Frank J. Ehret, Jr.

Frank John Ehret, Jr., retired Director of Special Education, Jefferson Parish School System, died peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2013, of natural causes. He was 96. Frank was born in Gretna on August 6,1917, and lived in Marrero for most of his life. A lifelong community activist, Frank devoted his life to education and conservation. He was father of the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve, and worked tirelessly for decades for the preservation of the wetlands of the Barataria estuary. Additionally, Frank led the efforts with members of the community to create West Jefferson Medical Center, Rivarde Juvenile Home, the Marrero-Estelle Volunteer Fire Department, Visitation of Our Lady Church, and the German-American Cultural Center. He graduated from Louisiana State University in 1939, with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural sciences. He received his Masters in Special Education from the University of New Orleans in 1968. Frank was a veteran of World War II. He served in the U.S. Army, Sergeant, 1290th Engineer Battalion, Company C, as a construction foreman rebuilding bridges and as an intelligence specialist, in England, from 1942-45.
Frank is survived by three children: Frank J. Ehret, III, Kathleen Ehret White (Burnley), and Mary Catherine Ehret. Two grandchildren: Lance J. Ehret and Paige Ehret Brown (Jason). Six greatgrandchildren: Brittney Dean, Gabrielle Brown, Raphaella Brown, Mykah Brown, Jason Brown, Jr., and Blake Ehret. One great-great grandchild: Noah Bianchini. Two sisters: Marguerite Ehret Broas and Verna Ehret. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Loretta Acosta Ehret; his parents, Frank J. Ehret Sr. and Emma Cook Ehret; his grandparents, John B. Ehret and Selina Steinbrunn Ehret, and Charles Cook; his sisters Louise Ehret Higgins, Genevieve Ehret Smith, and Emma Ehret; and a brother, Earl G. Ehret, Sr. He was also preceded in death by three sons: Ronald A., Charles J., and Michael G. Ehret.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home, Ashton Manor Assisted Living, and Serenity Hospice for their care of Frank.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the American Heart Association ( www.heart.org ), Children's Hospital of New Orleans ( www.chnola.org ), or the charity of your choice in Frank's name.
Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at Visitation of Our Lady Catholic Church, 3500 Ames Boulevard (at Barataria Blvd.) in Marrero, LA on Monday, December 16, 2013 at 11 AM. Interment will follow at Restlawn Cemetery in Avondale. Visitation will take place at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expy., Harvey, LA on Sunday from 6 PM to 10 PM, resuming on Monday from 8 AM to 10:30 AM. For directions or to view and sign the online guest book, please visit: www.mothefunerals.com .