Lawrence E. Frank

Lawrence E. Frank, age 90, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, IL.

He was born on May 2, 1935, in Alhambra, IL, to Clemens and Alma (née Ohren) Frank, Sr. On September 6, 1958, Lawrence married Patricia M. Frey at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pierron, IL.

Lawrence lived in the Alhambra/Grantfork/Highland area his entire life. He attended a country school in rural Alhambra and graduated from Highland High School in 1953. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a helicopter mechanic from 1954–1956. Following his service, he studied diesel and gas engines, graduating from Bailey Technical Institute in 1957, and worked for Greyhound from 1958–1962.

Together, Lawrence and Pat owned and operated Frank’s Phillips 66 Service, later Frank’s Garage, in Pierron, IL, from 1962 until his retirement in 2015—at the age of 80.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Pierron, IL, and volunteered for over 30 years as a fireman with the Highland-Pierron Fire Department. Lawrence also served as an officer of the Pierron Improvement Club (PIC Park).

An avid bowler for more than 50 years, he enjoyed the Friday night league with his brothers, brothers-in-law, sons, and sons-in-law. Lawrence also loved jigsaw puzzles and traveling. He and his wife, Pat, were dedicated St. Louis Blues season ticket holders and were well known for frying chicken at local homecomings, picnics, and Frank Family Reunions. Growing up in a large family—and later raising one of his own—Lawrence embraced the noise, laughter, and joy of everyone being together.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Patricia M. Frank (May 31, 2024); parents, Clemens (1966) and Alma (1979) Frank, Sr.; and fourteen siblings: Marie Suess (2011), Laverne Moss (2001), Clementine “Sis” Rinderer (2012), Alvin “Bud” Frank (2010), Clara Heim (1955), Norbert Frank (1990), Wilma Welchlen (2012), Dorothy Landolt (2018), Hattie Keller (2024), Clemens “Clem” Frank, Jr. (1980), Agnes “Aggie” Keller (2024), Elmer Frank (2016), Duane Frank (2004), and Leonard Frank (2025).

Lawrence is survived by his ten children, Keith (Laurie) Frank, Highland, IL, Pamela (Robert) Schuette, Breese, IL, Bradley (Christina) Frank, Highland, IL, Sherri (Mike) Keithly, St. Charles, MO, Jeffrey Frank, Greenville, IL, Lisa (Terry “Oscar”) Frey, Pocahontas, IL, Scott (Anna) Frank, Pocahontas, IL, Nicholas Frank, Pierron, IL, Kimberly (Jeremy) Knebel, Pocahontas, IL, and Kristy (Chad) Budde, Aviston, IL; 21 grandchildren, Blair Frank (Manhattan, NY), Kale Frank (San Francisco, CA), Logan (Scott) Myers (Nashville, TN), Matthew (Casey) Schuette (Breese, IL), Phillip (Amanda) Schuette (Breese, IL), John (fiancée Allison Kelsey) Houlihan (Ballwin, MO), Kelly (Corey Boedeker) Houlihan (O’Fallon, MO), Kerry (Luca Greenan) Houlihan (Dundalk, Ireland), Derek (Alison) Frey (Pocahontas, IL), Megan (Trevor Kohrmann) Frey (Pierron, IL), Bret (Megan) Frank (Pocahontas, IL), Emily (Daniel) Meyer (Joppa, IL), Tyler Frank (Pierron, IL), Mason Frank (Pierron, IL), Kelsey (Keegan Kampwerth) Knebel (Pocahontas, IL), Alivia Knebel (Pocahontas, IL), Jace Knebel (Pocahontas, IL), Lane Knebel (Pocahontas, IL), Addyson Budde (Aviston, IL), Easton Budde (Aviston, IL), and Hudson Budde (Aviston, IL); 13 great-grandchildren, Robert Myers, Cal and Ryce Strotheide, Heath and Dutton Schuette, Noah, Nora, Nolan and Naomi Schuette, Will DeSherlia, AnaBella Frank, Adalynn and Gracie Meyer; sisters-in-law, Joan Frank, Margie Zurliene and Karen “Susie” Cook; along with many, many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial Donations: Pierron Improvement Club (PIC Park) or Siteman Cancer Center.

Visitation: Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 2:00–6:00 p.m. at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL, and Monday, October 13, 2025, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Pierron, IL

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, October 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Pierron, IL

Clergy: Fr. Callistus Osiaga

Interment: Calvary Cemetery, Pierron, IL

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL