Frank August Preuss

Frank August Preuss, age 92, set sail on his final voyage on July 8th following a long, valiant battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He passed peacefully surrounded by family members.

Frank was born in 1932 in New Haven, Connecticut and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1950. Following graduation, he joined the Navy and throughout his life was proud of his service aboard the USS Juneau. While serving his country, Frank met and married the love of his life, Ernestine Gauer in 1955. They remained a loving couple for 67 years until her passing in 2022.

Frank was a true renaissance man, with a long successful career as a talented architect in California and Colorado. He also volunteered with Powderhorn Ski Area’s disabled skier program, was a gifted wood worker and craftsman, a Palisade gentleman farmer, and was a lifelong learner. In retirement, Frank and Ernie enjoyed several years of Arizona Snow-Birding and exploring the country in their RV. Later in life, Frank fell in love with golf and enjoyed many rounds with the Lincoln Park Senior Men’s League, friends, and family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents (Florence and Frank), brothers Richard, George, John, and wife Ernestine. 

He is survived by siblings James Preuss and Francis Hoeksema, children Frank (Tena) Preuss, Mark Preuss, and Beth (Mark) Preuss-Jackson; grandchildren Scott, David (Whitney), Steven (Kristen), Ashley, Kendra and Koby (Shaylee); and great grandchildren Trae, Tatem, Keegan and Harper and many, many good friends.

For all his travels and adventures, Colorado was always the home base for Frank. Family was his north star, and he lived to help his family and friends however possible. We will miss Frank’s spirit of adventure, his mischievous humor, and his deep love for family.

Thanks and appreciation to the many Grand Junction and Rifle doctors, nurses, and support staff at The Lodge Assisted Living Facility, Veterans Community Living Center, Hope West, and the Ferris West Hospice Care Center for their help, compassion, and care throughout Frank’s final journey.

Frank’s family will hold a service of remembrance on September 6, 2024 at the VA Cemetery in Grand Junction. Ernestine will be interred with Frank at the ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you please consider donating to the Parkinson Foundation to help find a cure for this terrible disease.

Sail on through calm waters, Frank.