Frank Roy Hellenthal passed away on January 20, 2023. He was born in West Liberty, IA to Elsie (Sperfslage) and Roy Hellenthal on March 22, 1947. Four years later his brother, Al, came along to provide him with a playmate and lifelong friend.
Frank loved living in West Liberty and enjoyed small town freedom growing up. Golfing, baseball, train trips to see his beloved Cubs filled the summers. Uncle Frank’s visits were highlights of winter months. The friends he made as a youth were cherished throughout his life. He graduated from the University of Iowa and worked as an accountant and later in IT after completing a degree at Mt. Mercy.
His greatest joys were his children: Amanda Hellenthal (Devon, PA), Melissa Keller (Uwe, Samtens, Germany) and Bern Tan (Eric Davis, Brooklyn, NY). He was blessed with an overflowing heart for his children and endless patience and acceptance. He will also be missed by his three beloved grandchildren: Arli and Elsie (Devon, PA), and Matti (Samtens, Germany).
He is also survived by Connie, whom he married in 1970, his brother Al Hellenthal (Dixie), sister-in-law Joyce Perkins (John), brother-in-law Jerry Morrison, and many nieces and nephews.
Bridge was an important part of his life. He reached the rank of Diamond Life Master and enjoyed playing online when his mobility didn’t allow him to attend in-person events.
He will be remembered for his wit, his dry sense of humor, his fierce intellect, and his intolerance for mediocrity. But perhaps he’ll be most remembered for how he parented his children and helped them to be the wonderful people they are.