Frank Comfort Obituary

Frank Bittorf "Bit" Comfort, 88, passed away at Deerfield Health Center on Friday, October 26, 2012. He was born to Frank J. and Marie Bittorf Comfort in Des Moines on May 11, 1924, Mother's Day. He always felt this led to his devotion to the women in his life; his mother, grandmother, sister, aunts, two daughters and two wives. Frank married Maryann Wood on June 6, 1948, and she died on May 10, 2006 after a long and happy marriage. He married Connie Cramblit on September 23, 2007. She survives him after five years together.

Frank attended St. Augustin Grade School and Dowling High School then graduated from St. Thomas Military Academy. He then graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA, a law degree and a life-long enthusiasm for his beloved Hawkeyes. He was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He practiced law with his father and uncle until their deaths. He then joined the former Parrish Law Firm, now Nyemaster Goode. Frank retired in the 1990's but remained of counsel.

He was a veteran of WWII, serving in the Pacific. He was a longtime member of Wakonda, the Des Moines Club, YMCA and Aspen Athletic Clubs. His love was tennis which he played nearly every day until 2006. He was known as the tennis coach for the University of Okoboji and had a summer residence on Dixon Beach. He was a sports enthusiast, playing various sports and spectating as well. He enjoyed flying and was a member of the Quiet Birdmen.

Frank had been a member of the Board of Directors of various companies including Supervised Shares, Blood Bank of Des Moines, Mercy Hospital, Mercy Foundation, and National Manufacturing Company.

A deeply religious man, he was a knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre and a life-long member of St. Augustin Catholic Church. He was a gracious gentleman with a warm sense of humor, a supporter of many philanthropic organizations and the most loving, generous father two girls could ever have.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Maryann; sister, Elizabeth (Calvin) Manning; brother-in-law, John B. Wood and his wife, Rosemary; sister-in-law, Jane Fagg; and nephew, Edwin Manning.

He is survived by his wife, Connie; daughters, Debbi Miller of West Des Moines and Connie Comfort of Des Moines; stepson, Bob (Deb) Cramblit of Kearney, MO; stepdaughter, Carolyn (John) Burrough of Johnston; brother-in-law, George Fagg of Johnston; four step-grandchildren and nine step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephews, C. Blake (Deb) Manning, Dr. Tom Fagg, Ned (Chris) Fagg and George (Debbie) Fagg; and his nieces, Linda Wood Dooley, Ellen (Doug) Zumbach, Martha Fagg, Susan Fagg and Sarah (Mick) Wencil.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Deerfield Retirement for all of their courtesies and care while Frank lived there for seven years.

Visitation is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, November 2 at Iles Funeral Homes-Dunn's Chapel where a vigil and rosary will be held at 6 p.m. Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 3 at St. Augustin Church with a reception following at the church. Private entombment will be at Resthaven Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Mercy Foundation, 411 Laurel St. Suite 2250, Des Moines, IA 50314 or the University of Iowa Foundation PO Box 4550 Iowa City, Iowa 52244.

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ARRANGEMENTS BY ILES FUNERAL HOMES ~ DUNN'S CHAPEL.

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