Francis L. "Frank" Carr, of Eau Claire, died on Sunday, January 4, 2015 in Eau Claire. Frank was born on August 15, 1920, to John W. and Mary Edna (Mcpherson) Carr in Leesburg, VA, where he grew up on the family farm and was active in 4H. He attended a 1 room school in Clark's Gap, VA and graduated from Ashburn High School. After high school he attended VPI (Virginia Tech. University) as an ROTC cadet, and graduated in 1942, with a BS in Animal Husbandry. In 1948, he graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering from VPI under the GI Bill. Frank served in the US Army from 1942-1946, during WWII, in the 3rd Army under General Patton, 5th Infantry Division (Red Diamond) as 2nd Lt. and was promoted to the rank of Captain. He was stationed and saw action in major European battles in Iceland, Ireland, England, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, and Czechoslovakia, where he spent the last month in Europe as a mayor. On September 10, 1944, Frank was awarded the Bronze Star for valor during the crossing of the Moselle River. He also received the French Croix de Guerre medal. During his career, Frank was Vice President in charge of road grading for L.G. Arnold Inc. in Eau Claire from 1947-1977. After that he opened Carr Associates, a broker and appraiser of construction equipment, which he owned and operated from 1977-2008. Frank was a licensed professional engineer in Wisconsin and Virginia, and a member of Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, the American Legion, and Christ Church Cathedral, where he was a past Vestry member. He also participated in the Shriners International and Scottish Rite as a 32nd Degree Mason. On July 28, 1945, Frank married Miriam Arnold of Eau Claire, in Leesburg, VA, less than 2 weeks following his return from the European front. He was a proud grandfather and attended every graduation and wedding of his grandchildren, showing his support for higher education and family. He was a master vegetable gardener providing produce for innumerable friends and neighbors. Frank believed in, lived, and modeled the honor code from his college and military service. Frank was often heard saying, "It's a great life", reflecting his unfailingly positive attitude. Frank is survived by his wife of 69 years, Miriam; children, Amy (Greg) Caucutt of MN, Mary (Warren) Luckner of NE, John (Gwen) Carr of OH, Tom (Kristine) Carr of WV, and Bob (Julie) Carr of Eau Claire; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert Carr of VA; and nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life for Frank will be held in August at Christ Church Cathedral with burial at Lakeview Cemetery, both in Eau Claire. Memorials are preferred to Christ Church Cathedral in Eau Claire.

Service Information

Cemetery

Lakeview Cemetery 1500 Buffington Drive Eau Claire WI 54703