Joanne Roberta Frank

Mar 30, 1937 -

Oct 15, 2021

Joanne Roberta Frank, 84, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 15, 2021. She is preceded in death by her devoted and loving husband, Earl Frank; parents, Robert and Beryl Weller; brothers, Bobby, David and William Weller; and sister, Dorothy Roden. Joanne is survived by her son, Ron Polk; daughter, Karen and Lee Hudson; stepdaughter, Linda and George Castillo; grandchildren, Dean Larson, Jared and Jordan Hudson, Gunnar and Rory Polk and Kristy Malesic; and sisters, Ruth Hall, Jane Moye, Doreen Denman and Patricia Gregg.

Joanne was born in Camillus, N.Y., and raised in Skaneateles, N.Y., on her family's dairy farm. She was the oldest of nine children. She graduated from Skaneateles High School, where her passion was history and being Head Majorette for the marching band. She performed in all school activities and local parades. She was extremely accomplished as a majorette and after graduating was asked by surrounding towns and cities in upstate New York to lead their annual parades.

Joanne enjoyed her family and all the gatherings and celebrations throughout the years, and will be missed. She also loved her cats and dog and gardening, and was very supportive of her Catholic church.

She retired from the U.S. Federal Government in February 2020, after 53 years of service, at Goodfellow AFB, Texas, for 5 years and Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, for 48 years. All of her 3rd Wing and 11th Air Force commanders shared how rare and special beyond words she was and that she always had an abundance of grace, humility, cheer and sincerity. They renamed the Service Award after her!

A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick's Parish, 2111 Muldoon Road, Anchorage, AK 99504, on Dec. 7, 2021, at 3 p.m., with a reception immediately following.