Frank Ernest Mehwald's Obituary
Frank Ernest Mehwald, beloved husband of Mary H. Mehwald, passed peacefully at home Jan. 11, 2026. Frank was born in Cleveland, Aug. 9, 1938, to Ernest and Elizabeth Mehwald; Sisters; Gerda Picco and Margaret Bigsby, (both deceased), Brother Kenneth, (deceased), Sons; Mark (deceased) (Kerry Koteles), Michael (Denise LeCroix), and Matthew. Frank leaves five grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. But, what Frank really leaves is a legacy.
Frank Mehwald lived an amazing life. Growing up in Parma Heights he exceeded in sports becoming well known throughout Ohio and neighboring states for track, field and especially pole vaulting. Frank graduated from Parma High with many sporting records and sports honors. He was recruited to Michigan State for Track and Field. There he was a star athlete for State and for the ATO’s. He was also a fierce ping pong competitor and his college arm wrestling champ. Frank always found ways to enjoy the outdoors; he skied, boated, bicycled, hiked, rode horses, played football, baseball and more. He did not camp. When he went to a scouting overnight (only once) he brought his own roll of toilet paper. Frank graduated from MSU in 1960 and came home to Cleveland to join, then quickly to run, his father’s business, Atlantic Tool & Die. This company meant everything to Frank and he excelled in taking it from a small tool & die company to an international metal manufacturing company specializing in stamping, engineering, tooling, tubular products and assemblies. Over his 65 years with the company he provided stable employment for thousands of families. Frank was a fair and tough boss loved by all. He was a true gentleman. At 55 Frank married Mary, his neighbor. It was a true love story and they were always together traveling the world, enjoying their homes, dogs, cats and horses, eventually even working together at Atlantic. Avid sportsmen, they skied all over the United States, Canada and Switzerland. They bicycled everywhere too. They simply enjoyed each other. They held hands throughout their 32 year marriage and their four year courtship prior. Being of strong Christian faith, they know they will enjoy one another and hold hands again throughout eternity.
GATHERING OF FRIENDS WILL BE HELD AT JARDINE FUNERAL HOME, 15822 PEARL ROAD, STRONGSVILLE ON FRIDAY JANUARY 30TH, 2026 FROM 2PM – 6PM. FUNERAL SERVICE SATURDAY JANUARY 31ST, 2026 AT 10AM, ALSO AT THE FUNERAL HOME. BURIAL WILL FOLLOW AT STRONGSVILLE CEMETERY.
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