JoAnn Loerakker Frank

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. JoAnn Katherine Loerakker-Frank of Gallatin, TN on November 14, 2024, at the age of 82. JoAnn was born on December 9, 1941, in Springfield, Illinois., to Joseph F. and Virginia Ann Seifert Loerakker.

JoAnn met her soulmate, husband, and the love of her life Dr. Frederick R. Frank, Jr 47 years ago. JoAnn was known for her strong will, unwavering determination, and love and support for her family and community. Along with her husband, she was a devout member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Hendersonville, TN.

JoAnn practiced as a Chiropractic Physician in Gallatin, TN. She was a student of life, always learning with a robust curiosity about the world around her. JoAnn received her college education at the University of Illinois where she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, specializing in zoology and research. She was the first to receive a master’s degree in Illinois utilizing an electron microscope in her research. She completed her Ph.D. coursework at Northwestern University. JoAnn received her Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine from the National College of Chiropractic.

She was a devoted educator, first as an Associate Professor of Biology with tenure at Wilbur Wright Community College in Chicago. Later, as Adjunct Professor of Biology at Nashville State Community College, she taught Human Anatomy and Physiology.

JoAnn’s other love was her animals, especially her Tennessee Walking Horses and her dogs. JoAnn was an active member of the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association. Her stallion, Starpower CC, is currently with trainer Mickey McCormick. Anna Blue a.k.a. Annie, her Doberman Pinscher, remained at JoAnn’s side and now continues to run the household with Fred.

JoAnn is survived by her loving husband Fred; her sister Janice K. Fox; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Virginia Loerakker, both of Springfield, Illinois.

Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home, and Cremation Center, located at 353 Johnny Cash Parkway, Hendersonville, TN is in charge of arrangements. A funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Dan Steiner at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 1729 Stop 30 Road, Hendersonville, TN, on December 10 at 11:30 AM. Inurnment will be at Hendersonville Memory Gardens. The family will receive visitors at 10:30 AM at the church. A luncheon will follow the funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in JoAnn’s memory to support Alzheimer’s Disease Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, P.O. Box 1950, Clarksburg, MD 20871-1950.