Francis Edward Wade, born, October 23, 1932, passed into eternal life, March 28, 2021.  Francis (Frank) was born in Fairmont, MN to a family that came to have five boys and two girls.  He attended St. Paul's Catholic School through 8 ^th grade and graduated from Fairmont High School. Following high school and after a period of discernment he went to college at Mankato State.  Upon graduation with a degree in nursing he joined the United States Air Force where he finished his career with the rank of Major.  Frank served in many capacities as a nurse and officer; including two tours of duty during the Viet Nam war supporting our troops where he assisted in the transport of wounded soldiers between Viet Nam and Clark Air Base in the Philippines.  Among places he was stationed were England, Japan, the Philippines, and several bases in North America.

Frank had a great love for his parents and was very good to them. When he was stationed in England his father was in the hospital critically ill and battling lung cancer. Just as he was thought to be dying the family was called to the hospital and Frank flew home. When Frank's Dad saw the family there, he sat up in bed and was overwhelmed when he saw Frank walk into the room. It was a trying time for his Mother, but Frank did the best he could to help her through.

Frank had a great love of model trains.  Following his retirement in San Antonio, Texas, he gained a bit of notoriety for the conversion of a good portion of his house into a model train set with mountain passes, small towns, train stations and sidings.  A video of his work is still popular on YouTube today and has been seen by thousands of model train enthusiasts.

Frank was a devout Christian.  He learned to make Rosaries and over a period of several years was able to make and donate thousands of them for distribution to missions around the world.  Between making Rosaries, Frank knitted scarves and stalking caps to support a men's homeless shelter in San Antonio.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Agnes, four brothers, Art, Bill, Harold, and Paul, and a sister, Helen (Dolly).  He is survived by sister, Mary Lou Musser of Whitefish, Montana.  He leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as many very dear friends. Particularly noteworthy is the Val Ortiz family who have adopted him as one of theirs and who have been so helpful during this difficult and painful time.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A mass of celebration for Francis Edward Wade will be held on

Wednesday, April 7 ^th at 10:00 A.M. at

Holy Spirit Catholic Church in San Antonio, Texas