Franklin George Froese came into this world on May 1, at the height of the 1950 Red River Flood. Franklin was one of 12 children born to Frank and Mary Froese of Steinbach, Manitoba, and spent most of his life in southeastern Manitoba. Frank(lin) grew up in a family contracting business and worked in the building and plumbing trades as well as being a truck driver and machine operator. Children gravitated towards Frank, and he was always fond of animals and classy vehicles. He put a great deal of pride and effort into the old vehicles he restored and had an abiding interest in family and community. Frank’s life was not without its trials and resembled in many ways the path of a prairie river winding its inevitable way down to the sea in a series of loops and bends. The family would like to thank all those in the health and protective professions who helped Frank make that journey to a peaceful conclusion. Frank passed away on February 25, 2009 at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, sitting peacefully in a chair with his coffee cup in hand. Frank leaves to mourn his passing his mother Mary Froese; siblings Jean (John) Barkman, Dennis (Ruth), Robert (Kathy), Melvin (Bev), Norma (Peter) Wiebe, Ron (Lucille), Larry (Phyllis), Gerald (Patricia), Brent (Karen), Dale (Sharon) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Frank, his brother Lewis, his sister-in-law Ida, a foster sister Laurette Delorme, as well as other relatives. The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Grace Hospital, with special thanks to Health Care Worker Donna Suggitt. The funeral service will be held Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, 150 Penfeld Dr, Steinbach with interment at Heritage Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the ETU c/o Grace Hospital Foundation, Winnipeg.