Franklin O. “Frank” Shidler
Franklin Orville “Frank” Shidler, 70, of Star City, was called to rest in the arms of his Savior on Thursday, Dec. 11, at home surrounded by his family.
Born on April 26, 1955 to the late May A. (Linback) and Thomas N. Shidler II, Frank was the tenth of thirteen children. He started work at age 13 on a dairy farm to help provide. After graduating from West Central High School in 1974, Frank went to work at Wilson Foods in Logansport, IN where he was employed for 20 years. In 1994, Frank went to work at The Braun Corporation and after 27 years, he retired in 2021.
Frank married his loving and caring wife, Carla Anne Henry, on June 30, 1979 at the First Presbyterian Church in Winamac. They shared 46 years of marriage and raised three children. Beyond the timeclock, Frank devoted his time to his true passions. Family was the center of his world. He was the driving force that gathered his family together for numerous annual events. Frank took every opportunity to corrupt and spoil his seven grandchildren. He taught them lessons in life that will one day be priceless.
Frank loved to cook. Most of his meals revolved around potatoes and sweet corn (when in season). Frank was always drawn to the outdoors and found deep satisfaction there. He grew a large vegetable garden with plenty to share. He raised Black Angus cows with his brothers and loved bailing hay. Cutting wood, mushroom hunting, fishing trips, farming and country drives were some of his favorite pastimes. Frank’s family and friends will remember his storytelling and infectious smile.
He is survived by wife Carla Anne (Henry) Shidler, Star City; daughters: Regina Anne [husband: Stephen] Maltese, Carmel and Rachelle Joan [husband: Graham] Conklin, Fishers; son Reese Franklin [wife: Gretchen] Shidler, Star City; granddaughters: Molly Gene Maltese, Hannah Marie Shidler, Emilia Kay Shidler, Violet JoAnne Conklin, Ruby Jean Conklin; grandsons: Stephen Henry Maltese and Elliot Franklin Shidler; sisters: Iris A.“Ike” Simonin, Maxine K. “Mick” Smith, Patricia “Trish” [husband: Mark] Dahlenburg and Lorinda “Lou” Grauel; brothers: Oren C. Shidler, Dennis N. “Butch” [wife: Judy] Shidler and Jerome “Jake” [wife: Karen] Shidler; sisters-in-law: Elaine Shidler and Ann Shidler; numerous nieces and nephews; uncle Richard “Bick” [wife: Mary Lou] Shidler; and many cousins.
Preceded in death by parent May A. (Linback) and Thomas N. Shidler II; brothers: Thomas N. “Duke” [wife: Pauline] Shidler III, Ronald G. “Ron” [wife: Rosemary] Shidler, Garry A. Shidler and Frederick N. “Fred” Shidler; sister Deloris R. “Dee” [husband: Larry] Morgan; brothers-in-law: Charles A. “Chuck” Simonin, Robert L. “Bob” Smith and Edward J. Grauel III; and sister-in-law Maria L. Shidler.
Cremation will take place at Frain Crematory in Winamac.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m., with services to be held at 7:30 p.m.
Frank was an active member of the Star City Lion’s Club who will honor him with a Memorial Service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home on Thursday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Helping Hands Fund to feed school children. Please make checks payable to: Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation and include ‘Helping Hands Fund’ in the memo line. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Contributions may also be mailed to Frain Mortuary PO Box 248 Winamac, IN 46996.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — Dec. 17, 2025)