James ‘Gup’ LeRoy Frank,  born on July 9,1958 to Thomas ‘Tom’ and Jeannine Frank, passed away peacefully, at the age of 67, on Monday July 28, 2025, with his wife Tina Frank and family by his side. 

Growing up in Richfield, Minnesota it was often joked that his dad was in school more than he was. His siblings, Mary, Mike and Theresa ‘Taf’ (Dave) felt lucky to have a guy like him by their side growing up. He was described as an independent risk taker who would do anything for those close to him. His summers were spent, with his siblings and cousins, at the family cabin, on Lake Belle Taine, in Nevis, MN. At the age of 17 he left home to join the army, moving south to Lawton, Oklahoma.

After proudly serving his country for three years he was discharged from the military and pursued a career in plumbing. He spent many years honing his plumbing abilities becoming a master plumber and opening his own business, Gup’s Plumbing. He mentored many up-and-coming plumbers throughout his long career. 

While living in Oklahoma Gup had three children, Casey, Megan (Justin) and Thomas ‘T.J.’ and helped to raise his nephew Josh. He became ‘Papa Gup’ for the first time in 2000 to granddaughter McHale and again in 2010 to grandson Markaus. In 2004 Gup moved to Minnesota with Megan and Thomas ‘T.J.’ starting life in Nevis, Minnesota where he made many lifelong friends.

In 2013 while plumbing in International Falls, MN, making more lifelong friends as he so often did, he met the love of his life Tina, whom he married on September 27,2019 gaining bonus children Jeff (Cansis) and Amanda (Chad), and bonus grandchildren Olivia, Emma, Jayde, Chloe, Piper, Miley, and another on the way.

Gup enjoyed traveling. 

He and Tina went on many adventures together, from visiting family and friends in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Texas to Las Vegas, where they were married, to Nashville, New Orleans, Yellowstone, and so many other places. They were always on the go whether they were surprising someone with an impromptu visit, which they loved to do, or just out enjoying the sights. 

He was a bright light in this world, always having a smile on his face and a story to tell. He touched many lives during his time, from his many nieces and nephews and other family members to the many friends he made along the way. 

Gup was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas ‘Tom’ and Jeannine Frank, his sister-inlaw Jayne Frank, brother-in-law Mark ‘Chach’ Angus, and close friend Becca Gibitz.

Surviving Gup is his wife Tina Frank of Lawton, OK, Children Casey Murley of Lawton, Megan (Justin) Fischer of Park Rapids, MN, Thomas ‘T.J.’ Frank of Lawton, Josh Walker of Lawton, Jeff (Cansis) Hofius of Clayton, WI, and Amanda (Chad) Lutz of Clear Lake, WI. Grandchildren McHale, Markaus, Jediah, Gavin, Olivia, Emma, Jayde, Chloe, Piper, Miley and a new one on the way. Siblings Mary Frank of Coon Rapids, MN, Mike Frank of Crystal, MN, Theresa ‘Taf’ (Dave) Albold of Nevis, MN, Mother-in-law Pat Delapp of Bemidji, MN, Sister-in-law Jenny (A.J.) Waller of Franklin, KY, brother-in-law Tim Everett of Minot, ND, and good friend ‘Girlfriend’ Jani Christensen of International Falls, MN

There will be a celebration of life in Medicine Park, Oklahoma on Wednesday August 20th , 2025, from 6:00-8:00pm at Nice Ice Baby. 

There will also be a celebration of life in Nevis, MN on Saturday August 30th, 2025, from 2:00-5:00pm at the Muskie Pavilion.