Franklin John Renfrow

Franklin John Renfrow, 85, passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of hard work and service. He proudly served his country, his community, and his church. Frank was a devoted Christian and faithfully worshipped with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Forks. He will be remembered as a man of few words with a deep love for his family.

Frank was born on October 9, 1940, at the home of a mid-wife in Underwood, ND, to Walter and Janet (Nordquist) Renfrow.

After high school, Frank proudly served his country in the United States Army. He returned home and settled in Emerado, ND, where he built both a career and a life. For 35 years, he worked in civil engineering squadron at the Grand Forks Air Force Base. Beyond his career, he invested in his community and served nine years on the Emerado City Council.

Frank and JoAnn were married in Laramie, WY in 1977. Frank brought three children, Kim, Kelly, and Kindra, while JoAnn brought four, Dana, Janell, Darren, and Justin. During their nearly 50 years together, he welcomed 21 grandchildren with unmistakable pride. By all accounts, the grandchildren could do no wrong in Grandpa's eyes. His children often joked that the rigid, strict rules they grew up with somehow disappeared for the grandkids.

His other great love was restoring old trucks. A gifted mechanic, welder, and problem solver, his restored trucks earned admiration and awards both locally and across North Dakota. Many knew him by his beloved blue 1951 Ford F-100, which was his daily driver, and rarely went unnoticed. He especially enjoyed the antique truck community and looked forward to participating in Lanny Moore's truck runs.

Frank is survived by his devoted wife, JoAnn Renfrow; his children, Kimberlee (Craig) Eken, Kindra Hanevold, Kelly (Tammy) Renfrow, Dana (Michael) Winter, K. Janell (Gregg) Phipps, Darren (Kari) Renfrow, and Justin (Simonette) Gram; his siblings, Naomi Bovkoon, Janet Davis, Wilma Sandburg, and Curt (Marcella) Renfrow; 21 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren, with one more eagerly awaited; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Janet Renfrow; his sisters, Verna Just and Doris Laib, his brother, Charles Renfrow, and one son-in-law, Orin Hanevold.

A service to remember and celebrate Frank's life will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00am, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Forks, ND. Visitation with the family will be held an hour prior to the service. Burial will take place following the service at the Sunset Prairie Cemetery in Emerado, ND, with a lunch to follow at the Emerado Community Center. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to the HIA Heather's House in memory of Frank. A clickable link to make a donation may be found below (Gift Designation: HIA Heather's House).

HIA Heather's House