Frank R. Ferris, 74, of Interlachen, Fla., passed away Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center.
    Frank was born in Conrad, Mont., to Emerson and Hattie (Brehling) Ferris. He graduated from Manley Vocation School in Chicago and served in the Illinois National Guard. He did his plumbing apprenticeship with Plumbers Local No. 130 in Chicago. In 1962, he moved to Wisconsin and became a member of Plumbers Local No. 75 in Milwaukee. He worked as a journeyman plumber for 45 years and also served as plumbing inspector for the Town of Mukwonago for eight years. Frank was active in the Masonic Lodge, the Keystone Shrine Club, and was past Worthy Patron of the Ina J. Reid Chapter No. 55 Order of the Eastern Star in Waukesha. He was also a member of the LaBelle Chapter No. 40 Order of the Eastern Star in Mukwonago and a member in Florida also. He was active with the Bread of Life, Habitat for Humanity and had served as president of the Interlachen Senior Citizens, and had also been on the Senior Citizens Committee for Waukesha County Fair. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Palatka, Fla., and served as vice president for the church council. He enjoyed line dancing and ’50s music.
    Frank is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Ruth A. (Peardon) Ferris of Interlachen; two sons, Michael Ferris and Paul Ferris, both of Wisconsin; a daughter, Marie (Michael) Garnes of St. Augustine, Fla.; sister, Connie Connolly of Rustin, La.; along with other relatives and many friends. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at St. John Lutheran Church, 1262 S. Highway 19, Palatka, with the Rev. Rick Freese Sr. officiating. Pineland Lodge No. 87 F&AM will conduct Masonic rites and additional ceremonies by the Order of the Eastern Star in Keystone Heights. Burial will be held at a later date in Melendy’s Prairie Cemetery, Town of Eagle.
    In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to St. John Lutheran Church, 1262 S. Highway 19, Palatka, FL 32177; or to the Shrine Hospital for Children, c/o Keystone Heights Shrine Club, P.O. Box 152, Keystone Heights, FL 32656.
    Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.JohnsonOverturfFunerals.com. Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home & Crematory in Palatka, 386-325-4521, is in charge of the arrangements.