We are saddened to announce the death of former International Representative Frank R. Vondra. He was 92 years old.

Brother Vondra was born in Bruno, Nebraska. In 1957, he helped organize and was a charter member of Omaha Local 1974 representing the workers at Western Electric's Millard operations.

He served his local as an executive board member, vice president and president. In addition, he served as a member of all negotiating committees, the 1970 IBEW convention law committee and in security positions at the 1974 through 1986 IBEW conventions.

From 1965 to 1967 he served as secretary of System Council EM-3, which brought together locals with members working for AT&T manufacturing, later Lucent Technologies. He served as president of System Council EM-3 from 1967 to 1969. Local 1974 was dissolved when AT&T closed its Nebraska plants.

Brother Vondra was appointed an international representative in 1970 and assigned to the manufacturing department, where he served until 1987. He was reassigned to the organizing department. He retired in 1988 after 41 years of service to his brothers and sisters.

Brother Vondra served his country as a combat infantry sergeant in the African and European theaters. He received multiple decorations for valor, including the Purple Heart with two clusters for wounds received in action, the Bronze Star, the Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation for meritorious service, Distinguished Unit Badge and the Bronze Service Arrowhead.

An avid Husker fan, he held season tickets for the University of Nebraska football team for 46 years.

Brother Vondra is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lucille, and his three sons, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

To his family and friends, the IBEW officers, members and staff extend sincere sympathy.