Benjamin Dean "Benji, Benny, Luke Combs, Yukon Cornelius, the red" Frank

Benjamin Dean Frank, age 25 of Gillett, WI, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 8th, 2025. Ben, also known as Benji, Benny, Luke Combs, Yukon Cornelius, and "the red headed kid" - came into the world 10 days late and after 21 hours of labor on September 27th, 2000. He came into the world as he left it, big and full of red hair. He is deeply missed by his devastated parents Chad Frank (special friend, Jessy) of Gillett and Candy and Jesse Goodreau of Tigerton.

Above all else, Ben was the best big brother to his siblings, Kallie Frank of Gillett, his best friend Tyler Frank (special friend, Ava) of Gillett, and his step brother, Blake Goodreau of Clintonville.

He is further survived by his grandma, Joyce Frank; grandpa and grandma, Larry and Pam Olson of Pulaski; step-grandma, Kathleen Goodreau; aunts and uncles, Kelly (Steve) Josephs of Ft. Collins, CO, Brian (Lori) Frank of Howard, Laurie (Bart) Josie of Gillett, Paul (Tara) Olson of Spring, TX, TJ (Sarah) Olson of Pulaski, Brian (Deb) Hoida of Krakow, Brian Goodreau of Shawano, and Chris (special friend, Jacqueline) Heatley of Shawano. He is further survived by many cousins, other relatives and friends. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family, whether it was aunts, uncles, cousins and anyone in between.

He was preceded in death by grandfather, Gary Frank; grandmother, Dayle Olson; step-grandfather, Thomas Goodreau.

Ben graduated from Gillett High School with the class of 2019. He spent four years playing basketball with his best friends, especially his first and longest friend, Cole. He had to have white shoes for home games, black shoes for away games, Nike Christmas socks for the holiday games - a heck of a lot of school spirit. He worked at Romy's Holiday Inn during high school - where he learned some of life's most valuable lessons. He has been employed at Peter's Concrete in Green Bay for the past several years, where he joined a long line of Frank men who worked there before him.

Ben was the bright light that lit up a room. He loved fishing, hunting and playing pool with his Thursday night league. He loved going to concerts and always made an effort to be front row or even on the stage…as his mother taught him. He made friends everywhere he went and if people were not quite sure about who he was - all you had to say was "the big red headed kid." Words can't even begin to express how Ben felt about his friends; we can't begin to name them all, but you know who you are. He made a point to be there for anything he was asked to do. He was so proud to have recently stood up in his grade school and high school best friends Grant and Jaylan's wedding. He was so upset that day because his suit shirt didn't fit him the right way, but by the end of the night, he was wearing only his pants and vest…in typical Ben style. He had the best time of his life living with his "forever roomies" Chasten "Chaz" and Dani, who were the best of friends to him.

He always looked forward to his annual hunting trip with his Dad and one of his best friends, Elijah. He always made time for this family, including golfing with his brother, Tyler, making the trip out to Stevens Point where his sister, Kallie, went to college to get lunch, and giving his step-brother, Blake, a hard time (all in good fun.) It's hard to recall if there was ever a time where he fought with his siblings. He gave his mother a few heart attacks when he'd call her in the middle of the night just to tell her that he ran into someone who knew her. She would tell him that "this was a call that could've waited until the morning, Ben." He loved his mom's cooking and often told her that he didn't have a girlfriend because "no one cooked as good as her." We hope that there is a lot of chicken alfredo and mac and cheese bites in heaven and a lot of room for uneaten leftover containers. He was especially close to his stepdad, Jesse, and he would often be the first phone call before his mom and dad if he ever needed something.

Everyone who knew Ben always had a kind word to say. He brightened every room that he walked into and loved nothing more than being surrounded by people - whether it was friends or strangers. Although, if you had the privilege of knowing him, you know that any stranger became a friend after spending even five minutes with him. He was always happy and that is how he would want to be remembered - a happy and loving son, brother and friend.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, November 16th at the Gillett High School Gymnasium from 9am until a memorial service begins at 12:30. If you wish, the family asks that anyone able to wear Packers, Brewers, golf or racing attire, please do so. In addition, Ben was fond of wearing hats so please don't forget to wear your favorite. Gruetzmacher Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.gruetzmacherfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.