Frank O'Meara, 85
Frank O'Meara, 85
Frank O’Meara, 85, of Fergus Falls, died Thursday, May 8, 2008, at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, with his loving wife, Ellen, at his side.
He was born May 17, 1922 in Fargo, N.D., to E.V. O’Meara and Kitty (Kathleen O’Brien) O’Meara. Frank’s father emigrated from Ireland to America, and after serving his country in World War I, E.V. returned to Fergus Falls and opened O’Meara’s Department Store in 1924.
Frank grew up in Fergus Falls living in the family home on Lake Alice. After graduating from high school in 1940, he attended St. Thomas University for two years.
Following the bombing at Pearl Harbor in 1941 he enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942, being called into duty in January of 1943.
Upon graduation from Aviation Cadets, he was commissioned Lieutenant, and received his Wings in December 1943. Frank was sent to Panama where he spent most of a year flying fighter Patrol protecting the Panama Canal and Central America. Supplies for our boys went through the canal, and it was an area of vital importance.
Frank received further training in New York State as a fighter bomber pilot and then proceeded to the European Theatre. He joined the 367th Fighter Group in France, flying a P-47 Thunderbolt into Germany with our troops.
Frank flew 40 missions into Germany. When victory was declared, he was in Hitler’s “Eagles Nest” with his buddies to celebrate.
When Frank returned to U.S. soil, he was commissioned First Lieutenant, and was honorably discharged with ribbons from the American Theater, European Theater, 2 Battle Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, and Air Medal with 3 Clusters, and a Victory Medal of World War II.
His unit also received a personal letter commending their bravery from General G. S. Patton. Frank was only 23 years old.
Upon returning to his family and civilian life, Frank joined his father’s store, O’Meara’s, eventually owning and operating it for 35 years.
Frank was an active, contributing downtown merchant, serving in the Chamber of Commerce for 30 years. He was active as a Boy Scout leader for 20 years, and was a recipient of the Boy Scouts Silver Beaver award, the highest honor the Council bestows.
He had been president and board member of Lake Region Sheltered Workshop, and served as a board member of the Otter Tail County Historical Society.
In addition to serving on the board of Lake Region Hospital, Frank worked tirelessly to create a cardiac care unit at the facility.
Frank would like to be remembered as the man who single-handedly raised the money, and arranged for the planting of the trees along Lincoln Avenue in Fergus Falls.
In 1969, Frank married Ellen Chester Ripley, the love of his life. The couple enjoyed several years working together at the store. They also found great joy in traveling throughout the United States and several foreign countries.
With Frank’s Irish heritage, they particularly enjoyed their many trips to Ireland. They shared life out on “Our Farm” for nearly 37 years where they enjoyed the wonders of nature that surrounded them.
Frank gave his best to everything and everyone. He was a loving, decent man, whose Irish wit will be sadly missed. He was truly a member of “The Greatest Generation”.
Preceding him in death were his parents; three brothers, Vincent, Patrick, and Emmett; and one sister, Betty (Brothen).
Survivors include his wife, Ellen, of Fergus Falls; four step-children, Candace Leahy of Coon Rapids, Barry Ripley of Xiamen, China, Barbara (Tom) Morstad of Fergus Falls, and Michael Ripley of Shell Rock, Iowa; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Otter Tail County Historical Society, Otter Tail County Humane Society or Lakeland Hospice and Home Care.
Visitation: To share memories one hour prior to the service, with military honors provided by the Fergus Falls VFW and American Legion
Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Friday, at Grace United Methodist Church in Fergus Falls
Clergy: Rev. Dr. Daren Flinck
Burial: A private interment is planned at a later date in St. Otto’s Cemetery, Fergus Falls.
Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls
n Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com