Harold Frank Cowan “Frank” passed peacefully surrounded by his son and daughter-in-law in his home on June 24, 2019.

Frank was born in Chicago, IL January 27, 1929. The son of Pierre G. and Louise D. (Bonvini) Cowan, the family moved to Colorado for a time and then settled in Freeport, IL where he lived until retirement in 1991. He then moved to and renovated an old fishing cabin with his loving wife Myrna into a beautiful home on Lac Courte Oreilles Lake outside of Hayward, WI.

Frank graduated from Freeport High School in 1947 and then attended the University of Wisconsin Madison until Uncle Sam called him into the Army. He was trained in an amphibious assault unit and sent to Korea and assigned to a small ship as the second engineer. After an honorable discharge he attended Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY and graduated with a degree in Publishing and Printing. He moved back to Freeport, IL and worked for, became manager of and then owner of Vanco Printers Inc. Frank was active in Kiwanis, Jr. Achievement, Chamber of Commerce and United Way among others while in Freeport.

On December 19, 1968 he married Myrna Samel. They combined Frank’s one son and Myrna’s three sons and one daughter and made a home together in Freeport. They had many interests and were busy with antiquing, motorcycle riding, golfing at the Freeport Country Club and card club with close friends.

After retirement in Hayward they managed Antiquity Square antique mall. Frank worked part time at the Country Print Shop in the production of the “Visitor”. He was on the Bass Lake Township Smart Growth Committee and later the Planning Committee. They both were long time volunteers at the Northwoods Humane Society. In Hayward they enjoyed sailing, motorcycling, fishing and entertaining friends and family in their beautiful lake home.

He is survived by Perry (Martha) Cowan, Brian Blask Lake, Jim Blask, Randy (Lori) Blask, Cindy (Scott) Jensen, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years Myrna Eileen Cowan.

Frank will be remembered fondly by all family and friends as one of the kindest, caring and funny people they had the pleasure to know.

Donations in his memory may be made to Regional Hospice Services or Northwoods Humane Society.

Last Update: Jun 28, 2019 10:09 am CDT