Frank Horak

Frank Horak, born May 2, 1930 on the family farm in Elk, Wash. died peacefully May 26.

Frank spent most of his childhood in Elk. His family went to Texas for a few years during the depression, then returned to Elk, where Frank graduated from Riverside High School in 1948.

Later, Frank enlisted in the army and spent time in Germany. Working as a courier, Frank traveled all over Germany on his motorcycle. With his love of traveling, he toured much of Germany.

After being discharged from the army, he went to work for Commercial Gunite. While building swimming pools for them Frank met the love of his life, Ardith Sherman. They married in 1961 and later moved to Moses Lake.

Frank and Ardy traveled to Coulee City while Frank worked on Grand Coulee Dam and to Richland where Frank worked at Hanford. Somehow during all this, Frank and Ardy built three homes for themselves. After moving around a lot, they returned to "the home that Frank built" on Beacon Road in Moses Lake. Frank went to work for the Grant Co. PUD, where he used all of his many construction skills. He worked for them until he retired a few years ago. Even in retirement Frank never stopped helping his many friends on their "projects." Pouring concrete here, building a fence there, and on and on. Frank was, for the most part, self-taught when it came to his many construction skills.

Frank loved life and lived it to the fullest. He loved people; meeting them, talking with them, working with them … just being with them! Travel, his garden, learning new things — all these were very high on his list of interests. And yet, for all these wonderful things, none can hold a candle to his absolute devotion to Ardy. The loving care he gave her over their 44 years together is legendary.

Frank was the youngest child of Emil and Frantiska Horak. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and his brother. Frank leaves behind many nieces and nephews, Ardith's children: Barbara and her husband Frank Williams, Jerry and his wife Patricia Sherman and Toni Sherman, grandchildren: Bill, Teri, Larry, Derek, Tamra, Michael, seven great-grandchildren and countless friends.

A memorial service will be held Friday at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1020 South A Street in Moses Lake at 4 p.m.