Richard Frandsen

Richard Dee Frandsen

July 29, 1924 ~ May 26, 2014

Richard Dee Frandsen, 89, passed away on May 26, 2014 at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home.  He was born July 29, 1924 in Ogden, Utah to Lester M. and Minnie Raat Frandsen.

He served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II flying various aircraft.  However, his all time favorite experiences and proudest moments were when he was flying the P-38 Lightning for photo reconnaissance.  After the war he continued his service in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, retiring at the rank of Colonel. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Business Administration.  As an accomplished tennis player he also was a member of the USU men’s tennis team.

On April 15, 1948, Richard married his sweetheart, Gwen Leone Ball in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They celebrated 66 wonderful years together.

As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many church callings.

He pursued career opportunities in federal civil service and held various positions in personnel management.  His career took him and his family to Japan, California, Germany and finally Utah. In conjunction with his service to the Defense Department he visited dozens of countries throughout the world. He concluded his employment at Hill Air Force Base as Chief of Civilian Personnel Training and retired with 30 years of government service (including military). He worked several years beyond that, part time as a privately contracted discrimination complaint investigator for the Defense Supply Agency. This allowed him to travel and spend quality time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling, photography, tennis, golf and his family. He was a kind and loving husband, father and grandfather who was always willing to sacrifice for his family.

Richard is survived by his wife, Gwen; one son, Richard (Lori) Frandsen, Salt Lake City; two daughters, Karen (Craig) Keenan, Spokane, WA; Katy (Mike) Conolly, Ogden; 13 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, L. Don Frandsen and Alan D. Frandsen.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.  Friends may visit with family Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the mortuary.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

A special thank you to the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home for their outstanding care and kindness.