The Measure of Life A Tribute to Frank Hepburn Freezer

“Life is short,” they say. But for Frank Hepburn Freezer, a long, beautiful life was given. In his nearly 99 years here on earth, Frank knew all too well the value of making the most of what time you have. He wasn’t known for being idle. Whether he was spending time with his family, working on a project, or using his skills as a carpenter to help others, he was fondly known for being a man who just couldn’t sit still. Even in his 80’s and 90’s, he could still be found working up a sweat as he happily, and tirelessly, labored away on handyman projects and even riding his bike around the streets of Montoursville. Anyone who took the time to notice could see that Frank measured his life in his ability to stay busy and active. “Measure twice, cut once” is a carpenter’s motto. Frank understood this well in both his career and his life; always being intentional with making the most of the time he was given. As he leaves behind a legacy, not of awards and accolades, but of the people whose lives have been touched by him and his zeal for life, we can’t help but appreciate the incredible amount of time we have all been gifted in knowing Frank. He lived his life as a servant of the Lord, and we can’t help but imagine how busy he must be staying as he lives out eternity singing praises and offering up his crown to the one who created him, the ultimate Carpenter, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

(Written by Chelsea Mowery, Granddaughter)

Frank Hepburn Freezer, 98, of Montoursville, died February 24, 2026 at Valley View Nursing Home. Born April 26, 1927, in Warrensville, PA, he was the son of Harry F. Freezer and Florence (Hepburn) Freezer. Frank married Thelma R. Ward on October 15, 1951, and shared 67 years of marriage prior to her passing on April 30, 2019.

Frank was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose life was marked by love, service, and adventure. He enjoyed traveling abroad as well as in the states. Frank was a member of Community Baptist Church, Montoursville, where he devoted his time helping build their new facility on Route 87, as well as working at their Mission House. In addition, Frank went on many short-term missions’ trips with the church where he used his God-given construction talents to help build homes for missionaries to further the gospel in foreign countries. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War from 1948-1952.

After Frank and Thelma married, they moved to Michigan to finish his final year with the Air Force. They then returned to Montoursville to start their family. Frank is survived by his children, Patricia (Terry) VonStein of Montoursville, Michael (Cindy) Freezer of Mosheim, TN, and Shelly (Robert) Karschner of Montoursville; ten grandchildren, Melony (Sean) Hartranft, Shannon (Tony) Oeler, Jeremy Vonstein, Sarah VonStein, David (Stephanie) Freezer, Daniel Freezer, Joshua (Tara Gair) Freezer, Elisha Freezer, Dustan (Bethany) Karschner and Chelsea (Jon) Mowery; 21 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and five great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and his wife Thelma, Frank was preceded in death by his great-grandson, Dewey James Hauser; five brothers Harry, Howard, Carl, Donald and Ronald, and four sisters Rachel, Esther, Margaret and Ellen.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Community Baptist Church, 1853 State Route 87, Montoursville, with John Steinbacher officiating. Burial will follow at Twin Hills Memorial Park. Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McCarty Thomas Funeral Home, Montoursville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Frank’s memory may be made to Missions at Community Baptist Church, or to UPMC Hospice, at https://www.upmc.com/services/home-health-care/hospice/locations/central-pa/home-healthcare-hospice-altoona/supporting-patients-families.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at mccartythomas.com.