- Date Of Birth: March 13, 1923
- Date Of Death: October 6, 2022
- State: Utah
Franklin Joseph Koberna
(March 13, 1923 – October 6, 2022)
Franklin Joseph Koberna passed away on October 6, 2022 at age 99. Frank was born in Boston Heights, Summit County, Ohio on March 13, 1923 to Frank and Helen Vajner Koberna. The family ran a general store, deli, and gas station where Frank learned to love retailing. His parents taught him life skills and moral values.
After graduating from Northfield High School in 1941, Frank joined the Army Air Corps and served as a Link instrument flying instructor training B17 pilots at Lockborn Air Base during World War II. He helped train the first 17 women to fly 4-engine aircraft. He played forward on the base basketball team.
After the war he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in economics from Kent State University in 1948. He earned a Master’s Degree in business from New York University in 1949.
Frank met his sweetheart, Shirley Cunnington in graduate school. And he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married on November 10, 1949 in Decatur, Illinois and sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. Frank and Shirley took exceptional care of their family of four children. Twice they designed and built the same home in Wisconsin and Utah. They served their Church in leadership positions their entire marriage.
Frank had a thirty-three-year career with the JC Penney company, managing five stores in the Midwest. During his career he served in many community leadership positions including President of a Mall Association, Chairman of Chamber of Commerce Boards and various Rotary Club offices. in seven states.
Frank loved gardening, especially hostas, watching and feeding birds. He was a successful index fund investor. As an avid reader he collected the classics, history, self-improvement, leadership, economics, and nutrition books. Exercise and healthy eating were habits. He was a fan of the Cleveland Indians, Boston Celtics, Green Bay Packers, and Utah Jazz. Always friendly to strangers, he made all feel welcome with his wry humor and gracious smile. He gave to others anonymously.
Surviving are his four children, Lynn, Roy, UT; Karen Knott (Joe), Los Angeles, CA, Kristy (Jeremy Toby), El Granada, CA and Kyle, Roy, UT. Also surviving are four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his grandson Jonathan and his parents.
