Frank Paul Preissle IV

July 9, 1937 - March 26, 2021

Frank Preissle, who believed he was fortunate to grow up in Bennington in the 40's and 50's, departed this world on March 26, 2021 from Columbus, Ohio to join his friend Jesus. Frank attended Bennington Graded School from '45 to '47, Pleasant Valley School from '48 to '50, and Bennington High School from '50 to '54. He was a member of the Old First Church where he was baptized April 23, 1950 by Reverend Thomas Street, whose sermons provided Frank with lifelong guidance. Beginning in 2006, whenever the weather allowed, he and his wife attended the church's Christmas services, traveling from Columbus, Ohio, where they have lived since 1990. A frequent visitor to Bennington, Frank attended all but two of his Benhi Class of 1954's five-year reunions, enjoying socializing with classmates then and during other visits. He was particularly grateful for the hospitality his classmates provided to him and his wife. After earning a BA from Duke University in 1958, Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following basic and advance infantry training, he was sports editor of the Army's weekly newspaper in West Berlin from 1959 to 1961. He left Berlin two weeks before the wall went up. He often joked the communists had to wait to erect the wall until after he departed, because they knew if he was there he would tear it down with his bare hands. Working in publicity for United Air Lines from 1961 to 1971 at its offices in Chicago, Atlanta and Los Angeles, Frank served as regional publicity manager in the latter two cities. Returning to school at Washington University in St. Louis in 1971, Frank earned an MBA in 1973. He did post-graduate studies there for three years while serving as a part-time faculty member. He then taught public relations and advertising at Michigan State University, Pennsylvania State University, the University of Tennessee and Ohio State University before retiring. Survived by beloved good wife Donna and his sister Jude, who also attended Pleasant Valley and Bennington Graded Schools. Also survived by children Jacqueline, Patricia and Frank, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and 14 cousins. Frank was the oldest of the cousins, blessed by their love and company throughout his life. GO CATAMOUNTS!