Francis J. “Frank” Chmidling, 87, of Meriden, died Saturday, May 1, 2021 at his home. 

He was born April 13, 1934 at Nortonville, the son of David Paul and Helen E. Bertels Chmidling. He was a 1952 graduate of Nortonville High School. He served two years in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Ft. Chaffee, AR and at Ft. Bliss, TX.  After his military service, “Frank” worked as a power house operator for the Dupont Company at Tecumseh, retiring in 1993. After  retirement, he continued as a tradesman in saving and recycling building materials from barns, train depots and building structures of character and was still active in this trade. 

He was a member of Ozawkie American Legion Post # 225. Frank was an outstanding athlete while in school, playing basketball and baseball. He played on a semi -pro baseball team and was a capable pitcher with a chance to tryout for the major leagues. He enjoyed playing pool in the local V.F.W. and American Legion post.

  Survivors include two sons, Tim (Deanna) Chmidling, Berryton, Rodney Alan Chmidling, Kansas City, MO, one daughter, “Sherry” (David) Umscheid, Eudora, two brother, David “Bus” Chmidling, Jefferson City, MO, Harold Chmidling, Collinsville, OK, and one sister, Louise Babcock, Nortonville.  He was preceded in death by three brothers, Eldon Chmidling, Daniel Chmidling, Jerome Chmidling, two sisters, Mary Anne Chmidling and Mildred Peine.

A Visitation Gathering will be 1:00 to 3:00 PM, Friday, May 14, 2021 at Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Nortonville.    www.barnettfamily.com