Frank Kathrens 1933-2020
Walter Franklin Kathrens Jr. (Frank) passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at The Neighborhoods at Quail Creek in Springfield, Mo., at the age of 87 with his family present. He had just celebrated his 87th birthday with 30 family members in attendance.
Frank was the son of Walter Franklin Kathrens Sr. and Helen Margaret Glenn Kathrens and was born on March 6, 1933, at Straight Creek. He was preceded in death by his parents and nine brothers and sisters: Margaret Isabella Kathrens, Jeanne Baker, Jay “Bud” Kathrens, Evelyn Schultz Dawson, Barbara Clark, Frances Schuyler, Philip Kathrens, Norma Walden and Audrey Howard.
Frank was united in marriage on Aug. 28, 1954, to Joyceln Ann Cavender of Sabetha. Six children were born to this union. Although they later divorced, they remained friends and worked together to love and support their children.
Surviving are Joyceln Kathrens of Sabetha, Kathy Johnstone and husband William of Bartlesville, Okla., Dennis Kathrens and wife Cari of Denver, Colo., Peggy Hartley and husband Bob of Branson, Mo., Janet Kathrens of Bartlesville, Okla., Walter Franklin Kathrens III of Sabetha and Joni Sue Siess and husband Mark of Americus, Maxine Cook, Wallace Kathrens and John Kathrens, all of Holton, and Kay McKeever of Hines, Ore.
Grandchildren are Matthew Johnstone, Sr. of Bartlesville, Okla., Morgan Johnstone Barnhill (Chris) of Bartlesville, Okla., Shannon Kathrens Niblack (James) of Polson, Mont., Eustacia Kathrens of Polson, Mont., Colt Hartley (Megan) of Spokane, Mo., Chad Hartley of Branson, Mo., Ashley Siess Goddard (Philip) of Bixby, Okla., and Shelby Siess (TJ) of Lawrence.
Great-grandchildren are Matthew Johnstone Jr., James Johnstone, Lana Dunlap, Caitlyn Barnhill, Victoria, Lily, Tyler and Alan Niblack, Clayton and Collin Hartley, Blakely and Brenley Goddard, and great-great-granddaughter Brielle Johnstone.
Frank owned Kathrens Construction Company at Sabetha working in site preparation and soil conservation. He was multi-talented in many areas including electrical work and master carpentry and cabinet making. He enjoyed working with wood and created many treasured wood items for family and friends.
Frank had his private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying all over the countryside. He enjoyed fishing and cooking, treating family to many home fried fish dinners. He played the harmonica for several years, which was enjoyed by his family. He attended Circleville Christian Church in Circleville.
Family viewing was held Saturday, April 25 at Stumpff Funeral Home in Bartlesville, Okla. Memorial services will be held later.
(PAID OBITUARY)
