Frank Troendle

The spirit of Frank William Troendle, 63, of Pigeon Falls, WI joined his family in heaven Tuesday, November 22, 2016. He passed away at Tri-County Memorial Hospital in Whitehall, WI. Following cremation, a private family service was held at Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls, WI. He will be buried in the Iowa soil of Faegre Prairie Cemetery near the home farm that he loved.

Frank was born June 23, 1953 in Waukon to Irvin Leo and Carol Louise (Doeppke) Troendle. He married Joyce Albrecht February 13, 1982. He graduated Waukon High School and Truck Driving at Winona Tech.

Frank’s earthly presence will be missed by his wife of 34 years, Joyce; his daughter, Kristina (Arn) Hanson of Pigeon Falls, WI; his grandchildren, Shay Oliver (age 11), Addison Evelyn (age 7), Liliana Jean (age 5) and Gavin William (age 8 months). He is further survived by his mother, Carol Schaefer; his brothers, Daniel (Kim) Troendle and Paul Troendle; his sisters, Susan (George) Troendle and Diane McKee; and his step-sister, Terry (Steve) Witz.

Frank is also survived by his “Minnesota by marriage family” of Mary (John) Kauphusman; Ruth Charles and Joy (Clifford) Mathe; Amy Drazkowski; and many nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Irvin; his step-father, Albert Schaefer; his grandparents, Frank (Beatrice) Doeppke and William (Gertrude) Troendle; and a brother, Wayne. Also preceding him in death were his in-laws, Arnold (Evelyn) Albrecht; his brothers-in-law, Keith Drazkowski and William Charles; and a sister-in-law, Dawn Troendle.

After Frank’s passing, his grandson, Shay, held up his boots and said, “It will take a big man to fill my grandpa’s boots.” Frank loved instructing his grandchildren with the “hands-on” patience he taught his daughter, Kristina. Frank had a stubborn streak and this helped push him through difficult situations until the task was completed in a quality way. He had to be very creative at times due to a lifelong struggle with a severe learning disability. He overcame life-threating illness. He was a hard worker and loyal for life friend. He was a big guy with a helping kind heart.

Frank loved his Iowa hometown of Lansing. He drove truck many years for Fred Carlson Construction of Decorah. He enjoyed fishing, hunting for morel mushrooms, farming and watching old western movies.

Enjoy your heavenly “mansion” Frank; hope it is the secluded acreage and cabin you always wanted. What a privilege to have been loved by you. God touched his head and said, “Well done, good and faithful servant."

Sympathies may be sent to P.O. Box 417, Pigeon Falls, WI 54760. Schiefelbein Funeral Home in Osseo, WI is assisting the family.