Frank Deshler

Frank A. "Sonny" Deshler, age 77 of Cottage Grove, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2017 following a brief battle with cancer.

Funeral service will be 11 am Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 – 80th Street S., Cottage Grove with visitation from 9-11 am at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.

Frank Anthony Deshler was born February 4, 1940 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Frank J. and Mary T. (Grealish) Deshler. He grew up in St. Paul and entered active duty in the US Navy and was on the patrol squad of the Pacific Coastline from 1957-1960. While on leave during his military service, he met Joan Greely and they were married a few years later on April 6, 1963. They lived in St. Paul and Woodbury before settling in Cottage Grove in 1971. He was employed by Great Northern Railroad for 15 years as a carman and welder until taking a job at the Koch Refinery as an electrician. After his retirement in 1997, he continued to do part time work at John Bartl Hardware Store doing a variety of projects.

Frank enjoyed fishing, tinkering, spending time with his granddaughters, doing puzzles and relaxing. He loved spending time with his family and connected easily with others. Frank was very generous and was always looking for opportunities to help those around him.

Frank is survived by his wife Joan of 54 years; children, Frank W. (Connie); Lisa (Chad) Komarec; granddaughters Grace, Sophia and Larissa; siblings Katherine "Kitty" Olson, John and Joe Deshler. He is preceded in death by parents; siblings Mary Ann, Barb, Margie and Jimmy.