Frank Himmelspach

Frank passed into eternal life after a lengthy illness due to stroke complications on June 1, 2019 at East Valley Hospice in Mesa, AZ.  A Memorial service was held on June 8, in commemoration of his life.  Frank was born in Oliver County, North Dakota on August 16, 1931, son of Joseph F, and Monica (Immel) Himmelspach.  He received his elementary education in a one room country school a quarter mile from his family’s farm.  He enlisted in the US Air Force on October 31, 1951 and was honorably discharged on October 10, 1955.  After his military service Frank worked in construction and as a Brakeman for Northern Pacific Railroad before joining Ronald Thiel Industries, building power lines in the Western United States.

October 7, 1957, Frank married Katherine Bobb at St. Martin’s Catholic Church, Center, ND.  They had four children: Jeffrey (1958), Bryan (1961), Russell (1962) and Vicki (1966).  Frank & Kathy raised their children in Mandan, ND until moving with Thiel Industries to Cheyenne, WY in 1988.  Frank retired in 2002 and relocated to Mesa, AZ to enjoy the warm weather.  Frank thoroughly enjoyed being in AZ, playing golf and meeting friends for happy hour.  Frank had many interests especially woodworking but, he was also very mechanically talented.  He could fix or figure out how to fix just about anything.  In Mesa, Frank and Kathy lived in the Sunland Village East Community.  When someone in the community needed something fixed it was always Frank they called upon to either fix or consult if he couldn’t fix it.  Frank is survived by his wife Kathy of 61 years, four children, Jeff, Bryan, Rusty and Vicki, 6 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, one brother Jim (Betty), Prinsburg, MN. Two sisters, Darlene (Ray) Kautzman, Mandan, ND; Deloris Nordaby, Mill Creek, WA;  Sisters-in-law Leona Himmelspach, Woodinville, WA; Vangie Himmelspach, Bismarck, ND, Betty Staigle, Mandan, ND; Diane Wilkens, New Salem, ND; Marge (Jim) Mosbrucker, Mandan, ND; brothers-in-law Clem (Gloria) Bobb,  CO;  John (Lucy) Bobb, Center, ND; along with many nieces and nephews.  Frank was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Monica Himmelspach, two brothers, Clem and Tom; brother-in-law Ted Nordaby; and in-laws, John & Rose Bobb, Kathleen & Ray Mosbrucker, and Terry Wilkens.  Cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date.  Memorials may be given to ND Veterans Cemetery or the donor’s choice.  Arrangements by Legacy Funeral Home, Mesa, AZ

Please go to Frank's Tribute Wall to sign the guestbook and share memories with his family.