Frank John Leidenfrost

Frank J. Leidenfrost, 91, passed away on Friday September 11, 2026 in Staples.

Frank J. Leidenfrost was born to Frank W. and Cecilia Bolster Leidenfrost on May 20, 1935, in Little Falls, Minnesota. He and his brother, Kenneth, grew up on the family dairy farm east of Little Falls.

He attended Rural Country School through the fourth grade. He transferred to St. Mary’s Catholic School through the eighth grade. While in high school, Frank enjoyed playing baseball with his high school friends with the Little Falls Westside Cowboys. Frank loved playing and coaching football. He began playing football at St. Mary’s and continued to play at Little Falls High School, where he was a tri-captain during his senior year.

Upon graduation from high school, he attended Moorhead State University and continued to play football. He served as co-captain of the 1957 team. While at Moorhead State, Frank served on the Student Commission and as president his senior year.

Frank enlisted in the Fargo Air National Guard in 1957. He later transferred to the Fargo Army National Guard, where he became the Battalion Supply Sergeant. While teaching in Waubun, he transferred to the Detroit Lakes Army National Guard unit. He was the unit Supply Sergeant and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He was a member of the Motley American Legion. He was very proud of America and the U.S. military.

He graduated from college in 1957. He began his teaching and coaching career at Waubun High School, where he taught Driver Education and Physical Education and coached football. While at Waubun, his football teams were undefeated for three consecutive years.

While at Waubun, he met the love of his life, Amy. Frank and Amy were married in Menahga, Minnesota, on August 3, 1963, at the Assumption of Our Lady Catholic Church. They moved to Staples in 1966, where they both taught Physical Education, and Frank coached football. Frank also taught Driver Education and was very proud of the passing percentage of his students.

Frank and Amy both retired from teaching in 1995. However, Frank continued to teach Driver Education for several more years.

Frank was very involved with the Staples Host Lions Club. He served in most positions of the Staples club and began serving at the district level as a zone chairman and vice district governor. He was District Governor from 1998–1999. He was very involved in the MN Hearing Foundation and Lions Clubs International Foundation. He received many Lions awards, including being a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

Frank was also a member of the Staples Hi-Rise Board of Commissioners, where he served as board chairman. He truly enjoyed working with the board and employees.

He and Amy were involved with the Staples Area Food Shelf since 1985. They helped unload the monthly Second Harvest delivery truck and stocked shelves weekly. The food shelf involvement was one way of giving back to their Staples community.

Frank also ushered at Sacred Heart Catholic Church for many years. He enjoyed meeting and visiting with people, and ushering provided many opportunities to do so.

Frank was so blessed to have had a work career that he enjoyed, a loving wife, Amy, and many opportunities to enjoy life, which he did to the max.

Frank’s parents and brother Kenneth preceded him to the Lord’s calling. He is survived by his wife, Amy; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews; and many friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday September 18, 2026, at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, MN. A Visitation will be held on Thursday September 17, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Sacred Heart, and also one hour prior to the start of the service on Friday. Burial will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls, MN at a later date. Please join the family for lunch following the service.

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.