"We enjoyed visiting with Frank. He loved his family and spoke of them often. He was a good man and will be missed. Paul & Su Spafford "
Francis "Frank" Harry Colvin, 92 of St. Charles, died Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Rochester, St. Mary's Campus. Frank was born April 5, 1928 in the Rochester area to Harry and Mary (Lawler) Colvin. Frank entered the United States Navy at an early age, with his mother having to sign to give permission because of his age. He served during WWII in the south China seas on submarines and mine sweepers. On November 5, 1949, he married the love of his life, Elaine Diderrich. They made their home in Rochester before moving to North Dakota where he worked on the Garrison Dam. They later returned to Rochester before moving to St. Charles in 1954.
Frank began working at IBM when they first started in Rochester and remained there until his retirement in 1991. During retirement, he drove for many local companies, including Barth Construction for 17 years. He loved to drive - whether it be semi, heavy equipment, motorcycle or grading roads. He could often be found on the road. Frank and Elaine spent many hours on their motorcycle and made it to Sturgis for 49 years.
He is survived by his three children, Cheryl (Paul) Halvorson of Peterson, Gary Colvin and Steve (Julie) Colvin both of St. Charles; six grandchildren, Matthew, Katherine (Austin), Brian (Keri), Shannon, Brittany (Matt) and Ben (McKenzie); six great-grandchildren, Brecken, Grayson, Alyssa, Ella, Vera and McKenna; and three sisters, Betty, Geraldine and Catherine.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine in 2018; parents and siblings, Patricia, Marlene, Joseph and Leonard.
Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church with the Reverend Tim Biren officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Monday at Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service and one hour prior to Mass at church. He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Eyota American Legion Post 551. Please wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
Please share a memory of Frank, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
"We enjoyed visiting with Frank. He loved his family and spoke of them often. He was a good man and will be missed. Paul & Su Spafford "
"Frank was one of the sweetest, caring and compassionate men I have ever met. I am so happy I got to get to know him and his lovely wife Elaine. The love they had for each other and their children was so amazing. I will never forget his poems, jokes and smile. May he be at peace and ride once again with Elaine. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Hugs and Love. Jackie Jensen"
"Frank was a very nice and friendly person. We would see him often at the Eyota Cafe. He would talk about his wife and their many years of going to Sturgis. We and many others miss seeing him. You all have our sincere sympathy....Marilyn Hanson ,& Donald Walch...Eyota "
"Cheryl and family....So sorry to hear of Frank\'s passing. He was a great guy and he always knew me no matter where we were!!! I so enjoyed visiting with him and always got caught up on you!! You were a lucky girl to have him as your dad. Sandy (Schwieder) Sturgis"
"I knew Frank from his days of working at Patterson\'s Quarry. He was always peasant to talk to and visit with. May his memory live on in your hearts forever. My condolences and sympathy on the loss of such a great man."
"Why we ride? The answer is Frankie Colvin. My first memory of Frank was hearing a motorcycle coming up Richland Avenue. Frank was a pitman on Chiefs stock car crew. A shiny Electraglide rolls up and a sharp dressed man by the name of Frank Colvin got off the bike. He walks up to me and shakes my hand and introduces himself. We always greeted each other that way from that day on. Anyone who knows motorcycles knew who Frankie and Elaine were. A fixture in the moto world in this part of the country. A true legend and the real deal. \"Man maketh the motorcycle,the motorcycle does not make the man\". That\'s a quote I learned from Frankie. Forever Two Wheels! Ride on Frank And Elaine,riding together again."
"Dear Cheryl and family, So saddened to hear about your father! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jan (Wilson) Eckles"
"Steve, Julie and family: So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. "