Date of death: 3/31/2016
Saint Meinrad Class: O 1964
Francis “Frank” H. Wolfla of Indianapolis passed away peacefully on March 31, 2016. He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Rose Ann (Schuler), four children Karen (David Kress), Kevin (Robyn), Paul (Susan) and Mark, nine grandchildren Caroline, Sara, Thomas, Emma, Annie, Mary Grace, Henry, Francis and Laurel, and three siblings Thomas (Midge), Louise (Charles Collet) and Rosemary (Steinmetz).Frank was born in Speedway, Indiana, on January 4, 1939 to Mary A. (Collins) Wolfla and Thomas P. Wolfla. He was predeceased by his brother, Bernard Wolfla.Although Frank had been a parishioner of Saint Lawrence Catholic Church in Indianapolis since 1968, he enjoyed attending mass at numerous other parishes throughout central Indiana. He particularly liked masses that his grandchildren participated in as cantors, servers or sacrament recipients. Frank gave generously to the church and its many charitable endeavors.Frank met the love of his life, Rosie, in December 1965. After their first official date, a night at the theater to watch Doctor Zhivago, there was no looking back. They were married on October 22, 1966, at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper, Indiana, and lived a devoted and loving life together.As a young man, Frank attended Saint Meinrad for high school and college. He graduated from Saint Meinrad in 1960 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and graduate work in theology. Frank was a patriot who served as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965. In 1966, he began working at the John M. Glass Co., Inc., a foundry and industrial supply company that had been owned and operated by both his father and mother. He began serving as President of that company in the late 1970s and continued to serve in that position until his death. In his nearly five decades of service to the family business, Frank touched the lives of countless customers, suppliers, employees and foundry industry participants. He was a fair and principled businessman who dedicated himself to the company. Frank was always available to lend a hand to customers.Frank loved exploring the Midwest off the beaten path. He and Rosie logged many thousands of miles visiting small towns, driving along rivers, sampling local restaurants and attending mass at lesser known parishes. Frank also enjoyed family gatherings and spending quality time with his children and grandchildren.