Francis H. "Frank" Bissenden, age 93, passed away peacefully April 21st, 2024 after a phone call from his son, Jeffrey McManus. His wife Lorene & surrogate daughter, Nora Veit were at his side at Fountain Springs Nursing Home, Rapid City, SD. Frank went to sleep in Jesus until Resurrection Morning. The Code of Angels lined Miller Hallway to honor Frank's passing with salutes & flags.

Francis was born April 3rd, 1931, in Rapid City, SD, the 4th child of Stanley and Scena (Jones) Bissenden. He attended Rapid City High School; then enlisted in the USAF in 1951. The Korean War was ending. He was stationed at Bergstrom AFB, Austin, TX. He traveled to Japan two separate times. Francis was dock chief (27th Fighter Wing); then crew chief (12th Fighter Wing). After being honorably discharged in 1955, he enrolled in an auto mechanics course in ND; then worked at Lockheed in CA. He returned to Rapid City 1960. He was employed with Montana Dakota Utilities: Retiring as Serviceman General after 33 years (1993).

Francis married Lorene (Mikolash) McManus on September 30th, 1967, a widow with a 3 year old son, Jeffrey. To this union was born a daughter, Nanci Jane in 1969. In 1978, Francis joined his family in baptism as a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Francis was very generous to others in need: giving vehicles for their transportation, fuel cards, appliances, and helping others to move. He was the kind of dad who drove across town to sweep snow off his daughter's car and start the motor before she had to leave for work. He made sure his "son" had money for tuition to graduate mid-term (SDM&T) and provided a car for Jeff's high school (ND) & college days (Lincoln, NE.) His daughter Nanci claimed he was the "Daddy" she always wanted! His "son" Jeffrey said "Dad gave me principles to live by." He was a faithful husband, always opening doors for Lorene. He was soft-spoken; a true gentleman. Francis had an impressive collection of wristwatches, military caps & unusual hats. He exhibited a "Green Thumb'' by raising 17 rose bushes & kept his lawns pristine.

Francis was anointed March 8th, 2024 by Elders Klinton (Stephanie) Rittberger & Paul (Nina) Clark from the Seventh-day Adventist Church; a recommitment to his baptismal vows. (1979) A Celebration of Renewal of his wedding vows (56 years) took place at Fountain Springs Fireside March 15th, 2024. Pastor Brian Mungandi officiated. His "son" Jeffrey flew in from VA to give a moving Tribute to his Dad. Local guests, church friends, nurses & aides attended. John & Crystal England added "Something Blue": Hydrangea Plant. They served cakes on Francis' daughter Nanci's dinnerware as "Something Borrowed." The cakes were decorated by family friend Judy Jazek Sikes. Nora Veit took pictures and helped serve cake. Joyce Casper had guests sign the notebook. LaZann (Steve) Allen provided the couple's favorite songs: "Let It Be Me" (Everly Brothers) & Gershwin's "Love is Here to Stay." (Colorado State Choir).

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Art (Helen) Bissenden, sisters Peggie (Archie) Halvorson & Betty (Wally) Lanouette & daughter Nanci Jane.

He is survived by his wife Lorene, "son" Prof. Jeffrey (Janet) McManus, granddaughter Morganne McManus, two "daughters" Nora Veit & Crystal (John) England, Brother-in-law, David Fuller (Betty) "nephew" Sam Dyer, dearest ones, Kevin & Tammy-Brodie Gusmano & Alvin & Linda Perrigo, with many beloved nieces & nephews.

USAF Military Burial (Inurnment) at Black Hills National Cemetery 11:00am Monday August 25, 2025 .

In lieu of flowers, donations welcomed: The Humane Society of the Black Hills, Cornerstone Mission, Roofs for Africa % Maranatha via 3ABN Internet.

Honorary Urnbearers: David Fuller, James Mikolash, Rod Wirshing, Alvin Perrigo, Scott Doty, Klinton Rittberger.