FRANK A. CAFLISCH - OBITUARY

June 21, 1918 - November 7, 2010

Frank A. Caflisch, 92, died on November 7, 2010 in his home, where he had lived since 1952. Beloved husband for almost 60 years of the late Marion S. Caflisch; cherished father of John Stephen (Buffy) Caflisch of Chevy Chase, MD and daughter Carol Lynn (Tim Smith) Caflisch of Berkeley Springs, WV; loving grandfather to Jane Marie Caflisch of New York, NY and Timothy Stephen Caflisch of San Francisco, CA. Also survived by his sister-in-law, Frances Stambaugh and many others whose lives he enriched and who enriched his life, including his extended family, his neighbors and the members of Christ Congregational Church.

 

Born on a dairy farm in Baraboo, Wisconsin on June 21, 1918, he was a World War II veteran who served in the 101st Airborne Division, jumping behind German lines in Holland and fighting in the successful defense of Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star, among other honors. He received bachelor's and master's degrees from George Washington University and worked for the National Archives and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, retiring after 35 years of service.

 

Mr. Caflisch was a cubmaster and assistant scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts. He and his wife were active in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s and 1970s he and his wife founded and led a class for young married couples at Montgomery Hills Baptist Church, where he was a deacon. He later was a deacon and mentor to young men at Christ Congregational Church, where he was active until his death. His greatest joys were his family and friends, especially children. He enjoyed reading, gardening, sketching, poetry, and collecting western pewter figures and playing the role of grandfather to many neighborhood children.

 

The family will receive relatives and friends at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Boulevard, West, Silver Spring, MD (Valet Parking) on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Christ Congregational Church UCC, 9525 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20901 on Saturday December 18 at 3 p.m. Private inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery Columbarium. Share memories online at washingtonpost.com/obituaries.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Congregational Church; For Love of Children, 1763 Columbia Road NW, First Floor, Washington, DC 20009-2834; or National Parks Conservation Association, 1300 19th Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20036.