Francis "Frank" Beidle

Francis “Frank” Arthur Beidle, 87, Wausau, died Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King, WI.

Frank was born December 13, 1929 in Barberton, Ohio to the late George and Mildred (Krabile) Beidle Jr.  He faithfully served in the US Army from July 1951 to June 1953, being awarded the United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantry Badge, 2 Overseas Bars and the Purple Heart for wounds received while fighting in the Korean War.  Frank married the love of his life, Viola “Ruth” Truax, on February 10, 1951 in Chicago, Illinois.  He worked as a clerk and payroll specialist with the US Postal Service for 26 years prior to retirement.  Frank and Ruth celebrated 58 years together prior to her death on December 11, 2009.

Frank enjoyed simple pastimes in life; dinning out, taking day long car rides with Ruth and quietly working on latch hook rugs.  His skill at making latch hook rugs won him several ribbons from the Waupaca County Fair and can be found decorating his home for the past 7 years, Olson Hall at the Wisconsin Veterans Home.

Frank is survived by his son, Kurt (Cindy) Beidle; grandson, Michael (Cindy) Beidle; great-grandchildren, Kody (Summer) Beidle and Alyssa Beidle; and extended family and friends.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Richard Beidle.

A memorial service for Frank will be at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 21, 2017 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau.  Pastor Rick Kelm will officiate the service and Chaplain Richard Engle sharing memories from King Veterans Home.  Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until the time of service at the funeral home on Tuesday.  Military rites will follow, performed by VFW Burns Post #388 and active duty representatives of the US Army.  A private inurnment will take place at Moon Cemetery, Town of Bergen.  Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to the Never Forgotten Honor Flight (4404 Rib Mountain Drive #234, Wausau, WI  54401).

Sincere gratitude goes to the staff of Olson Hall at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King for their kind and compassionate care for the past 7 years and Chaplain Richard Engle for his years of thoughtful ministry, support and friendship.