Frank Unruh

Frank Unruh, 97, Warsaw, died Jan. 29, 2023.

Frank was born Feb. 17, 1925, in Warsaw, to Ernest and Ethel (Watkins) Unruh. Born and raised on the farm east of Warsaw, he loved the farm and the work that was done there. He was the youngest of three siblings. His sisters, Evelyn Long Sechrist and Mildred Cronkhite, preceded him in death. On Dec. 31, 1948, he married the love of his life, Violet Grubbs, in Warsaw. Frank and Violet made their home in North Webster and Warsaw. They watched their family grow with the addition of three children, Diana Long, Warsaw, Stephen Unruh, Milford and Dale Unruh, who preceded him in death in 1975.

Frank rarely met a stranger. To know him was to be drawn to him and love him. He had a way of talking to people that met them right where they were at, and friends were made quickly. Never was there a time that a quick trip to town didn’t end with meeting at least two to three people that he knew and would stop to talk to. He had a quick wit and an amazing memory for details of a person. Frank would do anything for his family. He loved them without reservation, supporting them at many sporting events, 4-H events, school events and more. As he grew older, he continued to support his children and grandchildren with many prayers.

Frank was a man who knew and loved the Lord, accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior at the age of 55. He enjoyed the Good Word, leading morning devotions daily for his wife. He was an attender of Warsaw Church of God and Pathway Church in Warsaw.

Frank was the ultimate handyman and the hardest worker his family has ever had the privilege of knowing. Frank worked several jobs over the years including Smith Tire and Builder’s Mart where he “retired” from in 1988. After retirement, he continued to work delivering furniture for many years and then delivering flowers until he was 85. He loved working and meeting new people. Being quite the handyman, he built furniture pieces that are now treasures for his family. Frank loved animals, especially dogs, of any kind, raising many Labrador retrievers over the years. He loved a good meal and just like he could outwork many men, he could also out eat them. He loved watching football, basketball and keeping up with the current events. He loved the outdoors and wildlife.

Frank is survived by his wife of 74 years, Violet (Grubbs) Unruh; children, Diana (Larry) Long, Warsaw and Stephen (Pamela) Unruh, Milford. Frank and Violet share five grandchildren, Brian Long, Indianapolis, Amanda (Eric) Jackson, Milford, Ben (Danielle) Long, Kendallville, Joshua (Chelsea) Unruh, Vernon, Vt. and Andrew (Cali) Long, Larwill. Frank and Violet also share 10 great-grandchildren, Kaitlynn Jackson, Emma Jackson, Kaylee Unruh, Hannah Long, Jada Unruh, Madison Jackson, Taylor Long, Hunter Long, Bria Unruh and Greyson Long. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mildred Cronkhite; sister, Evelyn Long Sechrist; and his beloved son, Dale Edward Unruh.

Titus Funeral Home is entrusted with the care of Frank. Visitation will be held there, 2000 Sheridan St., Warsaw, from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. The celebration of Frank’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Preferred memorials may be given to Kindred Hospice or the Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County. To leave a condolence or send flowers, visit www.TitusFuneralHome.com