Frank Henry Mandernach, Jr.

January 29, 1944 - September 1, 2025

Frank leaves his beloved wife Joyce, his four children, Frank III (Amanda), Craig (Monica), Tammy Martielli (Richard), and Josh (Emily) and his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Rocco, Ella, Lilly, Kevin, Martina, and baby girl Mandernach who has not yet made an appearance.

Frank was a hard-working and loving son, husband, father and grandfather. He developed a love of farming and farm animals as a young boy working at Creve Coeur Dairy. He was fortunate enough to have the freedom to hunt and fish in areas near Creve Coeur when it was still farmland. He covered many miles with his dog, Blackie, ice skated on the lake near his home and befriended local farmers.

While attending Mercy High School, he was a member of the golf team and worked as a caddy at Creve Coeur Golf Course. After graduating in 1962, he worked at Wirth's Standard filling station where he developed an interest in repairing automobiles, becoming a gifted mechanic. Later, his skills would enable him to earn a living and support his family, but not before he spent a little time having fun with stock cars, and later, working on his green and yellow tractors.

Frank was drafted into the Army in 1965.He was deployed from California aboard the USS Patrick and served active duty in Korea as part of the 83rd Ordinance Battalion 260th Military Police Company, maintaining the various vehicles used in the physical security of U.S. ordnance outside of Seoul. While serving, he made many friends, both 'Army buddies' and Koreans. He engaged in the local community, volunteered at an orphanage and attended a Korean wedding.

After his discharge from the Army, he was employed as a mechanic at Gene Jantzen Chevrolet. That is where he met Joyce. He later transferred to another dealership where he worked for over 30 years. He was a proud member of the Machinist Union 777 for 50 years. He received various awards for accomplishments in the automotive service industry as a technician, dispatcher and service advisor.

Frank and Joyce were married in February of 1970 and shared over 55 years of marriage. They began their relationship with a Cardinals baseball game at Sportsman Park. He introduced her to fishing and stock car racing. Soon after they married, they started their family and bought a farm to give their children the sense of connection to nature, responsibility and self-reliance that was so integral to Frank's childhood.

After he retired, he spent a lot of his free time on his farm. His farm was his happy place. That is where he found God, peace, love of nature, and many friendships. He always did like those cows! And without a doubt, he took every opportunity to get on his ol' 4020.

Throughout his life, Frank was a good neighbor, loyal friend and mentor to many. He wanted to help people for as long as he could. Even when he wasn't able to do all he wanted, he could still share his knowledge and experience.

Frank was a very strong influence on his four children. His work ethic, sense of right and wrong and his loyalty was passed along to his children. He was so very proud of them and their various accomplishments and often expressed how blessed he was to have such wonderful children. Frank was a big part of his grandchildren's lives. He had a unique relationship with each of them, loved them all dearly and was so proud of all of them.

Frank passed after receiving the Last Rites of the Catholic Church. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He touched many lives.

Services: Collier's Funeral Home, 3400 N. Lindbergh 63074. Visitation: Saturday September 13th, 9:30 -11:30 am, prayer service 11:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request donations to:  Summersville VFW Post 7222, PO Box 131, Summersville MO 65571

The VFW is a non -profit organization. Donations are used for our Post Relief Fund which assists local veterans in need.