Frank D. Bickford

Frank D. Bickford, age 65 of Spring Lake Park died at his home on December 29, 2019.  He was born in Crosby on November 21, 1954 to Willard and Rose Marie (Formanek) Bickford.  Frank was a retired employee of Carter Day in Fridley. 

Frank is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth (Craig), Mary (Ethan) and Lorri; his grandchildren Mackenzie, Savanah, Wyatt, Isaiah, Caleb, Paisley, Daphne, Phoebe, Skylar and Elicia, and siblings, Barb (Ken), Diane (Roger), David (Lisa), Mike (Nancy), Gene (Punky) and Gladys (Lon) and former wife Suzanne Bickford.

Preceding Frank in death are his parents.

Frank was a hard-working man. Often working multiple jobs to support his family. For most of his career, he was a painter, often bringing home projects like benches and repainting his 1984 Ranger truck. Frank was also a mechanic most of his life. Always working on a vehicle, doing brakes for the neighbor, or helping a friend. He also worked as a pizza delivery guy for several years. His teenagers at the time loved his employee discount. Although he had originally hoped for a son, he made his daughters into tomboys and taught them to hunt, bleed brakes in the garage, watch WWE wrestling, and old country westerns on Sunday mornings. 

Bickford family Christmas was always a cherished time for Frank. He enjoyed playing risk and cribbage. His favorite Christmas treat was Barb’s famous peanut butter balls. There were many fun years of bowling at Cuyuna Lanes. Eventually moving it to Christmas in July and combining his time at the lake with extended family.

Frank enjoyed spending time at the lake. Hunting in the fall with his brothers/in-laws and going target shooting with his kids. Fishing with his sister Barb and brother-in-law Kenny. It was always a competition of the smallest fish. He loved riding his ATV through the woods, having a bacon cheeseburger and beer at the local tavern. Towing kids around the lake on the tubes behind the speed boat and running the jet ski across the calm water was always enjoyable for Frank. He was known to turn on the radio on and play some loud old country/Johnny Cash at 5am. Although it was annoying at the time, we’ll all miss it.

He liked spending time with his grandkids, lovingly calling them critters as they ran from his tickles. Another thing Frank loved was dogs. Especially his rottweiler Baby Bear. She lived with Frank for 14 years and he spoiled her every day even making her T-bone steaks.

Frank was a giver. A giver of his time, helping family and friends on projects throughout the years. Frank gave countless nieces and nephews a roof over their head and a random vehicle repair here and there. If you needed something, he was there. Often known as the fun uncle, he always had something for the kids to do like an ATV to ride or a spare fishing pole to use.

Frank wasn’t a flowery guy. He liked to be outdoors and have an ice-cold bud light on the lake. So have a beer in his honor and know that he’s in heaven with his mother and Baby Bear with a cigarette and bud light in his hand.

Although Frank moved to the twin cities and spent most of his adult life there, he was tied to his roots in Crosby and his dream to retire in the area. We are all saddened that he didn’t attain that dream but know that his memory will live at Miller Lake forever.

A Memorial Service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Koop Funeral Home in Crosby.  Burial will be at the Lakewood Cemetery in Crosby.  A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred.