Frank Niessner

June 5, 1925 – January 29, 2016

On June 5, 1925, Dr. Brown made a house call and Frank Niessner was born to Amalie and Frank Niessner. Frankie, as the family called him as a child, was always on the go. At a young age, Frank developed a strong work ethic that proved to shape his future. Frank grew up in Central Washington during the Depression and worked hard to earn sufficient money to attend, and graduate from, Washington State University with a Political Science degree with a Business minor. Frank enlisted in the Army and served his country honorably in Japan during World War II primarily as part of the occupying force at the conclusion of the war.

In the summer of 1950 Frank married his love and partner in life, Kay Betz Niessner. They complemented each other well and shared many amazing experiences in their 65-plus years of marriage. Together, Frank and Kay’s philosophy of friends, family, and material possessions was quality over quantity. “It was how you handled what you had that mattered most.”

As a farmer Frank successfully developed dozens of original irrigated farm units in the Columbia Basin; as an entrepreneur, he built potato, onion and apple storage facilities. He also created the “Sunfresh Fresh Produce Label” while building up an integrated fresh produce packing marketing operation. In addition to being an integral part of the agribusiness success around the United States, Frank represented the Farm Credit Association’s 12th District for over 30 years and served nationally on the fiscal committee in Washington, D.C. Frank was a complete optimist; he lived life deliberately and to the fullest. Always appreciating life and those around him, Frank was well known for his ability to make and maintain friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

Frank’s passion for cars became a hobby in his adult years. He built up quite a collection; at one point Frank owned 34 cars including a Model A and Model T. Together Frank and Kay developed a love for traveling and “motor homing.” They had many wonderful experiences together visiting every continent in the world and making it to almost every state in the nation, some multiple times, meeting many lifelong friends along the way.

As a father and grandfather, Frank always treated his family with love and respect. He included them in his work and his play, and will forever be remembered by them for sage counsel and a quick wit. He strongly stood up for what he believed and quietly helped many people during his life’s journey.

Frank was surrounded by angels the last months of his life. On January 29, 2016, in Surprise, Ariz., longtime Royal City resident/pioneer Frank Niessner Jr. passed away due to complications incident to a long life well-lived. Frank’s final days were spent in the capable hands of nurses and his loving partner Kay. Frank is survived by his wife, Kathryn Ann Niessner; children Chriss Allred (Jerry), and Randy Niessner (Cindy); sister Kathryn Cheek (Ray); 10 cherished grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by parents Frank and Amalie Niessner.

All are invited to a memorial service to honor Franks life on June 25, 2016 at one in the afternoon at Frank and Kay Niessner’s home in Royal City, Wash.