Obituaries
Frank C. Heisner, 65
Frank C. Heisner, 65, of Strasburg, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Lancaster General Hospital. He was the loving husband of Christine H. Clemens Heisner, for 40 years on December 19th. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of Catherine Tanner Heisner of Hazelton and the late Frederick H. Heisner.
A proper and regimented man, Frank served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War as a security policeman, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. He then attended Officers Training School, received his commission and served with the New York Air National Guard, achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel, and retired in 1995. Frank currently worked as a consultant and manager for Deloitte Consulting LLP in Philadelphia, requiring frequent travel throughout the United States.
Frank was a very faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Strasburg, where he served with Stephen Ministries, as an usher and in Missions on Team Wesley. A good neighbor and caring man, Frank would help anyone in need. He loved flying and was close to obtaining his pilot’s license.
Frank’s surviving family includes his wife Chris and daughter Karen C. Heisner, Strasburg, mother Catherine, Hazelton, sister Kathleen, wife of Joseph Fine, San Tan Valley, AZ, brothers William Heisner (Mary), Drums, PA and Gene Heisner (Mary Jane), Middleport, PA, aunt Helena Tanner, Sanborn, NY, and his nephew Jimmy Tanner, North Tonawanda, NY. His brother Fred Tanner and his uncle James Tanner preceded Frank in death.
The Funeral will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church in Strasburg on Thursday, January 27, 2011 at 11 AM, with Rev. Timothy J. Patterson officiating. Viewings will take place at the church Wednesday (TONIGHT) from 6-8 PM and again on Thursday from 10-11 AM. Interment will be in Strasburg Mennonite Cemetery, with military honors accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard and Veterans 21 Salute Honor Guard. Please omit flowers. Contributions can be made in Frank’s memory to the Wesley U.M. Church Memorial Fund, 40 W. Main Street, Strasburg, PA 17579. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 717-560-5100
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Dear Chris and Karen,
Nothing I can say can begin to relieve what you are going through right now. Frank was known to all as a good man, I think he would give the shirt off his back to someone in need. He will be missed by many. Please find comfort in knowing that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you. If there is anything that I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Love,
Mandie Martz
Dear Chris and Karen,
Ruth called me this morning to tell me about Frank. Although I did not know him except in passing, I remember him as sweet, kind and attentive. I am so sad for your loss and pray that Jesus will be your Comforter during these difficult days. He bears our grief and knows our sorrows.
With love,
Sharon Cook
What a great guy! Always was a pleasure, to deal with Frank, at the airbase in Niagara Falls. The security Police guys were always fun people to associate with, and Frank was one of the more memorable ones.
Fred Rycombel
E. Amherst, NY
Over the years, I too had the privilege of working with Frank on a number of projects at OXY. It was great to see Frank a part of the project. You knew he took a broader look at things and foresaw problem areas before they became an issue. His diligence and thoroughness would help to insure a successful completion.
I remember one of the times when he was back in Niagara Falls. We all were on the way to dinner. (He loved the sausage and peppers at the Como Restaurant.) Frank asked if we could pull over on a side street. He said ‘Here’s where my house was when I was young. The Splash Park and Convention Center are over there now. Urban Renewal!’ There was a bit of a sigh in remembering the ‘ole days’.
What made Frank such a great co-worker and good friend was his true interest in you. He always made the time to listen and adsorb what you were saying. He did not judge you or what you said. He looked to build on it to make things better. Frank truly cared.
We are all better because of Frank’s presence on this earth. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, but feel so fortunate that our pathways were able to cross. Please take comfort in knowing that many others share your sorrow.
May God Bless and watch over you closely during these difficult times.
Chris (Lazarz) Phillips
I want to extend my most sincere condolence to your family. I served with Frank in the 107th unit. Frank was a gentleman in every sense of the word; I respected Frank as a member of the unit and for the individual he was; a man of integrity; dedication to the ultimate degree and without reservation; a true professional. My son Michael became commander of the Security Police and he shared with me the high level of respect for Frank that was warranted so richly. Our most sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Sal Messina; CMS RET
Chris,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy go out to you and your daughter.
Rich Albon
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Heisner family for the loss of your loved one and the loss of a Vietnam Veteran Brother. Rest in peace Brother.
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1008
Lancaster, Pa.
Chris and Karen,
It been many years since I have seen you. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Lynne Jufer Muller
North Tonawanda, NY
Chris and Karen,
Were so sorry to hear about your husband and father if there is anything we can do for you please don’t hesitate to call are thoughts and prayers are with at this difficult time.
Yours Truly
The Wythe Family
I worked with Frank for several years at Oxy in Dallas when we were implementing the SAP system. So many of us just loved and admired him. We were all so sad to hear the news.
