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Frank Orth Obituary
He graduated from Northwood-Kensett High School and went on to attend Grinnell College, where he played basketball and met lifelong friends. He graduated from the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in June of 1983 and completed an internship at Doctors Hospital the following year where he met his beloved wife, Sandy. He then worked at various central Ohio health care organizations before finding his home at IHA and St. Ann's Hospital in Westerville, Ohio in 1987. Dr. Orth was the heart and soul of Immediate Health Associates (IHA). He held many positions at IHA, Current Chief Medical Officer and Chairman of the Board, President, and Medical Director. Dr Orth was a community leader, he served as Westerville Fire/EMS Medical Director for over 25 years as well as Johnstown, Granville and Centerburg. He was published in the Journal of American Medicine Association, New England Journal of Medicine, and the Bounce Back clinical resource textbook.
Dr. Frank Orth was known for his humor, adventurous spirit, and his numerous hobbies. He could be found skiing, fly fishing, sailing, exploring with his dog, Winnie, or playing a mediocre round of golf. He was also an "elite" basketball player, a strategic chess player, and enjoyed the not-so-occasional Tanqueray. His love of Iowa Football and the black and gold remains a core part of who he was and how we remember him. His favorite times were always traveling the world with his family and his yearly ski trips with his closest friends.
Known for his unwavering intelligence and quick wit, Frank had a unique ability to light up any room with his infectious laughter and sharp humor. His kindness and compassion were felt by everyone he served, always offering to call the urgent care ahead of time or engage in intellectual discussion over dinner. As a father, he was a guiding light, instilling values of empathy and resilience in his children. Frank's legacy of love and wisdom will forever remain in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Frank leaves behind his wife, Sandy; his children, Hunter (Malia) Orth and Hannah (Michael) Orth Freeman; and his grandson, Michael Freeman III. He is also survived by his sister, Gretchen (Russ) Gondek, and his brother, John (Molly) Orth. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ellen and Joseph Lauffer Orth, as well as the Orth Twins.
His last year with us was full of his favorite things - sailing adventures, fishing trips, family travels abroad, returning to his Iowa roots, Hunter's wedding, and the birth of his grandson. A year that was full of community, love, and adventure. He will be profoundly missed.
Celebration of Life
October 6th, 2024
2-5PM
Cherry Valley Hotel
2299 Cherry Valley Rd SE, Newark, OH 43055
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Collette and Mike Smith
October 9, 2024
Sandy you and Frank were thought of often over the years. There are no words, that adequately express the sadness. We will continue to think of you often. Holding you and your family in prayer. Mike and Collette.
Sandie Knapp
October 7, 2024
He was the kindest ER Dr I have ever met!! I worked with Dr. Orth in the early 90´s at St. Ann´s and always remembered his wife was also named Sandy!! Back then I was a Unit Clerk and he was fabulous!! He treated everyone with respect and kindness, no matter what your title was. I have always remembered him fondly. Our paths occasionally crossed as my career developed. I will always remember him with great memories and a ton of respect. I was so saddened to hear that he had passed. We truly lost a good one. Prayers to all of his loved ones. May your memories carry you a lifetime. God Bless
Mike and Lisa Maurer
October 7, 2024
Lisa and I are so sorry for your loss Sandy, Hunter, and Hannah. He was such an amazing person both professionally and personally. We had many great conversations about football, etc. and played a lot of basketball together in the rec league. Lisa loved working with him and you,Sandy, during her medical training. God bless you all! Mike and Lisa Maurer. (we're sorry we missed the celebration of life Sunday but weren't aware of it until last evening)
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James Harmon
October 6, 2024
Frank displayed his ornery quick witted style whenever we were in the same room. We enjoyed the same perspective on many topics and I appreciated his sincerity when asking about family. I'll miss Frank greatly, as he was a bright spot in Granville.
My heartfelt condolences to Sandy & Family. Go Hawkeyes!
