Rodney Frank

Mar 12, 1958 -

Dec 16, 2024

Lifelong Alaskan Rodney L. Frank, 66, passed away on Dec. 16, 2024. No services are planned at this time. The family plans for a celebration during the summer months to spread his ashes over Denali, as was his wish. Rod was born on March 12, 1958, in Anchorage, Alaska, to Merle and Dorothy Frank. He graduated from West Anchorage High School in 1976, and married Kathy Wood in September 1978. He began a 40 year career at the Alaska Railroad as a Conductor/Brakeman, from which he retired in 2017. Together, they raised two children, living in Anchorage and moving to Wasilla, Alaska, in 1996. He had a childhood full of the Alaskan experience. The great outdoors was his favorite place to be. As an adult, his passion for hunting big game, snowmachining and flying were his greatest joys. He had a lot of pride in reaching the accomplishments he set out to do. Of his favorite stories to share was the first place finish in the inaugural Iron Dog Classic Snowmachine Race in 1984. He was inducted into the Iron Dog Hall of Fame in 2015. He was a avid fan of the snowmachine community and events. He always enjoyed taking his sleds apart so he could rebuild them, making them better and faster. He also enjoyed building and remodeling homes, which he did three times. He loved his Cessna 185, being at his favorite hunting or fishing spot - which was always a secret - and being at the cabin off the Yentna River. He was a very skilled and proud pilot. In retirement, Rod and Kathy traveled around the United States in a RV for 19 weeks going to special places and visiting family. From the West Coast to Key West, Fla., and up the East Coast to Mt. Rushmore, the experience was a highlight. Rod is survived by his wife, Kathy, of 46 years; parents, Merle and Dorothy Frank of Wasilla; two children, Justin Frank of Phoenix, Ariz., and Krista Armstrong and husband Ryan of Wasilla; four grandchildren, Rylynn and Zane of Wasilla, and Kysen and Robert of Anchorage; brother, Duane Frank of Anchorage; sister, Diane Johnson and husband Jim of Anchorage; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins and many great friends. The family requests any donations be made to the charity of their choosing. Arrangements were made by Wasilla Heritage Chapel.