Frank E. Cairns

Frank E. Cairns

Frank E. Cairns, age 81, of Eau Claire passed away peacefully at 6:28 pm on June 12, 2006. He was born November 4, 1924 in Steger Illinois, the son of Leta and Frank E. Cairns Sr. He later moved to the family farm in Mazomanie, Wisconsin, where he graduated from high school as senior class president and valedictorian. He went on to the University of Wisconsin in Madison to study agriculture for one year and then was called to active duty with the US Navy in the Atlantic Theater for 3 years.

Frank then enrolled at Duke University at Raleigh, North Carolina in naval officers training (ROTC) and completed a bachelor’s degree with a major in Naval Science. He was active for over 20 years in the Naval Reserves.

He continued his education at Duke, earning a Master of Forestry degree. Following graduation in 1950, he joined the Forestry Inventory Division of the Wisconsin Conservation Department (later the Department of Natural Resources).

Frank married Gladys Marie Pfahler on September 1, 1951 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Madison, Wisconsin. He then moved to Chicago and Westchester, Illinois where he entered the insurance claims business, which he pursued for the next 35 years, first with several insurance companies and the last 14 years with his independent claims company in Eau Claire, Wisconsin – Indianhead Claims Service.

Frank and his family moved to Eau Claire in 1964 where he resided until his death. He was active in Eau Claire in the Insurance Institute, the Golden K Kiwanis Club, the American Legion and Sacred Heart Hospital as a volunteer and on the board of the Paul Bunyan Logging Camp Museum. He was a former member of the Elks Club, Moose Club and Indianhead Adjusters Association. He was a past board member and president of the Mount Ash Condominium Association. On weekends for over 20 years, he camped and fished in northern Wisconsin with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Gladys; three children, Gregory Cairns of Denver, CO, Jeffrey (Katherine) Cairns of St. Paul, MN, Deborah (Jay) Girard of Eagan, MN, as well as, six grandchildren, Jennifer and Derek Girard, Peter, Katie, and Kevin Cairns and Alec Bartlett Cairns.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Calvin Cairns; and his sister, Doris Randall.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 16 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Eau Claire with Fr. Eugene Klink officiating. Burial will follow in the Chapel of the Resurrection Mausoleum.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

Condolences may be sent online at www.fullerspeckien.com.

Fuller-Speckien Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.