Francis “Frank” Wimmer

Obituary

Francis “Frank” John Wimmer was born on October 20, 1939 to Leo and Ludvina (Weber) Wimmer at their family home in Darwin, Minnesota and was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church in Darwin. He attended school in Litchfield, Minnesota until the 8th grade, when he traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah working various jobs. 

He was drafted into the United States Army on May 23, 1963, in Minneapolis, Minnesota and served in active duty in the Vietnam War. He received a Good Conduct Medal and also a Rifle Sharpshooter Medal.  Frank received an Honorable Discharge on May 21, 1965, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and achieved the rank of Specialist (SP4).

He was united in marriage to Karen Mathews Smith on May 15, 1982. They made their home in rural Darwin and loved the joys of country living. They shared many adventures camping, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, summers on Lake Washington, Lake Ina and Johnson Lake, as well as time spent with their many fun-loving friends and extended family.

He was a gifted carpenter and contractor and spent his entire life doing the work that he loved. Even into the last year of his life, you could find him swinging a hammer and pounding a nail. Frank was a hard-worker and was always willing to give a helping hand - his motto was “Gitter Done!” He learned carpentry from his father, worked as a superintendent for several contractors and finally spent much of his carpentry and contractor years working with his brother Tom, with Wimmer Brothers Builders.

Frank was an avid outdoorsman and loved being out in nature. He enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, trapshooting, snowmobiling, camping, four-wheeling, as well as playing cards, dice, cribbage, crossword puzzles, sudoku and watching The Price is Right and Wheel of Fortune. Frank loved country music and going to Winstock Country Music Festival, attending every year except the first festival and last year due to radiation treatments. He was a member and past president of the Darwin Rod & Gun Club, a member of the Darwin Drifters Snowmobile Club, Eden Valley Sportsmen’s Club, the VFW, Litchfield Eagles Club 3424, Gliders Motorcycle Club Parade Patrol, The Forest City Threshers, and the American Legion as well as a past member of the Darwin Lions Club.

Frank loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He was a devoted dad and grandpa and spent time making special, handmade gifts for them, attending their life and school events and offering up praises and a little gentle teasing to make them laugh and smile. He was a magnet to children, who would often come up to him at various social events - some thought he reminded them of Santa and others were just drawn to his playful nature.

Frank thoroughly enjoyed times spent with his many, many friends and family members; sharing stories, laughter, and a bucket…or more, of Busch Light beer. He will be greatly missed.

Frank passed away at his home on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at the age of 78, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by his loving and loyal family.

Frank is survived by his:
Wife, Karen Wimmer of Darwin, MN;
Children, Christine Wimmer of Coon Rapids,MN,
                  Lori Smith Crowe (Paul) of Dassel, MN,
                  Julie Ann Smith of Rochester, MN,
                  Wayne Smith of St. Paul, MN;
Grandchildren; Elisa Campbell of Jackson, TN,
                             Micheal Wimmer of Blaine, MN,
                             Matthew, Caitlyn, Michael, Samuel and Elizabeth Crowe, all of Dassel, MN;
8 Great-Grandchildren;
Siblings, Pete (Darlene) Wimmer, Bill Wimmer, Leonard “Swede” (Karen) Wimmer, Tom (Gayle) Wimmer and Margie (Frank) Pfel;
His dearest friend who was like a brother to him, Phil Smith;
Brother-In-Law, Mel Keppers;
Sister-In-Law, Judy Wimmer;
Many, many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his: Parents, Leo and Ludvina Wimmer; Brothers, Vernon, Victor & Chuck Sisters, Lorraine and her spouses, Theresa, Marion and Mary Ann (Infant); Brother-In-Law, Ray Lanigan; Sisters-In-Law, Beverly Wimmer and Linda Wimmer.