Frank Joseph Wilhelm

1937 - 2022

Frank Joseph Wilhelm, 85 of Vista, CA, passed away December 24, 2022. Frank was born on March 22, 1937 in NY, NY and spent his early years in the Bronx until his family moved to Croton Falls, NY where he lived until he graduated from Purdy's Central HS, Purdy's, NY. Frank continued his education at SUNY Brockport where he participated in ROTC/PLC/USMC programs and in numerous varsity sports. After earning his degree in Health & Physical Education in 1960, Frank began Officer Candidate School with the US Marine Corps and was eventually stationed at Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, CA. Frank proudly served in Vietnam and rose to the rank of Captain before being honorably discharged.
Frank's primary career after the Marine Corps was as a highly respected and successful life insurance agent with Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Company. He also invested in real estate, and it was not uncommon to find Frank doing many of the repairs himself on his rental properties. Never one to rest, Frank also worked as a high school & college basketball referee, as a CIF State Rules Interpreter, and as a softball & baseball umpire. He was inducted into the San Diego County Sports Officials Hall of Fame in 2019.
Throughout his lifetime, Frank enjoyed many competitive sports and outdoor activities including softball, golf, hunting and fishing. He was particularly proud of building his log cabin in the mountains of Hayden, CO with the help of his cherished hunting and fishing buddies.
A 1973 article in the Blade Tribune, "Wilhelm Never Stops Running," was accurate. Frank was an enthusiastic volunteer in his community for many years. He ushered masses & chaired games activities at the Mission San Luis Rey's Annual Fiesta. He also held active leadership roles as a member of the Amigos de Vista Lion's Club and at the Vista Parks and Recreation Youth Programs. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was recognized by the City of Vista for his volunteerism.
Frank was predeceased by his wife Carol Wilhelm and his parents Josef and Theresa (Ruckerl) Wilhelm. He is survived by his children, Tracy Wilhelm Rossi (Chip) of Wilmington, DE, Mark Wilhelm (Caroline) of Manhattan Beach, CA; stepdaughters, Kara Calderon of San Diego, CA, Janel Castillo of Vista, CA; his grandchildren, Emily, Sarah, Jamie, Luke, Isabella and Sophia; his sisters Lin Borcherding, (Don), of McLean, VA, Anita Gaffney (Ed) of Ripon, CA, Betty Dean (Jeff) of Scottsdale, AZ; his cousins Robert Vetter (Sheila) of Danbury, CT, Ronald Wilhelm (Fran) of Dover, NH, and Veronica Mensch (Richard) of Inman, SC, and many extended family and friends.
Services for both Frank and Carol will be held together on March 31, 2023, at 1:00 pm at the Mission San Luis Rey. A celebration of life gathering will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Frank to Amigos de Vista Lions Club, PO Box 2679, Vista, CA 92085.