Franklin Henry Kristof, 90, of Caldwell, passed away on Monday, January 13, 2025.
He was born May 19, 1934, in Chriesman, to John L. Kristof and Mary Zalmanek Kristof.
He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1951 and worked on the farm with his dad until November 1954 when he joined the U.S. Navy.
Franklin trained as a radar technician at Treasure Island off the coast of California and served on the U.S.S. Southerland.
He married Joyce Trampota in September 1964 in Crosby.
Frank worked at Dow Chemical, and they resided in Angleton.
In 1972, he and Joyce moved to Chriesman with their three children, Kathy, John and Mary.
Frank was a steelworker at the Alcoa plant in Rockdale and retired in 1995 after 23 years.
Frank’s true enjoyment came from ranching on their land in Chriesman. What he sometimes referred to as his playground, this is where he enjoyed raising cattle and goats, baling hay, cutting and splitting wood, growing watermelons, gardening, building fence, fixing tractors, and welding on farm equipment that needed repair if the standard baling wire and duct tape didn’t do the trick.
Occasionally, he found time to cast a fishing line in one of the ponds or have a hot dog and marshmallow roast with the grandkids.
Frank was an avid reader and enjoyed a spirited debate on many subjects.
He was always willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors or even a stranger in need.
His advice, wisdom, and the common-sense way he approached life and its circumstances will be truly missed by everyone who had the blessing of knowing him.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joyce Kristof; his children, Kathy Brandhuber, John J. Kristof and Mary Hein (Joel); his grandchildren, Katherine Brandhuber, John F. Kristof and Kristina Kristof; and his siblings, Jay Kristof and Margie Muzny.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Kristof; his siblings, Alvin Kristof, Mary Jo McMurtrey, John Kristof, Edward Kristof, Jane Stephens and Raymond Kristof; and his son-in-law, Mark Brandhuber.
A Memorial Service will be held at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Caldwell on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m..
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice.
Express condolences at PhillipsandLuckey.com.
PHILLIPS & LUCKEY FUNERAL HOME 404 W. Buck St. Caldwell, Tx 77836 979-567-3232