S. Thomas Frank Obituary (1951 - 2026)

Shadrack Thomas Frank of Mandan, North Dakota, passed away peacefully with family by his side on February 13, 2026, at the age of 75. Known to many as “Shady” and to others simply as “Tom,” he carried both names with pride, warmth, and a personality that made him unforgettable to those who knew him. Tom was born on January 5, 1951, in Minot, North Dakota, the third of seven children born to Roland and Lozina (Harriman) Frank. He grew up in Douglas, North Dakota, surrounded by siblings, cousins, and the kind of small-town community that shaped his strong work ethic and generous spirit. After graduating from Douglas High School, where he participated in many activities, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1969 during the Vietnam Era and proudly served for two years. A special part of Tom’s heritage came from his grandparents, Pearl (Bartron) and Shadrack Harriman, from whom he received his namesake — a connection he carried with pride throughout his life and passed down to two grandsons, Dylan Thomas and Lincoln Shadrack. Tom spent much of his life on the open road as a dedicated truck driver and proud member of the Minnesota Teamsters Union. Driving wasn’t just a job to him — it was a way of life. He loved the movement, the miles, the people he met along the way, and the stories that came with every stretch of highway. No matter where he traveled, he always seemed to run into someone he knew. His journeys took him far and wide, but his heart always belonged in Mandan with his Family. Away from work, Tom enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought him comfort and joy. He loved a good western - each movie being the "best ever made". He also loved fishing and playing cards, especially cribbage and pinochle. He never turned down a chance to sit at a table, shuffle a deck, and enjoy the company of friends and family. Tom married Janice in 1993, joining their lives together. With their marriage, he became an instant father figure to three children, embracing that role with steadiness, humor, and a genuine sense of responsibility. In September 2009, Tom suffered a stroke, yet he continued to face each day with determination and his trademark wit. He remained in his home until June 2019, when he moved into Prospera Nursing Home — affectionately calling it “The Ranch,” a name that showed he never lost his sense of humor. Tom is survived by Janice Frank; his children and grandchildren, Donovan (Kristine) Eslinger, and their children Damian (Larissa), Daxtyn, Dylan Eslinger, and Cohen LundeNatalie (Shane) Yeager, and their children Davis Reiker, Spencer and Emalynn Yeager, Nichole (Abe) Zenker, and their children Lincoln and Violet Zenker, His siblings: Daniel (Lenore) Frank, Constance (Glenn) Jensen, Sandra (John) Crawford, Jennifer (Jeff) Hefter, and Donna Koppinger; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless others, including extended family and friends, who loved him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Lozina Frank; his grandparents; his brother, Raymond Frank; and many other beloved family members and loved ones. Tom was not only a husband, father, grandfather, and uncle—he was truly one of a kind. True to the name “Shady,” he carried a unique charm and a spirit all his own. Those who knew him will remember his generosity, his humor, the unmistakable presence he brought into every room, and his famous “You bet!” Upon his passing, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held on July 2nd at 11:00 a.m. CST at DaWise-Perry Funeral Home in Mandan, North Dakota, with honor burial services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Mandan Veterans Cemetery. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Prospera Nursing Home for their compassionate care and kindness over the years, and to Sanford Hospice for their comfort, support, and guidance during Tom’s final days. To honor Tommy and his service, please consider a contribution to Veterans Honor Flight for Veterans of North Dakota in lieu of flowers https://veteranshonorflightofndmn.org/