Rev. Frank William Dreisbach

Dreisbach, Rev. Frank W. On Wednesday, April 19, 2023, Rev. Frank William Dreisbach, 92, of St. Paul, MN, passed away peacefully at home. Frank was born to parents Alfred Gerry, a church musician and music editor, and Grace (Greenwood), a dance instructor, in Union City, NJ. He was the second of two boys. Frank earned a BA and M. Div from Drew University, where he met his wife-to-be Christine Azzaro, who survives him. He was ordained as a Methodist Minister in 1952. He went on to earn a master's in philosophy from Harvard Divinity School, where he was teaching assistant for renowned philosopher and theologian Paul Tillich. After this he earned a master's in theology from Princeton Theological Seminary, cutting his doctoral studies short to take the job of Chaplain and Professor of Religion & Philosophy at Hamline University, in St. Paul Minnesota. A few years later he moved to the Minneapolis College of Art & Design, where he served as Professor of Humanities until his retirement. During his time as a professor, he also served as interim minister for several churches in Minnesota, remaining active in the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church even after his retirement. Frank and Christine married in 1956 and had three children. Christopher (65) is a college professor and Episcopal priest, Gretchen (62) is an artist, and Jeffrey (57) is an architect. Frank's personal and professional interests were extensive. He had a high regard for Buddhism, which he often worked into his sermons. He published on environmental ethics and the teaching of humanities to art students. He took a strong interest in the friendship and narrative of people, treating everyone from the homeless to VIPS as highly and equally precious. With Christine, he cultivated a notable habit of hospitality for friends, family, and occasional visitors. In his more active years, Frank enjoyed "puttering" around the house; developing the family's lake property in Elk River, MN; and entertaining family and guests. He also officiated at students' weddings, which gave him a special delight. In his later years, a favorite activity included completing jigsaw puzzles while listening to classical music. Another favorite activity was feeding and watching the birds who frequented his backyard. Those who knew Frank also knew of and appreciated his sense of humor. He was serious only when he had to be, having speculated that a sense of humor may be one of the best survival mechanisms for humans. Frank is survived by his wife, children, daughters-in-law Rebecca (Christopher) and Holli (Jeffrey), seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and 13 nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life service 11:00 AM Friday, June 16, 2023, 1514 Englewood Ave, St Paul, MN 55104 with receiving line and light lunch to follow. The service may be viewed at Hamline Church live stream: https://www.hamlinechurch.org/worship/live-stream/ Private Interment Roselawn Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Hamline United Methodist Church, ; https://www.hamlinechurch.org/give/ Livestreaming of service available at: https://www.hamlinechurch.org/worship/live-stream/

Tributes

Rev. Frank William Dreisbach

September 13, 1930 - April 19, 2023

Tributes

Rev. Frank William Dreisbach

September 13, 1930 - April 19, 2023

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