Frank Pelzel Jr., 80, formerly of Dickinson, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 7, at his home in Sacramento, Calif. Frank was born Feb. 27, 1929, on the family farm in Stark County near Dickinson. He grew up in the Dickinson area, attended local schools, and worked as an upholsterer at Jack’s New and Used Furniture from 1944 to 1946.
Frank enlisted at an early age in the U.S. Army Air Corps on March 26, 1946. On June 23, 1949, he was honorably discharged and re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. In 1960, he completed his education at the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in Madison, Wis. During his term, he served as a radio operator and mechanic for his country in WWII and Korea and served in the Republic of the Philippines at the onset of the Vietnam conflict. Frank was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, WWII Victory Medal, Korean Service Medal, Air Force Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit and Air Force Longevity Service Award. Throughout his military service, Frank gave faithful and conscientious service to his country. His standard of conduct and leadership proved an excellent example for those who have been associated with him.
After more than 20 years, Frank was honorably relieved from active duty on Feb. 1, 1969, and assigned to Air Force Retired Reserve. Upon completing 30 years of service, he was honorably discharged from the USAF Reserve on May 22, 1978.
After serving in the military, Frank settled in San Jose, Calif., with his wife and children. He relocated to Sacramento, Calif., where he enjoyed his grandchildren, walks in the park, golfing and bingo. His playful and loving nature will be deeply missed.
Frank is survived by two sisters and three brothers: Christine Schmidt, Dickinson; Josephine (Jack) McElroy, Alexandria, Va.; Larry Pelzel, Dickinson; Ed (Leta) Pelzel, Brookings, Ore.; Ben (Karen) Pelzel, Arcada, Calif.; five children: Jeanne Hardesty, Roseville, Calif.; Susan (Jon) Fitterer, Ellensburg, Wash.; Ronald (Barbara) Pelzel, San Antonio, Texas; Michelle (David) Smith, Ephrata, Wash.; Maureen (Todd) Leifheit, Littleton, Colo.; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in passing by his parents, a brother in childhood, his sister Clementine “Pat” (Pelzel) Radovich and his wife, MaryAnn (Staudinger) Pelzel.
Services are under the care of Steward & Williams Tribute Center, Ellensburg, Wash.. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.steward-williams.com.
The family will gather for a private graveside service with military honors on March 20 at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, Ellensburg, Wash. Suggested family donations may be sent to: Mercy Hospice, 3400 Data Drive, First Floor, Rancho Cordova, Calif. 95670, www.supportmercyfoundation.org “In loving memory of Frank Pelzel, Jr.”
Steward & Williams Tribute Center, Ellensburg, Wash.
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