Dorothy A. Frank

Dorothy Ann (Burger) Frank, age 92, of Tiffin, passed peacefully into eternal life on January 1, 2026, the birthday of her beloved eldest son, Bob, who preceded her in death in 1977.

Dorothy was born on January 12, 1933, in Tiffin, Ohio, to the late Roman and Helen (Schultz) Burger. She was a 1950 graduate of Tiffin Calvert High School. As a young girl, she worked with her father at the Kuebler-Burger shoe store and later went on to work at the Ohio Power Company.

Dorothy, or “Dottie”, was the devoted wife to the love of her life, Othmar “Ottie” Frank, to whom she was married for 41 years, until his passing in 1993. She was a loving mother of six, and her life was centered around her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to whom she gave unwavering love and devotion, as well as her community, to which she enjoyed greatly and gave countless volunteer hours.

A lifelong woman of deep faith, Dottie was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tiffin, where she belonged to the Rosary Altar Society. She was also a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Marblehead, Ohio, which she lovingly referred to as her “summer parish.” Dottie had a profound love for and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, with whom she felt a deep and abiding spiritual connection throughout her life.

Dottie and her husband, Ottie, centered their life around their family and created a gathering place filled with love, laughter, and togetherness at their small cottage along the shores of Lake Erie. That special place continues to fulfill the hopes and prayers they shared—serving as a lasting center of family love and connection.

She often spoke fondly of her time playing trumpet in the Bernie Bauer All-Girls Orchestra, with her close girlfriends and of playing taps for the soldiers of World War II—memories she treasured deeply.

Dottie gave countless hours of volunteer service throughout her life, including serving as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts, and volunteered in the grade school library from the time her youngest child entered school, and continuing through with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She volunteered for 35 years at Tiffin Mercy Hospital until age 88, when post-COVID regulations no longer allowed her to continue. She also served with the Ladies Auxiliary at St. Francis Home, planning their annual holiday card party, volunteered at the local soup kitchen, and was active in the Mercy Hospital Advisory Board, Tiffin Emblem Club, Lady Lions, and Y-Wives.

Dottie is survived by her loving children: William (Jill) Frank of Oldsmar, Florida; Ronald (Linda) Frank of Tiffin; Richard (Cindy) Frank of Fremont; Barbara (David) Van Meter of Kent; and Beverly (John) Maiolo of Lawrenceville, Georgia.

She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Brian Frank, Scott Frank, Jason Frank, Greg Frank, Jessica (Miller) Van Meter, David Van Meter, Jordan Frank, Matthew Frank, Nicholas Maiolo, Lauren (Lukowski) Van Meter, Cassidy Frank, Taylor Maiolo, and Logan Maiolo; and 13 great-grandchildren, with one more expected in July.

Dottie was preceded in death by her parents, Roman and Helen Burger; her husband, Ottie Frank; her son, Robert Frank; and her siblings, Alice Jean Crowner, Thomas Burger, Robert Burger, John Burger, and Margaret Kromer.

Dottie’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, service, family, and love. She will be remembered for her quick wit, unique sayings (delivered with an ornery twinkle in her eye), warm heart, and genuine smile. Her legacy will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.

“Well done, good and faithful servant”.

——Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Thursday, January 8, 2026, at TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 South Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419)447-3113.

Prayers will be said at the funeral home at 9:30 am Friday, January 9, 2026, followed by the funeral Mass at 10 am, at St Joseph Catholic Church, Tiffin, with the Rev. Evarist Massawe officiating. Burial will follow in St Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited in church 30 minutes prior to Mass.

Memorials may be made to Calvert Catholic Schools, or the Huntington's Disease Society of America at hdsa.org.

For directions, send condolences, order flowers, or view the tribute video, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com