Frank T. Casey, 87, of Atlantic, IA, formerly of Griswold, IA, died Wednesday morning, March 3, 2010 at Allen House where he was a resident.

Frank Thomas Casey was born southeast of Griswold in Pleasant Township on July 23, 1922 the sixth child of James Patrick and Lulu Irene (Curry) Casey. He attended rural schools and graduated from Griswold High School in 1940. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII and when he returned home, he farmed. He met a high school teacher and started dating, and he and Kathryn Ann Mertens were married on December 26, 1949, in SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Defiance, IA. They farmed southeast of Griswold and raised their family. Kathryn died March 9, 1982, and Frank continued to live on the farm until 2006 when he moved to the Griswold Assisted Living. On October 2, 2009, he moved to Allen House in Atlantic.

Frank was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and Griswold American Legion Post #508. In his younger days he was a licensed pilot and owned his own airplanes, his first being a Veronica-Champion. He enjoyed playing golf, bowling, and fishing. He enjoyed eating at Dusty's and playing cards in the afternoon, but most of all he enjoyed his family. His life could be summed up in the three words "Faith, Family and Friends."

Survivors include his children: Kathy Graeve of Neola, IA; Patrick and wife Elsa of Griswold; Mary and husband Rick Harlan of Atlantic, IA; Peggy and husband Charles Harper of Duluth, GA; and Lee and wife Dawn of Grand Island, NE. Frank's grandchildren and great granddaughter are (Kathy's) Kathryn, Kristin and Jarad Graeve of Bellevue, NE; (Pat's) Claire, Diedre and Linnea Casey of Griswold; (Mary's) Crystal Harlan of New York, Jesse and wife Emilee Harlan and daughter Rylee of Atlantic, and Casey and husband Andrew Bozarth of Springfield, MO; (Peggy's) Kelsey, Allison and Christopher Harper of Duluth, GA; and (Lee's) Nick, Daniel and Julianna Casey of Grand Island. Also surviving are Frank's brothers: Bill and wife Marie of Griswold, Dr. Don and wife LaDeane of Paradise Valley, AZ, and his sister Anabell Fryer of Villisca, IA as well as several nieces, nephews and friends.

Preceding Frank in death were his parents, his wife and his brothers Carl, Earl, and Joe and his sister Marie Sullivan.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Griswold at 10:30 AM, Fr. Dean Nimerichter- Celebrant. Burial with military honors will be in the St. Mary's Section of Pleasant Township Cemetery. Friday evening a Rosary will be held at the Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold at 7:00 PM followed by visitation with the family until 8:30. The Duhn Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.