Franklin William Bear of Duchess, AB, age 65 years, 5 mo. and 25 days, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2019. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2015, God gave him these 4 more years to be with his family and friends. Frank was born on December 24, 1953 in Delphos, Ohio to the late Clarence S. and Mary E. (Brunk) Bear. He committed his life to Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized on March 26, 1967 in the Sharon Mennonite Church of Elida, Ohio. On August 25, 1977 he married Judy Mae Friesen at Emo, ON. They set up house in Tilley, AB where he continued his roofing business. In 1980 they moved to the Duchess area where he took up farming and resided until his death. He was ordained minister on October 1, 2000 at the Duchess Bethel Mennonite Church where he served faithful to his calling as long as he possibly could. The Philippine Churches were also blessed by his service there for two years from 2011-2013. He is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Judy and their children: Luanna (Loren Miller) of Philippines; Marvin (Verda) of Cheyenne, WY; Mahlon (Emily) of Duchess, AB; Verlene (Rueben Bueckert) of Danskin, BC; Rachel (Howard Zimmerman) of Vancouver Island, BC; Vernon (Shelly) of Duchess, AB; Nolan (Yesenia) of Duchess, AB; Kayleen (Sherwin Miller) of Duchess, AB; Sheila and Aaron still at home. He will be sadly missed by the 25 grandchildren he always took time to pay special attention to. Also surviving him are 3 brothers and 3 sisters. He was preceded in death by 3 grandchildren and 2 brothers. His family feels so blessed to have had a faithful husband, Pop and Grandpa for an example to follow. Funeral Services was held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 24, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church and a graveside service was held within Duchess Cemetery. Lunch Reception was held at Duchess Community Hall. For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
