NORMAL – Howard Glen Frink, 93, of Normal, has reached his final address. We imagine he was walking with no pain down the streets of Heaven at 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.
Howard’s service will be held on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 11 a.m. at East White Oak Bible Church, with Pastor Scott Boerckel officiating. Entombment will be held at East Lawn Mausoleum, Bloomington with military honors conducted by the Bloomington/Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington.
Memorials may be made to the East White Oak Missions Fund or American Legion Post 635, 108 ½ W. North St, Normal, Illinois 61761
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Howard’s story began on January 14, 1925 when he was born in a house on Main Street in Normal. He met his future wife, Melba Jean Zehr, in high school, and they began dating. Then Pearl Harbor happened, and when he graduated high school, he was drafted into the Army. He served in the 2nd Aircraft Repair Unit (Floating) with the 20th Air Force at Saipan and Iwo Jima. Howard was one of two communications officers to relay the Japanese surrender message through Morse Code to the U.S. After returning from WWII, he married Melba Jean on June 15, 1947 in Normal. They were blessed with two daughters, Deb (John) Foster, Bloomington and Cheryl (Bill) Matzker, O’Fallon, four grandchildren, Jenny (Erik) Klouse, Katie (Josh) Yates, Mark (Jaclyn) Matzker and David Matzker and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers.
Howard was a graduate of Illinois State University and went to work at State Farm Insurance Company. He retired in 1990 after 39+ years. He was a longstanding member of East White Oak Bible Church, serving in many areas as a Board Chairman, Missions Treasurer and Chairman, Choir, Sunday School Teacher and was considered as one of the church historians. He also served on the BroMenn Board of delegates and steering committee of the Half Century Club at Illinois State University. He was also a member of the CPCU Society where he was past chapter president.
Howard loved traveling and traveled extensively stateside and abroad often visiting missionaries. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
His family was thankful to be able to care for him at home his last few days. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Samuel Steffen, Advocate BroMenn Hospice and nurse Ed Boyer, and the prayers of many friends.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