Kim Ellingson Kotur
October 5, 2024
My sister Pam and I grew up with Frank, Gretchen and John. Our families would have game nights with lots of home made popcorn, shared dinners, Sailing adventures, and we´d go to Family Camp at Camp Foster on Lake Okoboji. Those were some of the happiest times of my childhood, filled with jokes, laughter, and friendship that lasts. There is an unbroken chain of love that keeps us together and lives on in our memories. Of all the people I know I would never have expected Frank to leave us as early as he did. I feel so much sorrow for his family and that his grand kids will miss out on what a kind and fun loving grandpa they had. Wishing you all strength. Kim Ellingson Kotur
Marilyn (Diedrich) Ellwood
October 5, 2024
To Frank's wife and family, to Gretchen and family- My deepest sympathy. May the love and support of family and friends help you get through these difficult times. The last time I saw Frank was at a class reunion, 2015. He hadn't changed, full of fun and laughter. Classmate from Northwood. God's Blessings be with you.
Lynne Barber Vigesaa
October 4, 2024
Frank was my first cousin: his father and my mother were brother and sister. I last saw Frank when he was a teenage boy. In 2002, my son, Kell, died by suicide after fighting bravely for years with overwhelming depression. After his death, Frank called me. He was so kind and thoughtful and said he understood how Kell had been feeling. I still remember that very important and helpful conversation with Frank.
Ben Unkefer
October 4, 2024
Frank was a regular at the Sunday basketball league in Granville. A great competitor and an even better person. His presence on the court will be sorely missed. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends from all his Sunday evening teammates.
Scott Pruden
October 4, 2024
Dr. Frank played basketball with us at the Adult Granville Recreation open gyms for years. We always talked about Iowa sports and our families. He will truly be missed. God bless.
Ron McKay
October 4, 2024
His consistent good humor, fun competitiveness / basketball, loyal friend to Esther´s brother Chris.
Frank was a gentleman in the finest sense of what a gentleman is.
Ron and Esther McKay
Lynne Barber Vigesaa
October 4, 2024
In 2002 my 24 year old son, Kell, died by suicide due to unrelenting depression over the past 4 years. I was devastated. I had not seen Frank since he was a boy. Frank called me on the phone telling me how sorry he was and how he understood what Kell had been facing. I still think about Frank´s care and kindness that day.
I am Lynne Barber Vigesaa, his cousin.
Wendy (Foley) McMullen
October 4, 2024
My fondest memories are from the times I spent with twin sister Gretchen at their house many years ago. I remember gatherings for Halloween, after prom or just hanging out. Frank was always full of life and made every gathering fun! Even though it´s been years since we´ve seen each other, the memories of those times still live in my heart. My heart aches for Frank´s family. He has touched so many in such wonderful ways. May God bless you all and give you peace in the memories. His legacy lives on through you.
Sarah Keeney
October 4, 2024
I worked with Frank for over 20 years at Saint Ann´s. I worked in X-ray there. Frank was great to work with. Fun and certainly there was never a dull moment. So many memories. Great guy , wonderful doctor and the world is a little less bright.
Santha & Jim
October 4, 2024
We met Frank in Clear Lake Iowa whilst visiting with Gretchen & Russ. For sure Frank was extremely easy to like - our short conversation was fun and memorable. A life well lived for sure. Santha & Jim Kerns
Tom Ehrhardt
October 4, 2024
Frank and Gretchen were twins in Northwood. My sister Margaret, and I were twins in Albert Lea all Born the same year 1956.. Our families became friends. We were childhood buddies We did canoe trips to Quetico Provincial Park in Canada with his father and John And my brothers. I attended Shattuck School Basketball summer camp with Frank who never made me feel he was so much better than me. His father and Frank taught me how to play chess, which I got very good at and had some memorable wins. The guy seemed to excel at everything including girls. In my experience, Frank was always an optimist and so he has remained throughout his life. God bless Frank and his family with kindness and very fond memories Tom Ehrhardt Albert Lea, MN
Gretchen Gondek
October 4, 2024
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