Frank Staples In A Self-Portrait |
Frank Staples, 90 Frank
Staples, 90, died May 23, 2007 at the Cook County North Shore
Hospital following a brief illness.
Frank was born June 11, 1916 in Hertle, Wis., the
oldest son and second of seven children born
to Daniel Obern Staples Jr. and Elmie Ghoslin Staples.
Frank and his family moved to Grand Marais in
1925, where they lived on the banks of Rosebush Creek on a knoll
overlooking Lake Superior. Lois Humphrey used to pal around with
Frank’s sister, Neva, and was a sometimes visitor at the Staples
homestead. Frank made Lois his permanent pal on Nov. 9, 1943, right
at the beginning of deer hunting season. |
| Frank
served his country as an Army technician and paratrooper in World
War II. He enlisted for a year in 1940. They let him out five years
later. On D-Day Frank jumped with his unit and landed in enemy-held
territory where he spent the first two hours alone looking for
buddies and a way to do his job and get home. Frank never let anyone
forget that when a soldier needed 85 points for discharge, he had
105 and was one of the first of his unit released to return home.
Once back in Grand Marais he never wanted to leave
again. Frank loved home and the people he had here. Every morning
before he left for work, and every evening before bed, whenever they
were together, Frank kissed Lois.
Frank worked for the Cook County Highway
Department driving trucks, plowing roads, and hanging rope swings.
Hunting and fishing were in his blood and he loved to carve wood and
read poetry.
Frank was a faithful member of First Baptist
Church in Grand Marais, serving on the Christian Education
committee, as a trustee, an usher, and as the church clerk for a
time. Frank set an example of a well-lived faith for his family,
friends, and neighbors.
Frank is survived by his wife of nearly 64 years,
Lois; his sisters Neva Marks and Alice Egner; brothers Obern,
Vernon, and Duane; daughters Carol (Ray) Edwards, Kristine (John)
Nymoen; sons Kelly (Diane) and Kevin (Wendy Kirkwood); his
grandchildren Rebecca, Emily, Laura, Corey, Ryan, Anna, and Naomi;
one great-grandson, Christopher; and many other relatives and
friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his
sister Evelena, and one grandson, Daniel.
Memorial services for Frank were held May 26 at
the First Baptist Church of Grand Marais. A private interment was
held with his family present. Cremation services were provided by
the Cremation Society of Minnesota.
The family requests memorial gifts be directed to
First Baptist Church. |
