Tributes from Friends and Family
Grab a cup of coffee and sit down to read stories and notes from the friends and family who knew Frank.
"In September 1968, I traveled to the US to pursue graduate studies in electrical engineering along with my wife, Vijaya. After arrival in Bozeman, we spent the first few days with the Schledorn family until we found accommodation in the MSU Student Housing. Little did we know then that this would be the beginning of a great friendship that would last many years.
Being totally new to the country, and not knowing anyone in a new country when we arrived, we were naturally extremely anxious to know as to how things would work out for us. Meeting the Schledorn family was the best thing that could happen to us. They were extremely kind, and affectionate and hosted us in their home until we obtained living accommodation in the university campus. At the Schledorn home, we met their daughters Lynn and Laurie who were then in school, and came to know of Rick, their son who was in Vietnam, and of Patti, their eldest daughter, who had just then been married and was living in Minneapolis with her husband, Terry. The Schledorn’s also introduced us to their good friends and neighbors, the Lamoirreaux’s and Lacy’s, who at that time were also hosting some Indian foreign students. All in all, it was a great introduction and it helped us get over our homesickness and tiredness.
When we moved to our student quarters, the Schledorn’s helped set up our home and got us ready to start our life in our new surroundings. Also being new to the country, its culture and customs, the Schledorn’s made sure we would be part of their celebrations, such as, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Vijaya felt amazingly comfortable knowing that she had a family in Bozeman that she could depend on just like her own in India.
After graduation and after leaving Bozeman, we continued to stay in touch with the Schledorn family. The Schledorn’s visited us in Reading, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, Arizona, and traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to attend our daughter Veena’s wedding with Hemu (Hemant). Vijaya, Veena and I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of the Schledorn’s in Bozeman in 1997. In 2007, I attended the memorial service for Mrs. Schledorn when she passed away.
On Friday March 19th, 2021, Laurie informed me that Mr. Schledorn was in failing health and Hospice personnel had indicated that the end may soon be near. On Sunday, March 21st, my daughter Veena and I visited Mr. Schledorn in the Rest Home and spent several hours with him along with Patti, Lynn and Laurie. Although conversation with Mr. Schledorn was difficult because of his condition, we could see that he was happy that we were all there. On Monday, March 22nd, Laurie informed me that Mr. Schledorn had passed away in the early morning hours. I felt fortunate that I was able to spend a few hours with him before he passed away.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of losing a great friend of over fifty years and we will miss him forever. Mr. Schledorn was a beloved father, husband, granddad, a great friend and a gentle giant with a ready smile and a willingness to help always. We will always remember his smiling face, his friendliness, and love towards us in all these years. We are happy that we got to meet Lynn, Laurie, Patti, Rick, Betty, as well as Mrs. Schledorn’s sisters and their extended families. Vijaya and I want to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Schledorn family on the passing of Mr. Schledorn. May his soul rest in peace!"
-- Vijaya, Prabhakar, Veena, Hemant and children Malini and Mohan
Being totally new to the country, and not knowing anyone in a new country when we arrived, we were naturally extremely anxious to know as to how things would work out for us. Meeting the Schledorn family was the best thing that could happen to us. They were extremely kind, and affectionate and hosted us in their home until we obtained living accommodation in the university campus. At the Schledorn home, we met their daughters Lynn and Laurie who were then in school, and came to know of Rick, their son who was in Vietnam, and of Patti, their eldest daughter, who had just then been married and was living in Minneapolis with her husband, Terry. The Schledorn’s also introduced us to their good friends and neighbors, the Lamoirreaux’s and Lacy’s, who at that time were also hosting some Indian foreign students. All in all, it was a great introduction and it helped us get over our homesickness and tiredness.
When we moved to our student quarters, the Schledorn’s helped set up our home and got us ready to start our life in our new surroundings. Also being new to the country, its culture and customs, the Schledorn’s made sure we would be part of their celebrations, such as, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Vijaya felt amazingly comfortable knowing that she had a family in Bozeman that she could depend on just like her own in India.
After graduation and after leaving Bozeman, we continued to stay in touch with the Schledorn family. The Schledorn’s visited us in Reading, Pennsylvania, Phoenix, Arizona, and traveled to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to attend our daughter Veena’s wedding with Hemu (Hemant). Vijaya, Veena and I attended the 50th wedding anniversary of the Schledorn’s in Bozeman in 1997. In 2007, I attended the memorial service for Mrs. Schledorn when she passed away.
On Friday March 19th, 2021, Laurie informed me that Mr. Schledorn was in failing health and Hospice personnel had indicated that the end may soon be near. On Sunday, March 21st, my daughter Veena and I visited Mr. Schledorn in the Rest Home and spent several hours with him along with Patti, Lynn and Laurie. Although conversation with Mr. Schledorn was difficult because of his condition, we could see that he was happy that we were all there. On Monday, March 22nd, Laurie informed me that Mr. Schledorn had passed away in the early morning hours. I felt fortunate that I was able to spend a few hours with him before he passed away.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of losing a great friend of over fifty years and we will miss him forever. Mr. Schledorn was a beloved father, husband, granddad, a great friend and a gentle giant with a ready smile and a willingness to help always. We will always remember his smiling face, his friendliness, and love towards us in all these years. We are happy that we got to meet Lynn, Laurie, Patti, Rick, Betty, as well as Mrs. Schledorn’s sisters and their extended families. Vijaya and I want to convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Schledorn family on the passing of Mr. Schledorn. May his soul rest in peace!"
-- Vijaya, Prabhakar, Veena, Hemant and children Malini and Mohan
Left to Right: Veena, Frank, Doris, Vijaya, Prabhakar in Montana circa 1994 for Frank and Doris' 50th wedding anniversary.