Frank C. Studer

On Wednesday, August 21st, 2024, Frank C. Studer, the loving son of deceased parents Joseph Studer and Dorothy Klemen Studer, passed away peacefully at home with his beloved wife Barbara by his side.

Frank was born on August 18th, 1929, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Franklin High School with the class of 1948. In his youth, Frank worked after school at a local bowling alley, and it was there that he discovered a love for the sport.

Frank accumulated numerous awards for excellence throughout his 22 year military service, in the private sector, and in the federal government service.  Just to name a few-- CMSgt Studer was the first enlisted man to receive the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal in the USAFE for outstanding achievement or service to the United States.  Frank was awarded by the Vice President of the United States, the President's Council on Management Improvement for Management Excellence.  Twice that we know, he was awarded by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Service Commendation Medals.  Frank was nominated by USDOC as a candidate for the Horace Hart Award.  He was also awarded the Bronze and later the Silver Medal by USDOC.

Frank also found great success beyond his work. He was a champion bowler in his early years and an avid poker player throughout his life. He loved collecting old coins and watches and fixing antique clocks he purchased while living in Europe as a young man.  He also enjoyed watching the Redskins play every Sunday (win or lose).  His skills ranged from raising orchids to dancing the polka to carpentry to landscaping. Always so generous with his time, this handyman extraordinaire was first in line to help with any project.

Frank was also first in line at the dessert table, leading his step-grandchildren to believe the secret to longevity may be cherry pie. In fact, Frank did live a long, healthy, happy life and was loved and adored by his wife, family and friends. Maybe sweets did not contribute to this, but his strong work ethic, kindness, humor, loyalty, and generosity certainly did, enabling him to live well to the age of 95. 

Frank’s love for his family was boundless. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Martin.

He is also survived by his children Tina Tisinger and Tony (JoAnne) Studer; grandchildren Daniel (Sarah) Tisinger and Diana (Shawn) Kolodgie; great-grandchildren Grace, Kaytlin, and Addison Tisinger, and Charlotte Kolodgie; as well as his sisters Josephine Tremul and Mary Miller; sister-in-law Doris Studer; goddaughter Annette Saylor; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Studer, and brothers, Joseph Studer, Jr. and Rudolph Studer, Sr.

Frank was also a wonderful step-father and was loved dearly by his step-children Heidi (Terry) Mead and Troy (Mary) Naecker, along with his step-grandchildren Sterling, Olivia, and Gwenyth Mead.

Frank's funeral will be at St. Peter’s Parish in Olney, Maryland, on Tuesday, August 27th, with a Viewing beginning at 10:00 AM followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. 

Should friends and family desire, a contribution may be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.