Robert Carl Frank 95, of Rock Island died on Thursday March 2, 2023, at Silver Cross at Friendship Manor after a brief illness.  Robert was born August 12, 1927 in humble beginnings in Adams, Wisconsin to Fredrich W. and Christina (Martin) Frank. Bob loved his small town and had happy memories of painting the houses there through his father's business through the WPA.

He joined the Navy at the end of World War II and was trained to use radar and sonar. (a new technology at that time). Through the GI bill he received his bachelors at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota and later received a Master's degree from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where he met the love of his life, Rhoda Braun. They married on September 29,1951. They later moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan where he received his PHD at the University of Michigan.

Robert worked in the corporate world at General Motors in Warren, Michigan in the technology and research department, but felt the desire to teach and accepted a position to be the head of the Physics Department at Augustana College in 1964, here in Rock Island. During that time, he enjoyed the faculty, students and conducting research with them at the Argonne National Laboratories. The topic being, hydrogen and metals.

Robert was a very devoted father and grandfather. His wisdom, humble service, and stable presence will be missed by his daughters Rebecca Frank-Rock Island, Renee Wade (Robert) -Davenport, Iowa; and Rhea Frank-Cottingham -Rock Island. His grandchildren: Brandon Wade (Jen), Chelsea (Jason) Guerin, Joshua Schroeder, Sara Lucas (Dustin), Jeremiah Schroder, Bethany Weipert (Derek) and Christian Cottingham (Ashley Kennedy). Great Grandchildren Foster Wade, Davin Wade, Delaney Guerin, Meadow Weipert, Winona Lucas, and Josiah Schroeder.

Robert had a strong faith in God and was an eternal optimist. He often stated to those who knew him, "The world is getting better and better every day!" and would site many examples of the blessing and progress around us. He meant it. Robert loved his church (St James Lutheran, Rock Island) and enjoyed leading and sharing his faith through Living Water Via De Cristo and United Marriage Encounter. He also began an online blog called Christ's Team and wrote several books as well, to pass on his positive message about life.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Richard, his wife Rhoda, and son-in law Jeffery Cottingham.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island on March 11, 2023. Visitation with the family begins at 10:00 am and the service following at 11:00. Inurnment will be private at Memorial Park Cemetery, Rock Island. Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island will be assisting with the arrangements. Memorials can be made to St. James Lutheran Church, Rock Island and the Augustana College Physics Department.

Online condolences, memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at wheelanpressly.com