Frank Lushine

Frank Gerald Lushine, age 78 of Minneapolis, MN, passed away on August 18, 2024. Born on June 17, 1946 in Virginia, MN, Frank grew up in Edina, MN attending Edina East High School and then the University of Minnesota where he earned his BA and MD degrees. While at medical school, he met Cheryl Mertesdorf, and they married in 1969. After medical school he served in the United States Air Force, stationed in Duluth, MN, and through his training, he developed his love of flying, eventually earning his pilot's license and becoming a private pilot.

Frank practiced medicine at various locations throughout Minneapolis including Eitel Hospital and Nicollet Clinic. He eventually entered private practice, and for many years was a gastroenterologist at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis. He thoroughly enjoyed his work helping patients and their families.

Through the years, Frank pursued many interests. He enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, boating, diving, producing maple syrup from trees at his vacation home on Lake Sylvia, undertaking numerous home improvement projects and creating a variety of highly-skilled crafts using wood and other natural materials. He loved movies, music and the arts, but most of all he loved spending time with family and friends. After retiring, Frank continued to be greatly involved with his family, while devoting much time and resources to various philanthropic organizations including Big Brother Big Sister Twin Cities and Helping Honduras Kids in La Ceiba, Honduras.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents, James and Jeannette Lushine, and brother, Michael Lushine.

Frank is survived by his former wife of 54 years, Cheryl Lushine; daughters, Mia (Chris) Roberts, Laura (Tommy) Nigro, Sarah (Jason) Barr; sons David Lushine and Jeffrey Lushine; eight grandchildren; Popeye (Phon) Tang, who was in many ways like a son to him, and many other relatives and friends. His larger-than-life personality and generous spirit will be missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 5 at 12:30 pm at Lakewood Cemetery Memorial Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Reception to follow. Private interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory can be made to Big Brother Big Sister Twin Cities, Helping Honduras Kids or Habitat for Humanity.