decided to share it with everyone.....
To My Frank,
The rest of the world saw your physical self--the one that was a frail little old man, who couldn't walk without help and was stooped over. The man whose body was ravaged by parkinsons disease, and who needed help even with simple tasks like shaving or eating. But Frank, I was lucky enough to see the real you--I saw you soul.
What I saw when I looked at you was love.
I saw a proud man who walked straight and stood tall.
I saw a soldier, willing to die for the country he loved.
I saw a strong, determined, stubborn and compassionate man!
I saw a man with great strength and amazing courage who was very intelligent--a man with a wonderful sense of humor, the most amazing smile and beautiful blue eyes that sparkled when they gazed into mine.
So yes Frank, I was lucky--lucky enough to see your beaautiful soul......thank you so much, baby, for sharing it with me--for you are truly amazing.
missing you always, your wife Melanie
June 10, 2008
hey there chuckie cheese...how are you this morning? I am sitting here thinking of you and wishing somehow I had a way of hearing from you. I got in the car yesterday and turned on the radio & they were giving away tickets to go see lisa williams...do you remember me watching her all those psychic shows? Should I be getting tickets and going? I think I will if there is anyway I can swing it. My dear friend Sister is coming over today to recharge me and my faith. Please help me this aftertnoon!! I feel like a kid again trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. Guide me, point me in the right direction & then hit me on the head if you have to 2 get thru to me(I can hear you now...“I always did have to explain everything to her”) to what & where to go. I miss you more than words can say...thanks for being my man for a while....you were wonderful. I hope the cokes are always cold, the butter cookies are endless and the gas for your plane is cheaper than 4 bucks a gallon..lol peace and may God Bless you
June 9, 2008
good morning baby......its been a crazy day today....my first day back to work, it is so hot outside....I came home from work and the dogs had chewed up at least three of their toys so the living room looked like it had been hit with a snowstorm... I think Zoey and Lexie think you are coming home still as when your name gets mentioned they look out the window for you.....even they are adjusting to life without you in it........these are the hours I miss you the most...the time when the house is quiet and we would be up just a chatting away or cuddling together....I want you know how much I cherish the goodbyes you gave me....there will never be a sweeter sound than your happy birthday to me.....Thank you for being my angel now...I know without a doubt that you will be with me every step I take for the rest of my life.....thank you baby for loving me........missing you always me
June 7, 2008
hello my Frank the crank.... spent the whole day with the family today..which was wonderful...you and Janet both must have been smiling from ear to ear.....you both have my word that I will be there watching your grandkids grow, and being there for them... It's me that will get to go to their games, school events, birthdays. I felt so lucky to see the boys smiling today on the bulldozer, and so blessed as well to see beautiful Kirstin dance. Please know how proud I am to be part of your family and how lucky I feel to be loved by them. Janet, you best be loving that Frankie every minute cause I sure miss having him....take the caddy out for a long sunday drive tomorrow with the backseat full of doggies...but you might not want to let Frank drive..lol goodnight you two...be happy
June 6, 2008
Hello my darling....its been a rough day today....Emma and I spent all morning shopping for gifts for Kelly your hairdresser, Dr. Delucas and his staff, and all the angels from hospice....its only been 2 weeks and it feels like some people who were important to us have forgotten you all ready...I know its not true it just feels like it sometimes....the kids, Emma and I are going to get some family counseling, so nights like last night will be a thing of the past. Frank, we all love you so much and your passing has left such a hole in this house and in our lives that we are all trying to keep from drowning....but Alex said it well last night that you would be ashamed of us...we need each other now more than ever...and any fighting has to stop...I pray you are happy to be with everyone again......I miss you always.......me
June 4, 2008
Hey Baby...hope you are up there having the best of everything. I miss your smile and your hugs even more than my backrubs lol what's up with that. I know without a doubt that you are taking care of me now more than ever as everything seems to be falling in place just like you told me it would...tha day we signed those papers you told me that you wanted to be able to help me start my new life..the one without you in it....I guess you win for now and its your "day" to be boss..lol I want you to know that I am looking for some friends to chat with and hang out with. I need you to understand that it is in no way taking away from our love..it's more that I can't let myself drown in my memories of us...thanks my wonderful man for everyday of love you gave me....thanks for every cup of tea we chatted over and thanks for every goodnight kiss.. missing you always...Mel
Emma Tavernia
June 1, 2008
Hey Frankie:
Tomorrow will be a week since your funeral...everything is different but yet the same. The dogs still need attention and the kids still argue! I go back to work in a couple of days and wonder if Mel will cope being alone without you there asking for a shave or if she is ever gonna feed your cute little old self. I wander to the bakery at walmart and go right by the boston cream pie... Breyer's french vanilla ice cream and whipped cream. I won't have you waiting up on the couch with a smile to see what goodies I brought home for you. I am in charge of the bills getting paid which you can rest assured that they will. I hope PETE was glad to see you cause cooking for me is not the same without him in the kitchen vibrating. I miss you both but know you and Pete are up there enjoying the good life.
