Franklin J. Thiessen was born on July 14 1938 to Dan and Alvina (Penner) Thiessen in Bakersfield. He died Aug. 6 2019 at his home in Bakersfield. Frank, along with his sister Bonnie and brother Dan, grew up on a farm outside Wasco. As a German Mennonite Brethren and living on a farm, we were taught to work hard, do our best and to help others. Frank was that! He carried that philosophy all through his life, whether it was teaching, counseling or coaching or helping dad drive the tractor as hard as he could. He attended Wasco elementary, Thomas Jefferson Jr High and Wasco High. College years were spent at Fresno State and UCLA, along with other colleges during the summers. After college, he was hired to teach at Fowler High. While there he taught Biology and coached tennis. After four years at Fowler, he would sign a contract at Wasco High. It was always his goal to return to his alma mater to teach. His main areas of education were teaching Biology, working with students as academic counselor and coaching football, basketball, and tennis. He was considered one of the best teachers in the state. His tennis record at Wasco was incredible, winning many championships. After several years of retirement, he returned to teaching and coaching boys and girls' tennis, and girls' basketball at Bakersfield Christian High School. His winning records continued to grow. In 2018 he retired again and that same year was inducted into the Bakersfield Bob Elias Hall of Fame. With his many years of coaching, this was a great honor. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dan, and niece Vicki. He is survived by his sister Bonnie (Paul), sister in-law Carolyn, niece Traci (Tony), niece Nikki (Darrin), Nephew Nate, and also great nieces and nephews Anthony, Victoria, Zachary, Breanna, and Cade. In Honor of Frank, an account has been set up with the Kern Community Tennis Assoc. to help kids in Kern County further their love of the sport of tennis that was so much a part of his life. Donations can be made to: Frank Thiessen Memorial Fund Kern Community Tennis Association P.O. Box 11915 Bakersfield, CA 93389 Donations could be made in his name to your favorite charity. The family wishes to thank everyone that has commented on Franks passing and for all the love and prayers that have been sent our way. Memorial services for Frank will be held on August 24 2019 at 10:00 am at the Bakersfield Christian High School gym. Food will be provided and all are welcome.