Francis (Frank) E. Waldner Jr., 78, of Bismarck, ND, passed away on Tuesday, May 26, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND.

Memorial service will be held at 11AM, Monday June 1, at Zion Lutheran Church, 413 E Ave D, with a visitation being held one hour prior to the service.

Burial will start at 2PM at the ND Veterans Cemetery.

Frank was born on January 17, 1948, to Earl and Jean Waldner in Louisville, KY. Frank married Lin in the early 1970’s. They had a daughter and a son, along with four grandchildren.

Frank joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and was discharged in 1970. He went to basic training in Amarillo, TX, and then onto specialized training at Chanute Air Force Base in IL as a hydraulic specialist. He was stationed with the 606th Military Airlift Command in the Philippines. Some of Frank memorable moments was being in the Philippines, seeing the country, the climate, culture and being able to travel. Frank later joined the ND Army National Guard in 1988 with the 957th Engineer Company, Bismarck, ND, as a motor sergeant technician where he received many meritorious and service awards.

Frank was a collector of hot wheels and 18 scale cars. He restored an M15A2 Jeep and 1947 Willys. He also enjoyed time with his grandkids, puzzles, going to car shows and assisting his wife with Quilts of Valor.

He is survived by his wife, Lin; children, Amy (Dave) and Matthew (Michelle); grandchildren, Noah, Lexie, Miles, and Sofia.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Waldner; and sister, Beth Ashley.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery - www.ndvcf.org/donate