Frank John Iskra of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away on Friday Dec. 15, 2023 at the age of 101.
Born on Dec. 29, 1921 the son of Frank and Mary (Matko) Iskra in Humptulips, Washington, Frank graduated from Weatherwax High School (Aberdeen, Washington). In 1941, he received a regional, full-tuition scholarship to study chemical engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He joined the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at MIT. In 1942 he commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army and was allowed to complete his sophomore year until joining active-duty service in June 1943. He was in a combat engineer battalion (Fifth Army) during WWII stationed in Italy. After returning to MIT in 1946, Frank lived at the MIT president’s residence, providing a measure of security for the family when the president was away. After graduating from MIT in 1948, he had a 40-year career in product development with Proctor and Gamble as a chemical engineer.
Frank served as MIT’s regional secretary and chairman of the Educational Council for 20 years. He was an elder at two churches and most recently was a member of Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church. Frank was recognized for his fundraising efforts benefiting churches, public schools, United Way and MIT.
Frank and his first wife, the late Virginia “Ginnie” (Corbly) Iskra, have two sons, Mark (Cindy Qin) and Gary (Elizabeth) Iskra. After Ginnie passed away in July 1987, Frank married Dorothy “Dot” Chapman Iskra in June 1988. The merged family includes Dot’s children, Robert Fultz (Dongmei), Carol Frieden (Fredrick), the late Susan Miller (Rick), and George Fultz (Anka). Together Frank’s family includes twelve grandchildren (Brooke, Ian, Aria, Emily, Erin, Sarah, Anna, Beth, Alec, Paul, Bobby and Kate) and six great-grandchildren (Liam, Lennon, Hank, Minnie, Carmen and Lucia).
Frank enjoyed walking, crossword puzzles, square and round dancing, gardening and travel. He delighted in entertaining family members with stories recalled from past decades. He also relished the weekly “breakfast group” meetings to solve the world’s problems. Above all, Frank adored his family. Blessed with wit, an endearing spirit, and a gift for storytelling, he was a great friend and had endless time for those he loved. He will be profoundly missed.
