Frank Wetelainen
August 25, 1926 – October 23, 2019
In Loving Memory of Frank Wetelainen Sr. age 93 who passed away on October 23, 2019. Frank is survived by his loving wife of 70 years Betty and four children Frank Jr. (Elaine), Richard (Bonnie), Kathy (Brad) and Drake. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Frank joined the army lying about his age to enlist. His two brothers were already serving in Europe and his sister had also joined. He was scheduled to leave overseas just as WWll ended and then signed up for the pacific war which also ended without him deploying. He joked that the news of him coming caused both wars to end. Frank returned to Dinorwic and was employed by Max Naumann in the lumber industry. Max was his father in law but he was given no leeway at work. On his first day working with his brother Henry they hand loaded two and half truckloads of eight foot pulp. This was twice what other workers were doing and it certainly pleased the boss. They also hand loaded boxcars of railroad ties, this activity caused his arms to be the size of most people’s waist and Saturday night was not a time for anyone else to dance with his girl Betty.
In 1955 Frank and Betty purchased and ran a general store in Superior Junction just outside of Sioux Lookout. This began a 48 year history in retail that moved to Wabigoon and culminated in the building and running of Frank’s Cash & Carry a modern local market serving Wabigoon and surrounding area. He enjoyed the public and treated everyone equal. Memories of all the great customers are predominant but one specific conflict brought out both his humour and his temperament. On a particular occasion the greyhound bus didn’t follow store rules. The bus driver challenged him to step outside to settle it. Frank quipped, “ok, but who’s going to drive the bus when we’re done?”.
Frank and Betty enjoyed numerous trips across Canada and to Las Vegas with dear friends. Frank and Betty retired and sold the business in 2003 and moved to his current home in Wabigoon on Hill St where he could overlook Wabigoon Lake. He enjoyed his greenhouses, gardening, watching the boats and outside activities as he aged.
Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation. A family Celebration of Life will take place in the spring/summer.
Donations if desired could be made to the DRHC – Equipment Fund through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net subject heading: Wetelainen
