Frank R. Willheim, Sr.

Frank R. Willheim, Sr., 98, of New Oxford and formerly of Hanover, PA, passed peacefully into God’s eternal care, Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at the UPMC Hanover Hospital.

Born February 27, 1923, in Baltimore, MD he was the son of the late John and Lily (Hack) Willheim.  Frank was the loving husband of the late Ruth H. (Mamock) Willheim with whom he shared 74 years of marriage until her passing on Friday, May 4, 2018

Frank was a 1941 graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute.  He served his country proudly during World War II, and was a veteran of the United States Army Air Corp.

Frank was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church, Hanover, PA, The Hanover Country Club where he was a past President, The Hanover ELKS Lodge, former President, and member of the Hanover Hospital Board, where he was instrumental in the 1981 expansion and renovation.  He was on the Board of Directors of the former National Central Bank and was a former President of the Board of the Allied Florists Association of Greater Baltimore.  He was a 32nd degree Free and Accepted Mason and belonged to the Hanover PATMOS Blue Lodge.

Frank and his late wife Ruth were the former owners and operators of Cremer Florist and Greenhouses from 1956 to 1990.  Upon moving to Cross Keys Village, he enjoyed planning and nurturing the flowers around his cottage.  They were enjoyed by many people.   

Frank is survived by one daughter, Gail H. Merlo, and husband Michael; one daughter-in-law, Christine Willheim of Florida, five granddaughters; fourteen great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.  He was preceded in death by one son, Frank R. Willheim, Jr., and two sisters, Lily M. Scherer, and Madeline Thrift.

A funeral service to celebrate and remember Frank’s life will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, October 15, 2021, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 129 Charles Street, Hanover, PA, with his Pastor the Rev. Kirk A. Griffin officiating.  Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Hanover, PA, with the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard Burial Detail providing Military Honors.  A viewing and time to share memories with the family will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM, Friday, October 15, 2021, at the church.

The Kenworthy Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA has been entrusted by the family with the funeral arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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