Frank N. Blair

   Frank N. Blair, 94, of Sioux City Iowa, went to be with Jesus on July 2, 2022.

   A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 22, 2022 at Mater Dei Parish – Immaculate Conception Church (1212 Morningside Ave.) in Sioux City.  Immediately following the mass, there will be a luncheon and time of fellowship at the church.  Entombment with military honors will be at Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel.

   Frank was born on September 23, 1927, to Victor and Ina (Cook) Blair in Sioux City. He went to local schools and enlisted in the Navy in 1944 at the age of 17 during WWII. He proudly served on the USS Blackhawk and spoke of that often. All but two of his brothers served simultaneously in World War II, and they tried to keep tabs on each other during their service in the war. He was honorably discharged in 1958 from the Naval Reserve. 

   Frank married Josephine Pope on July 3rd, 1948. He met her through his best friend who was her brother.  They were married 1 day shy of 74 years. Together they had three children.

   Frank worked at The Terminal and the CNW railroad for 40 years until he retired in 1989. He had many friends from those days and enjoyed his time there.

   Frank enjoyed playing softball early in life, and planting and working in his garden and yard when he was older. Frank and his wife enjoyed playing cards with their group of friends and family and looked forward to card night. Midway through his life, they traveled with their family, taking numerous camping trips from Iowa out to California to see his oldest daughter and grandkids.  They also took their son and youngest daughter on many trips to the lakes in Minnesota and The Black Hills area. Later, he and his wife had a lake house in Minnesota on Lake Ida. They spent many wonderful summers with their friends and family fishing, talking around campfires and sharing life. They also took trips to Texas with their youngest daughter to see their son, enjoying all the sites. Frank was happy when he, two of his brothers in law and a couple of his nephews would take annual trips in an RV to go fishing at the dam. Many years of Pope family get togethers were held at Miners Bend swimming and fishing. Frank would be out in a canoe or paddle boat with the kids having a blast. He and his wife were able to enjoy a few cruises in their later years. He was very involved with his kid's life, and as a grandpa, taught his grandchildren many things by spending time with them, teaching them about life and showing up for their activities.  He was an active member of Immaculate Conception Church up to a few years ago when his health changed.

   Frank would volunteer to help anyone out, anything from painting to gutting and rebuilding a house. He had a heart of gold, which was never more evident than the way he treated others, but especially in the way he took care of his wife. He always put her first, would put others needs in front of his own, and was quick to make people smile. He is missed by his family and many neighbors who were his friends.

   Those left to cherish these memories are his wife, Josephine Blair; daughter Carol Stricker of Sioux City; son Jeff Blair and Mike Erwin of Malakoff, TX; daughter Kelli (John) Horton of Jefferson, SD; grandchildren: Steve Stricker of North Carolina, Justin Stricker of Sioux City, Daniel Cummings of Jefferson, SD, Samuel and Katherine Cummings of Sioux City; and great grandson Noah Stricker of North Carolina. He is also survived by siblings: Shirley Blair and Mibs (Myrtle) Prickett of California; sisters-in-law: Mary Corio Jefferson, SD, Ramona Blair of Sioux City, Jan Blair of Sioux City; and many nieces, nephews and their families. 

   Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws; 12 brothers, sisters and spouses; and 18 brother and sisters-in-law and spouses. 

   The family wishes to thank Dr. Kurt Rosenkrans for his care of and friendship with Frank through the years, the many close neighbors who loved and helped him through these last years, and the kind nurses on the 5th floor of Unity Point during Franks last hours. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Disabled Veterans which was close to Frank’s heart, or the Carmelites. Remember, it's never goodbye, just see you later.