Biography

Francis John Loeffler “Frank” was born in Sacramento, CA on May 3, 1928. He passed away at age 81 on February 9, 2010 from brain cancer diagnosed just one month after the loss of his wife, Claire McDougall Loeffler, who predeceased him by exactly 26 weeks. Married sixty years, they had four children who lovingly cared for their parents through every step of their final journey on earth.

A lifelong Sacramentan, Frank grew up downtown a few blocks from St. Francis of Assisi, where he attended church and elementary school. Shortly after graduating from Christian Brothers High School in 1946, Frank was hired by Burnett & Sons and became an amazingly skilled craftsman, building the finest millwork and cabinetry until the day he retired from there 43 years later. His craftsmanship remains today in notable projects such as the restoration of the State Capitol and the Crocker Art Museum.

Frank was a loyal and loving father, husband, brother and son, for whom family was foremost in his life. Along with his wife, Claire, he enjoyed countless summer weekends and vacations packing up their four children, hitching the utility trailor to the family station wagon or Jeep, and setting out to explore the many wonders of California's outdoor beauty... from the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific coast. Many of the most cherished memories that Frank's family had growing up together came from those countless camping trips, especially time spent enjoying their mountain property at Sierra City, in the heart of Gold Rush country.

Along with camping, Frank loved fishing, baseball, ice cream and, during his working years, the ritual lunch-time poker games enjoyed with his co-workers at Burnett & Sons. He enjoyed spending time with his brothers whenver he could, and cherished the opportunities he had to explore Europe, Mexico and Costa Rica with them. Frank loved animals and, later in life, enjoyed watching the many squirrels and birds that would gather in his yard to feast at all the feeders he kept well-stocked with seeds and nuts. With a fun, loveable personality, Frank will always be remembered for his warm smile, great sense of humor and comical one-of-a-kind sayings. He could always light up a room with just his presence. Now heaven is shining brighter.

Frank was the second of five children born to Lawrence Loeffler and Zelda Schmitz Loeffler. He is survived by his sons David (Cristina) and Ralph (Mary); daughters Robyn Loeffler and Jami Doting (Jason); brothers Raymond and Larry (Virginia); predeceased by sister, Doris Scharosch, and brother, Clarence. He was a beloved grandfather to Alex, Chelsea, Shae and Adam Loeffler, as well as Morgan and Madison Doting, and uncle to 18 nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Friday, February 19, 2010 at St. Francis Church, 26th and K Streets in Sacramento. A viewing at 9:00 a.m. and Rosary at 9:30 a.m. will be held inside St. Clare’s Chapel. His life will be memorialized and celebrated in the main church at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Fair Oaks Cemetery and a reception at Granite Bay Golf Club. Family, friends and caregivers are invited to attend any or all events.

Frank’s family is eternally grateful to all those who cared for him so lovingly and compassionately, especially everyone at Alta Manor Assisted Living in Roseville and the nurses from Vitas Hospice. You are all truly angels here on earth! In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Frank's memory to the Vitas Hospice Charitable Fund.

Visitation with Viewing

Friday February 19, 2010, 9:00 a.m. at St. Clare's Chapel inside St Francis of Assisi Church
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1066 26th Street, Sacramento - at the corner of 26th and K.

Rosary

Friday February 19, 2010, 9:30 a.m. at St. Clare's Chapel inside St Francis of Assisi Church
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1066 26th Street, Sacramento - at the corner of 26th and K.

Memorial Church Service

Friday February 19, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at St Francis of Assisi - Main Church
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1066 26th Street, Sacramento - at the corner of 26th and K.

Graveside Service

Friday February 19, 2010, 1:00 p.m. at Fair Oaks Cemetery
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7780 Olive Street, Fair Oaks

Reception

Friday February 19, 2010 at Granite Bay Golf Club
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