Frank Petschi

On June 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Frank Petschi peacefully entered eternal rest and joined the angels in Heaven. After 91 years marked by faith, perseverance, devotion, and love, he was joyfully reunited with his parents, his grandson Marcus, and many cherished family members and friends who had gone before him.

Frank was born in Croatia and experienced profound hardship at an early age. During World War II, he lost both of his parents before his second birthday. By 10 years old, he was moved to Austria. Raised by his paternal grandparents, he developed the resilience, determination, and deep appreciation for family that would define his life.

Around the age of fourteen, Frank met his best friend, Frank Wolf, and became an honorary member of the Wolf family. Frank was always welcomed with open arms by Frank’s mother, affectionately known as “Grandma ‘Mom’ Wolf,” whose kindness, love, and unwavering support helped guide and shape his formative years.

Just shy of twenty-one, Frank immigrated alone to Australia with little more than courage, determination, and hope for a brighter future. He taught himself English, worked tirelessly, and embraced every opportunity life offered. An adventurous spirit, he traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting Egypt, Thailand, Hong Kong, Germany, Austria, Croatia, and many other places. Yet despite his travels and accomplishments, his greatest dream was not adventure—it was building a family of his own.

That dream began when he met the love of his life, Elizabeth, in what could only be described as a Godwink at a train station in Croatia. Frank knew immediately she was the one and proposed just three days later. Elizabeth wisely declined at first—but not forever. She eventually said yes, and they were married in Australia on April 8, 1967, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span nearly six decades.

Although Frank loved Australia, he loved Elizabeth and her family even more. When her parents and siblings immigrated to the United States, Frank and Elizabeth followed, arriving in Portland, Oregon, with little more than a suitcase, fifty dollars, and their two-year-old daughter, Anna. Together they built a life rooted in faith, hard work, gratitude, and above all, family.

Frank was proud of his Croatian and German heritage and of the life he built in America through determination, sacrifice, and perseverance. Yet, of all his accomplishments, nothing brought him greater pride than his family.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy was being surrounded by those he loved. He cherished family gatherings, especially those centered around Elizabeth’s cooking. Proud of her talents, he often declared, “Our table at home is the best restaurant.”

Frank found joy in simple pleasures—working outdoors, watching soccer, playing cards, listening to classical and folk music, and sharing stories and laughter with family and friends. He was endlessly generous with his time and affection, never too tired or unwell to help someone in need. He loved children, had a playful sense of humor, and could light up a room with his smile and contagious laughter. He always seemed to know how to make things better, whether through a helping hand, a joke, or his favorite cure for a tummy ache. If you really knew Frank, you already know what that cure was.

There was almost always a song on his lips, and he never missed an opportunity to twirl his beloved Elizabeth around the kitchen or dance floor.

As a father, Frank encouraged his daughters to be strong, independent, educated women who embraced life fully. He often told them, “You can do anything, and you don’t need to depend on anyone else.” It was wisdom born from his own life experience and one of the many gifts he passed on to them. No sacrifice was ever too great when it came to his girls.

When Chris and Greg joined the family, Frank welcomed them with open arms and loved them as sons. He was proud of the men they were and grateful for the love, support, and devotion they showed his daughters and grandchildren.

Nothing delighted Frank more than watching his family grow. He celebrated every milestone, took pride in every accomplishment, and treasured the unique personalities of each grandchild and great-grandchild. His family was his greatest source of happiness, and he loved them fiercely.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Elizabeth; his daughters, Meerta Meyer and Anna Law; his sons, Chris Meyer and Greg Law; his grandchildren, Nik Pittioni and his wife, Kari, Katie Pittioni, and Mattias Meyer; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Elaine, Oliver, and Ty.

Though his earthly journey has ended, Frank’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply. His faith, resilience, generosity, and unwavering devotion will continue to guide and inspire those fortunate enough to have known him. His was a life well lived, a family well loved, and a legacy that will endure for generations.


FOTO: Private