Ben Frank, resident of Spirit River, AB, formerly a long-time resident of Silver Valley, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at the Central Peace Health Complex - LTC, at the age of 90 years.

Ben was born in Fairview, AB, the youngest of 4 children born to Leonard and Jean Frank and raised on the family farm near Bluesky, AB. A farmer at heart, Ben obtained his first homestead in 1952 in Silver Valley. He worked away in the winter months for many years in oilfield construction, and could basically run any piece of equipment.

In 1958, Ben married the love of his life Evelyn Johnson, and together they had 4 children. They moved to the homestead permanently in 1965, and endured the trials and tribulations of homesteading, building the farm, and raising their family. Sundays were a day for fun, visiting, playing ball, or attending whatever community event was happening. Retirement from the farm in 2008 led Ben and Evelyn to Rycroft, AB, where he turned his farming skills into gardening and berry picking.

Ben will be sadly missed by his wife of 65 years Evelyn Frank; children: Donna Hessler (Calvin), Doug Frank (Melanie), and Shelley Strauss (David); grandchildren: Melonie Zaichkowsky (Kyle), Nicole Heitrich (Craig), Shane Strauss (Sarah), Jamie Strauss (Braydon Zahara), Emma Frank, and Lyle Frank; great-grandchildren: Linden and Alex Zaichkowsky, Jocelyn and Colin Heitrich, and Ben and Barrett Strauss; brother Ralph Frank (Mathilda); sisters in-law: Betty Scharf (Dale) and Sandra Johnson; brother in-law Clarence Meidinger; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Ben was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Jean Frank; daughter Sandra Frank; as well as sisters Josephine Rolling and Clara Rarick.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Central Peace Health Complex, long term care for their compassion and care.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at 1:00pm, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie (10005 107 Ave.). Luncheon to follow in Oliver’s Tea Room.

Memorial Donations may be made to Central Peace Health Complex – Resident/Family Council (P.O. Box 339, Spirit River, AB, T0H 3G0), or a charity of one’s choice.