I LOVE YOU
Emma
Kirstin Uihlein
May 31, 2008
Hey Grandpa, it's Kirstin again. I just was sitting here on my bed and happened to glance over at a picture of you and Grandma that is hanging on my wall. My mom gave it to me after the funeral, she thinks it's from an anniversary? All I know is you both have good ol' wine in your hands and the KFC is spread among the table. You always did love their chicken. Well I am sure you already know, haven looked down upon us; that Kevin and I bought a little Pomeranian, who we then named after you. He is a wild one Grandpa, just like you! Well I hope things are going good up there. We sure miss you. I am taking care of Mel, so don't be worrying about her. Well I love you, please don't forget that!
Kirstin
mel
May 29, 2008
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008
Amanda (Harrison) Fleury
May 28, 2008
Frank the Crank!!!!
You are missed dearly. I know i miss you even though i only got at least 6 years or so. I have to say you are the only man that came close to filling my grandfathers shoes. we did lots together. painted chairs me and mel put a windmill together and took us almost 3 hours till you came out man was that an embarrasment... I am so glad you got to meet courtney. You are a strong man and very very stubborn!!! as i have learned. and i know you will watch over your family and friends. Very caring and loving. Now that you have passed you can have as many steaks as you want. and cokes. im very sorry that i could not attend you funural and could not be there for the family. and i know you will understand. I love and miss you frank. RIP
Amanda Harrison) Fleury
May 28, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
May 28, 2008
Hello....just got home and missed my kiss. As hard as it was to watch you these last few weeks, just having you home with me brought me comfort. I want you to know that after all is said and done, I still lie down and thank GOD for my life and for every day I got to have with you. Thank you for being a wonderful husband....miss you lots Mel
Jody Johns
May 28, 2008
Melanie and family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. You made Frank happy in the years you were with him. Loosing someone so dear is hard. Just know he is in a better place, now he will be able to watch over you a little closer.
Melanie Spofford-Uihlein
May 27, 2008
My Frankie,
Yesterday was the saddest day of my life. I know you had a long and wonderful life and that you are in a better place...somehow the selfish part of me is screaming come back... I wasn't done loving you. I guess now i'll have to learn to love you without hearing your answers. Belle just came and licked away my tears. I promise to take good care of our babies. Everyone said I did a good job last nite so I hope you were proud of all of us. I sure hope your dad and you are putting an addition on our house in heaven...this family just keeps on growing. I sure hope Pete has gotten lots of cuddles and doggie treats. At least now you can share all your candy with him...lol....well I miss you darling...good night.us
Jamie Uihlein
May 27, 2008
Dad,I never could tell you how much you meant to me and to my family....Your grandchildren all adored you from Kirstin,Dylan,Brett, and especcially Logan.Tammie thought of you as her own father and she misses you dearly!You & mom will always be in my thoughts and in my heart...At last you are together again like you should be.I hope you two are happy and watching over all of us,I hope to be the man & father that can only breifly compare to you.I love you....your son James Francis Uihlein
Shana Arno
May 26, 2008
In the hands of God, may you be able to work with your hands again...may you be able to walk unassisted...and may you be able to eat as many goodies as you wish.
Rest in peace, dear Frank.
May 26, 2008
To his son and family:
I am sorry for your loss. Frank was a great man and will never be forgotten. Him and his treats (candy) will live on for years to come!
Tammie Uihlein
May 26, 2008
To a Great Father:
I was only granted 11 beautiful years with you as my father-in-law, but in that short time you were the greatest father I never had. I remember our late night talks about your life, my life, and the man we both love in our own ways. You did well dad.
I pray you are at peace and watching over us. I hope you told Janet Thanks from me, I wish I had been able to know her. I pray you touch Jamie in a special way from up there. He has potential as we both know. I love you and miss you dad. You will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
Your grandchildren will never forget you. You are a very special person and a great man. You are loved and cherished by many. You are a very strong spirit that is a fact! You like to defy the odds and I hope your grandchildren get that same spirit from you!
With all my love,
your daughter-in-law,
Mom (Donna)
May 24, 2008
Dear Kirstin,
I am so sorry that you have lost your Grandpa. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. You're in my thoughts and prayers, and may God comfort your broken heart and help dry your tears, and keep you close to him.
I Love You,
Kirstin Uihlein
May 24, 2008
I miss you so much Grandpa. You were such a fighter. So stubborn. Give Grandma hugs and kisses for me. I miss you both dearly. I love you and will be thinking of you each and every day.
Your Granddaughter,
Kirstin Jamese Uihlein
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