Frank Elske of Eden, NC passed away on April 18, 2025, after a brief illness at the age of 79. He was born on June 17, 1945, in Washington State, Frank signed up for Vista and was assigned to the “East Coast” and was sent to West Virginia. He enrolled in college at West Virginia University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and master’s degree in food science. Through 4H, he met his wife of 54 years, Patricia. Frank and Pat had many years of adventures living in Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kentucky eventually settling in North Carolina in 1977. Frank moved to Eden to work at Miller Brewery as a supervisor on the can line which he retired from in 2002. He also owned a local sports collectible store alongside his wife for 13 years. A man of few words, Frank believed in hard work and helping others. He could often be found going to auctions, milk bottle shows or flea markets in hopes of finding a good deal.
Frank is survived by his wife, Patricia Elske as well as two daughters, Amy Nance (spouse James Nance Jr.) of Stoneville and Pam Elske-Leonetti (spouse David Leonetti) of Hickory; granddaughter Emiley Nance of Stoneville.
Preceded in death by his mother and father (Sarah and Carl Elske), sisters (Karen Petersen, Annie Roush and Marilyn Johnson), and brother (Charles Elske).
The funeral will be held in the Fair Funeral Home Chapel, on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Frank’s memory to Rockingham Hope (Food Bank) – 326 E. Stadium Drive, Eden NC 27288 (https://osbornebaptist.com/rockinghamhope/).
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
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