Age 90 of Inver Grove Heights.
Passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2025, surrounded by family.
Frank Andrew Edward Dehrer was born August 15, 1935 to Frank Julius Ernest Dehrer and Florence Katherine Ida (nee Krech) Dehrer. He was welcomed into the kingdom of the Triune God on his baptism day, September 1, 1935 at Holy Trinity, St. Paul, MN. He renewed that vow at his April 10, 1949 confirmation at Old Emanuel Lutheran, Inver Grove Heights, MN.
Frank graduated from South St. Paul High School and immediately began a career as a professional driver that spanned 60 years. He drove semi-trucks, both over the road and in town, and later, in retirement drove an airport shuttle and school bus for ISD #197. Over the years, he was a proud member of the Teamsters, AFSCME andSEIU. While driving for Gedney Pickles in Chaska, he met his wife-to-be Judith Helen Happ and they were married by Pastor Otto Kohn on June 16, 1962. To this union were born Jacqueline Judith on June 10, 963 and Joseph Frank on October 23, 1967. Frank lost his beloved wife of 55 years, Judith, on January 20, 2017 to breast cancer. Frank served his county in the Army in the Cold War (1958-1960) and the Vietnam War (1961-1962). He was proud to be a veteran. Frank’s ancestors established themselves in Inver Grove in 1860 and he was a lifelong resident. He prided himself in those community roots. He was proud to have been a volunteer firefighter for 33 years.
His family were some of the founding members of Concordia Lutheran Church in South St. Paul. He was honored, in 2024, to serve as the Grand Marshall in the IGH Days parade. Frank enjoyed several hobbies over the years. He and Judy were avid vegetable gardeners until her passing. He enjoyed feeding the birds at his home. He spent many weekends going to the Cedar Lake Speedway and enjoying the races. In later years, he was a regular at The Grove and IGH Senior Center. He loved meeting people and finding out their story and who they might know in common.
The main focus of his life was his commitment to his Lord and Savior. Over the years he served in many different roles at his church. He and Judy joined St. James in 2002, and it was with eager anticipation that he looked forward to weekly church and Bible study. He especially enjoyed the worship music. He never missed his daily devotions and never failed to add an additional prayer of thanks for his family when everyone was gathered in prayer at a meal. Even at the end of his life, when he was asked about his priorities, he said “getting back to church”. His unwavering faith was a wonderful example to his family.
Frank also loved spending time with his family and leaves behind his devoted children; Jacqueline and Robert Stokke, and Joseph Dehrer, his loved grandchildren; Aaron and Elizabeth Stokke, Paul Stokke, and Rachel Stokke (boyfriend John Harashinski), and beloved great-grandchildren; Liam Stokke and Owen Stokke. He will also be missed by his sisters; Grace Nicoletti, and Marcella (Snooks) and Gene Anderson.
Do not grieve. Those of us who fall asleep in Jesus will be united together in heaven, where there will be great happiness with our God.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 25th at St. James Lutheran Church, 460 West Annapolis St., West St. Paul. Visitation 9:00 -11:00 AM prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. James Church. Lunch will be served in the Fellowship Room immediately following the service. Burial will be at Union Cemetery in Inver Grove Heights. There will be an escorted procession to the cemetery after lunch and all are welcome.
Pallbearers are: Aaron Stokke, Paul Stokke, JohnHarashinski, Liam Stokke and Owen Stokke.
Frank’s confirmation verse: Titus 2: 11-12
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.