Gene Frank

Alvie Eugene "Gene" Frank, 63, of Fort Collins died peacefully Good Friday night April 2, 2010 in the comfort of his home. He had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma cancer in November 2009. Gene was born in Flagler, Colorado on July 21, 1946 to Wilma (Yates) and Johnny Frank. He grew up with three siblings on the family farm north of Arriba, Colorado where his parents raised dry land wheat. Gene credited his "rural life" on the farm for his strong work ethic. After graduating from Arriba High School in 1964, he moved from the farm to seek employment in Denver and to experience city life. Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1965 specializing in aviation electronics and served on active duty four years. His duty stations included Pensacola, FL, Memphis, TN and Quonset Point, RI. Upon completion of his military service in 1969, Gene returned to Colorado and married his high school sweetheart, Julia J. "Julie" Kemp. Gene and Julie were married December 7, 1969 at Hope Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colorado. They made Fort Collins their home in 1971. While working in sales for Ghent Motor Company, Gene grew to be a truck and car enthusiast enjoying the latest models with all the new bells and whistles. In 1972, Gene began his professional career with American Family Insurance as a sales agent. He served his policyholders for 38 years focusing on solid customer service, agency profitability and policy retention. Many long and lasting friendships grew through his daily association with insurance clients. Gene was voted #1 in the state for the calendar year 2009, for customer satisfaction by his loyal clients when they responded to J.D. Power surveys. On March 5, 2010 American Family honored Gene for this achievement at a company awards program. He also earned multiple honors as a state profit leading agent for his thorough underwriting. Gene was respected by his industry peers and regarded with deep affection by his fellow agents. Gene made his commitment to the Lord when he was baptized and confirmed in 1968. For the past 25 years he was a faithful servant at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church where he and Julie served on a mission committee which supports seminarians. In his leisure time Gene enjoyed golfing at Mountain Vista, big-game hunting, mountain retreats, sports, family gatherings and cruise ship vacations. Gene is survived by his wife, Julie, and two sisters, Darlene (Ron) Bernard of Craig, CO and Donnetta Phillips of Aurora, CO and a brother, Terry Frank of Kenmore, WA; one uncle, Alvie Frank of Scott City, KS who was his namesake and several cousins; two brother-in-laws, Gary Kemp of Aurora, CO and Bruce (Melissa) Kemp of Fort Collins, CO and two sister-in-laws, Kathrine Kemp of Aurora, CO and Sherry (Virgil) Reed of Cincinnati, OH. He is preceded in death by his parents, Wilma and Johnny Frank, grandparents and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Gene reveled in his role as uncle and is survived by his nieces and nephews including Darlene (Ron) Bernard's family: Ellen Bahre, Steven Bernard, Alvin Bernard and Kathleen Del Torro; Donnetta Phillips' daughter Tonya Lawson; Bruce (Melissa) Kemp's family: David Kemp, Andrew Kemp, Nicholas Kemp, Heidi Mitchell and Amy Helzer; and Sherry (Virgil) Reed's family: Eric Reed and Stephanie Reed. He is also survived by three great nieces and seven great nephews. The family wishes to express very sincere and special thanks to our church family, our American Family Insurance family, clients and friends for their prayers, love and support. The family also extends sincere appreciation to Gene's special caregivers Cheryl, Deborah and Teresa and to Pathways Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peace With Christ Lutheran Church, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or Pathways Hospice in care of Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80524. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, April 16, 2010 at Peace With Christ Lutheran Church, 1412 W. Swallow Road, Fort Collins, CO 80526. Interment will occur at a later date.