Frank P Johnson

1940 – 2022

Frank Peter Johnson of Fort Collins passed away on November 30, 2022 at age 82. Frank was born on November 15, 1940 in Great Falls, Montana to Walter and Mamie (Wallock) Johnson. In April 1967, he married Joan Morgenstern. Their first daughter Jennifer Ruth was born in 1969 in Denver and in 1971, daughter Lisa Ann was born in Fort Collins. Joan and Frank divorced in 1981.

He received his BSBA in accounting (1962) and his MBA in finance (1964) from the University of Denver and his PhD in economics from Colorado State University in 1975. He held licenses to practice as a CPA in Montana and Colorado. Frank had diverse career interests and experiences in public accounting, banking, higher education, and military service.

He began his banking career in 1964 and joined Central Bank of Denver. He was promoted to Credit Officer in the Commercial Lending Division in January 1968. In 1975, Frank became Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Wyoming Bancorporation. He described this experience as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences that eventually led to the opening of many opportunities later in his professional life.

He served on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountant’s Banking Committee and was a consulting and testifying expert on failed banks. He was elected and served as Director and Vice-Chairman of Nolarco Credit Union from 1991-2001 and Director and Chairman of Members United Financial Services from 1995-2001.

Frank became employed at Colorado State University in 1970. During his 43 years at CSU, Frank served as Board Auditor, Associate Director in the Office of Planning and Budgets, Assistant/Associate Professor in the Department of Accounting and Department of Finance, respectively, and retired as Associate Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in 2013. He most enjoyed his oversight of the off-campus research centers and engagement with the faculty, staff and clientele of the centers. He was CSU’s ex-officio representative to the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board from its inception in 1990 to 1997. He received the University Oliver Pennock Professional Service Award in 2011 and the 2012 College of Agricultural Sciences’ Administrative Professional Award.

Frank served on US Air Force active duty and in the Air National Guard from 1962 to 1990. He retired as Lt. Col. and Commander of the Wyoming National Guard, 187 Aeromedical Flight. He received an Air Force Commendation Medal for directing the aeromedical operations center at Rhein-Main Air Base, Germany during the Malaga Spain air disaster involving recovery and evacuation of 300 US and Canadian citizens.

Following his military retirement, he was elected to the Poudre Valley Hospital Board in 1990 and served as its Treasurer. After his retirement from CSU, he served as a member of the Poudre School District Board audit committee and volunteered in Poudre R-1 schools.

In 2004, Frank met Pat Elliott. On their first date, she told him that she worked a lot, didn’t date much, wouldn’t be with anyone unless she wanted to and never wanted to be married again after 30+ years of being single. And he thought “Perfect”. Seven years later on October 21, 2011 as their wedding ceremony began, she said, “I can’t believe I’m doing this. Can we start the ceremony over again?” Both he and Pat treasured their lives, love, respect, and independence with one another.

Frank enjoyed “road trips” with family and friends, golf, sports, reading, home wine-making, Wednesday breakfasts with CSU retirees, poker with the guys, monthly cribbage matches, recalling family stories, and being a constant presence in his daughters’ and grandchildren’s lives.

Frank is survived by his wife Pat, daughters Jenni Johnson and Lisa Graves, grandchildren Austin Graves and Ryan Eisert, sister Marilyn Scherbarth (Jim), niece Melissa Carr (Tony) and their children Jeremy and Timanda, and niece Bethany Scherbarth all in Illinois and brother Sam and daughter Kim in California. He also is survived by his “extended Morgenstern family” – Brennans, Cahills, Carruthers, and Hortons. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandfather John Wallock, and nephew and godson Tim Scherbarth.

Frank was cremated and no services are being held. Inurnment will be at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver. A gathering of family and friends will be held later at a place, day, and time to be determined.

If desired, donations can be made in Frank’s name to your favorite charity.