Frank made me laugh in so many ways. Mostly because he was so genuine and serious and his humor just cracked me up. I always tell the story about how regimented he was and that when he was on a diet, he would actually count out the number of almonds he could have. I thought that was so funny! And I remember when we all tried the low carb diet. We all used the litmus strips to see how low our count was. Of course, he was always the winner. Back then, our Oxy team was as close as many families are. When one dieted, or tried any trend, usually the rest followed. Frank was always the leader.if it was a healthy trend. He just watched if it weren’t!
Then I remember having serious conversations with him. He was a great listener and I know there were times I probably said things that shocked him, but he never seemed to judge and he always kept it confidential. I truly admired and thought the world of Frank. I have thought of him many, many times throughout the years, always wondered how and what he was doing. I pictured him with his neighbors, whom he spoke of often. He had so many interesting stories.
I know you will miss him more than words could ever say. I will pray that the good memories will help you through the harder times. I do not know what the cause of Frank’s death was, but I hope he did not suffer. He was a great man and the world will miss him.
God Bless,
Jackie Tietje
Dear Christine
I wanted to extend condolences from me and my family. I learned of Frank’s passing today and regret not being with you and your family. Frank was truly an amazing person. I had the honor of serving under Frank in the Air National Guard. Frank was one of the kindest people I have ever met. He was an excellent mentor and role model. I owe much of my success to the lessons Frank provided. His degree of patience was remarkable. He was thoughtful in his responses to the many questions that were posed to him. He never provided an answer to an issue or problem that degraded another human being. He was on so many occasions, scholarly, fatherly, brotherly and friendly. As you probably know, Frank cared deeply for those who served for and with him in the military. It was so impressive to all of us that he was able to meet the many guidelines that were directed and remain a kind and compassionate professional Air Force Officer. Frank’s writing ability was unmatched. Frank wrote a letter and read it to our unit members in honor of Master Sgt Joe Rubin who died unexpectedly shortly after we were called to active duty in 2001. I still think about the content of that letter today. It was so eloquent and touching, fully capturing the essence of Joe and his service to our country. Christine, thank you for sharing Frank with all of us. I am certain that you and your family sacrificed a great deal to allow Frank to contribute so much to so many.
Michael A. Messina Lt Col (Ret)
Frank was a true gentleman and a mentor in so many ways. I had the privilege to work alongside with him as a Navy consultant.
Frank showed us what it meant to be kind and generous. He was always on top of things; a professional, and had something great to say at all times. Frank always brought joy to all the lives he touched. Frank was loved at work, he will be sorely missed and we know he is in a better place. God bless you and my prayers are with you and your family.
Best regards,
Milton Aguirre
Dear Chris and Karen,
It has been many years, but our memories of Frank are ones we will always remember. He was a great friend and neighbor. We are saddened by his sudden passing. All our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Scott and Joni Parkhill
Tonawanda, NY
No adequate words can be said to ease your pain during this difficult time. Having the privilege to work with Frank in Philadelphia, I came to know Frank as a man who loved God, loved his family and loved his church. He was truly a man of great faith. During a time when my nephew was experiencing a serious illness , he placed my nephew’s name on his church’s prayer list. Often he would take time out of the busy day to inquire about my nephew. This type of kindness is rare. Frank’s leadership style for our team was reflective of that of our Lord, Jesus Christ. He demonstrated the highest level of leadership – Servant Leadership. It was an honor to serve on his team. Please take comfort in knowing that God is always with you and will help you during this time of transition. My husband and I have you all in our prayers.
Vikki Williams
Dear Chris and Karen,
We are so sorry to hear about Frank. I am at a loss for words. Frank was one of the kindest gentlemen and friend that anyone could ever meet. It was our pleasure to have know him. God bless you and Karen.
Carol and Bill Kalinowski
Tonawanda NY
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this most difficult time.
Barbara Fowlkes
Navy ERP Training Team
The Naval Inventory Control Point send our condolences to the Heisner family for the lost of your love one.
Frank was truly a well respected and fine gentlemen. He played an integral part in helping us implement the Enterprise Resource Planning Single Supply Solution. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely,
NAVICP On Site Support Lead
Bernadine Benjamin
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Frank on the Navy ERP project and I was on the same team as Frank. He was a wonderful person, so very nice and so very kind and considerate of everyone he worked with and came in contact with as well. The news of his passing was such a shock and it saddens me very much. I am so sorry for what you his family are going through right now.
He was such a good person and he will be greatly missed. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you and be with you during this sad time.
Gail Royster
Dear Chris and Karen, Laurie and i both were sad hearing of Frank’s passing. We both wish you the best in the future.
John and Laurie/ Santa Clara, Calif.