Frank Dimberio

Frank Gerald Dimberio was the first born son of Melody and Frank Jerome Dimberio. He was born at the newly built Virginia Hospital on December 16,1936. He and his sister, Anita, born less than a year later, made the newspaper for being two of the first born there in the same year. Eight years later, his sister, Mary Louise, joined them, followed by his brother Greg, nearly ten years after that. Frank's twinkling blue eyes, like his mother's, were the first trait noticed, and continued to be one of his most defining features, along with his handsome grin. They would continue to twinkle throughout his life, especially when he was teasing his family and friends.

Frank always loved sports. He played baseball and basketball throughout his childhood into adulthood. He graduated from Mountain Iron High School and went on to attend Virginia Junior College where he graduated in 1956. He then attended the University of MN-Duluth, where he earned his degree in education in 1958.

After graduation, He was immediately hired by the Robbinsdale School District to teach 6th grade, which led him to venture to the Twin Cities. It was during this time he became reacquainted with the love of his life, Beverly Kniefel. They had known of each other at UMD but it wasn't until a mutual friend connected them to offer Bev a ride to "the Range" for Christmas that they had a chance to really get to know each other; their first road trip of many to come! They were married on August 6, 1960. Together they had four children. In his later years, Frank loved to tell many stories about raising his kids, Gina, Tom, Lisa Jo, and Maria. He was especially fond of sharing the tales of their road trips to California and to Banff Canada in their wood paneled station wagon towing a Bethany pink pop up camper.

Frank and Bev were active in their churches and their community. First at St. Raphael's, in Crystal, where Frank was a lector and also helped Bev run the CCD program for public school children. They also participated in family retreats and other activities. One of Frank's favorites was the church festival where the Polka Padre would play. Then when they moved to Maple Grove, he helped usher at St. Joseph the Worker. He and Bev enjoyed participating in various activities with friends they met there and at the Gramercy Cooperative where they lived. They also volunteered at the heart center at North Memorial Hospital, and as judges at the polls during election seasons.

Frank continued his career in Robbinsdale as an assistant principal, and principal. His final position was as principal of Lincoln Elementary in Brooklyn Park, as well as being lead principal where he oversaw all 12 of the elementary schools in the district. He retired July 1,1993, at the age of 56, after serving 35 years in District #281. Frank would often share how fortunate he was not only to have his parents attend his retirement party but to also be able to be at his oldest daughter's retirement celebration exactly 30 years later.

His early retirement allowed for many more traveling adventures with Bev. As a couple, and with friends, they explored 48 states, and took four cruises to the Baltic Capitals, the Mediterranean, Alaska and the St Lawrence Seaway. They also attended 22 Elder Hostels ("Road Scholars") where they studied the history and culture of various regions. Some of his favorite trips were The Mayo Clinic, hiking Bryce Canyon, visiting the home of Mary, the mother of Jesus, in Ephesus, seeing the Puffins in Nova Scotia, and learning the culture of the Appalachian mountains and the music of New Orleans. The dulcimer Frank made on one of these trips hung on their wall for many years before he recently passed it on to his son in law.

Frank and Bev enjoyed many winters by the Pacific ocean and Gulf of Mexico, wintering in Ventura California and Destin Florida. He enjoyed hosting his family and friends there and also at their timeshare at Gull Lake in the summer and fall. His spaghetti and meatballs (the size of softballs) were often one of the favorites of his guests. His family also has fond memories of Thanksgivings spent on Gull Lake, and the tree lighting ceremonies in Nisswa. Frank was a gracious host, making sure visitors always felt welcome.

As in his younger years, Frank continued to enjoy sports. He cheered on his younger daughters in soccer, coached his son's baseball team, refereed basketball, and after retirement, he played golf for many years before '"the old knees started to act up again." Cribbage became his game of choice and his family enjoyed challenging him to games when they visited. He and Bev had season tickets to the Gophers and enjoyed going to Twins games as well. He always enjoyed watching the Vikings; when they were winning. He had a lot of "Frank" advice to give when they weren't-actually for any team that lost;) Frank lived by the motto, "Carpe Diem," and rarely put off tomorrow what he could do today, whether that be work or play.

Frank had many titles: son, brother, husband, father, father -in- law, uncle, educator, administrator, lector, neighbor, caregiver, friend...but his favorite was Papa. He was proud of his grandchildren: Alexis, Mariah, Katlyn, Miranda, Siena, Cory, and Jesse. He loved them so much and treasured his time with them. He celebrated with them; participating in their special events: recitals, sports, shows, graduations, and weddings. One of his favorite memories was celebrating his and Bev's 50th wedding anniversary in Estes Park Colorado with all of his family together: his kids, his sons and daughter in law, and his grandkids. Just recently, he added a new title, Great GrandPapa, as he welcomed his great granddaughter, Ember, to the family.

Lately, when asked about his life, Frank would often reply, "I've lived a full life", and "It's been a journey." Frank left for heaven, eternal "vacation," as he called it, the morning of October 12, 2025. His journey continues to unfold as he reunites with his wife, Bev, and others who have been waiting for him. In the months leading up to his departure, he felt a call to spread the message of FROG: Forever Rely On God. When times were tough, the frogs he collected reminded him of where his hope was found and to trust the promise of where his earthly journey would lead him.He hoped others would find the same peace of mind and heart in the symbol and the message.

A special thank you to the Farmstead Community and Optage Home Care and Hospice Teams for their compassionate care of our Dad. Your willingness to go " the extra mile" made all the difference.