Walter Gerhart Frank, a longtime Poughkeepie resident, peacefully entered the arms of Our Lord on March 12, at home in Spring, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Frank and Frida Minkle, his wife Joyce, his brother Henry Jr. and his son Douglas. He is survived by his son David, David's wife Debbi, son Richard, Richard's wife Sarah, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Walter graduated from Arlington High School in 1947, and received an associate degree from Sampson College in Hobart, New York in 1949 before returning to Poughkeepsie to work at Frank Brothers Farms as a dairy farmer and cattle dealer.
Until his retirement in 1987 to Sarasota, Florida and then to Spring, Texas to be near his children, Walter co-owned and operated Frank Brothers Farms with the other members of the Frank family for many years. Walter conducted his business not only in Dutchess County, but throughout the Hudson Valley. Walter was active in local Republican Party politics, and he was elected to serve as the Councilman for the Third Ward of the Town of Poughkeepsie for several terms. Walter also served as a member of the Town's Board of Assessment Review for many years. When not working or serving his community, Walter especially enjoyed traveling the world with Joyce and his children. Walter was an intelligent, honorable, hard-working and compassionate man who loved Joyce, his wife of 62 years, and his family more than anything. Quick to make friends and put people at ease, he was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed. Fortunately, his great optimism, his excellent sense of humor and his positive spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and friends and the many others that he touched during his lifetime.
Entombment will take place 12 noon on Saturday,March 19 at Poughkeepsie Rural Community Mausoleum. His family asks that those who wish to honor Walter consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association or the Parkinson's Disease Foundation in lieu of flowers. Arrangements are under the direction of Parmele, Auchmoody & Schoonmaker Funeral Home, 110 Fulton Ave., Poughkeepsie.