Video of Funeral Mass for Franklin Gahan
Franklin D. “Frank” Gahan, age 83, of Port Washington, WI passed away peacefully after a year long battle with brain cancer on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at home with his family by his side.
He was born on November 4, 1936 in Port Washington to Raymond and Alice Blumenberg Gahan Sr. Frank attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and graduated from Port Washington High School. He would later study theology at St. Lawrence Seminary in Mount Calvary, WI for a few years. Frank would return to Port Washington taking work as a mason. He continued down that path until his retirement in 1998.
Frank was a proud member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local 8 of Milwaukee. A solid family man, Frank gave of his time and talents. In his youth he was an avid softball player in city leagues. He spent many years coaching shot put and discus for Nicolet and Port Washington High School track teams. He was not only a coach but a role model for his athletes and he was proud of their accomplishments on and off the field. His hard work and perseverance was passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Faith was very important to him. He will be remembered for teaching Catholic Religious Education (CRE) over the years and an adult acolyte for many funerals at St. Mary’s Church.
Frank is survived by his wife Joanne, his children Julie (Alfredo, Jr.) Lopez of Port Washington, Kevin (Kim Chi) Gahan of Richfield, Daniel (Cassandra) Gahan of the town of Cedarburg and Gemma Duran of Port Washington; his grandchildren Kyle (Sherrine) Carini, Al (Shaundra) Lopez III, Sarah Carini, Allison Lopez, Rachel, Naomi, Grace and Andrew Gahan and Angelina and Eva Duran; his siblings Lucille (the late William) Ikner of Milwaukee, Rosemary (the late Robert) Mudek of Duluth and Ray (Barb) Gahan of West Bend; Joanne’s siblings Wallace (Marjorie) Morrell and Roger (Ruth) Morrell, brother-in-law Paul (the late Yvonne) Westhoff Sr., nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He preceded in death by his sisters Marge Gahan Istre and Ruth Gahan Jaquish and his brother John Gahan.
We will celebrate Frank’s life with a Mass at 6PM Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at St. John XXIII Parish-St. Mary’s Church, 451 N. Johnson Street, Port Washington. The Reverend Patrick Wendt will be the celebrant. Family will receive relatives and friends at the POOLE FUNERAL HOME/Crematory, 203 N. Wisconsin Street, Port Washington Tuesday from 3:30-5:30pm. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Port Washington.
**COVID-19 recommendations will be followed. Masks required. Exercise social distancing. Thank you.**
Memorials can be made in Frank Gahan’s name to the Seraphic Mass Association (Seraphic Mass Association, 5217 Butler St., Ste. 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, 1-877-737-9050, email@seraphicmass.org ).
Frank will be remembered for his kind heart, endless patience, amazing stories and his contagious laugh. Thinking back to when he coached our son in throwing shot & disc, Frank was so committed to always giving his time to his team but also became a friend to so many…such a sweet, caring man. We were so blessed to have spent those years getting to know him, going to the track meets together and all of the fun conversations with Frank…lots of great memories! So happy that we were able to spend time reminiscing with him at the neighborhood parties this past year, we will miss him so much! Our hearts go out to all of Frank’s family, you are all in our thoughts & prayers. God’s Blessings to you.
Tina & Jim Reisimer, Josh & Landon
Joanne, I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing.
One thing to remember about Frank was his laugh.
Many times while I worked at the Deli, I could
recognize his laugh before I would actually see
him. It brought a smile to my face. Remember all
the goods times that you and him were sitting with
another couple enjoying yourselves during breakfast
at the deli. God bless you!
We were so sad to hear about the loss of your husband/father/grandfather. Sending prayers your way. I know you have a lot of great memories of him — I hope they comfort you. I’ll always remember him as a kind, thoughtful man.
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Julie, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
Got to know him well at Newport and other places . If I had to pick one word – KIND .
I was one of many that Mr. Gahan mentored throught out my high school shot put career from 1994-1998. My best friend and I were the prodigy of a great teacher. I have many wonderful memories of the things Mr. Gahan instilled in us as “weight men” to excell in what we were doing. We can throw, we can put and we can run!! I will miss him dearly.
My condolences to the family.
Sylvia and I express our sympathy to the Gahan Family
Uncle Frank will be remembered as an extremely intelligent, funny, and kind hearted man. You cannot help but smile when thinking of him, his family and all of his wonderful siblings! So blessed, proud, and thankful to have spent time with him.
Frank and I were in the same High School Class. He was truly a gentleman, one of the finest people I ever go to know. May he Rest I Peace.
The family has our sympathy for his loss.
Robert & Marie Prom