Frank Xavier Gaenger
October 14, 1917 – May 15, 2018
“Looking back, I’ve had a lot of fun.” So said Frank Gaenger on the eve of his 100th birthday celebration.
Frank Gaenger, 100, of Bryan, passed away on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, in Bryan. No services are planned at this time. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral and Cremation Centers Bryan-College Station.
Just a little over one hundred years ago Frank Gaenger was born on October 14, 1917, in Timisoara, Romania. Frank, his parents Peter Gaenger and Matilda Schenk Gaenger, and his sister Ottilie Gaenger emigrated to the United States in 1926.
In 1942, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Petroleum Engineering and received a commission as Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve in which he served during World War II.
He was employed by the American Locomotive Company (Alco Products, Inc) in Schenectady, New York for 23 years in engineering and managerial positions. He then became Director of the Equipment Management Division of the State of New York until his retirement in 1982.
His beloved wife, of 60 years, Geraldine (Jerry) Jenks Gaenger , precedes him in death.
He is survived by his daughter Barbara (John) Leonard; his son Paul (Cassandra “Cassie”) Gaenger; his grandchildren, Eliza (Matthew) Bennitt and Sheridan (Samuel) Shipley; 4 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his good friend Ronnie Neal.
Frank played varsity collegiate tennis and enjoyed playing tennis and golf throughout his life, attaining his golf first hole- in-one when he was 90.
Express condolences at CallawayJones.com
Uncle Frank was my only uncle, since my mother was his only sibling and my father was an only child. He was so intelligent and “with it” up to the end of his life. I am so happy that I was able to be with him, my cousins Barbara and Paul and his wife Cassie, my brother Larry and his wife Jean, my niece Kasey, and the many residents of Arbor Oaks at his 100th birthday celebration in October, 2017. What a time we all had and a memory never to be forgotten! Uncle Frank is now resting in peace after a long and wonderful life. Condolences to all of his family and friends whose lives he has touched.
Ottie Lynn (Zachar) Galis