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Otto Heinrich Frank 1889 - 1980

Otto Heinrich Frank was born on May 12, 1889 in Frankfurt, Darmstadt County, HE Germany. He was in a relationship with Edith (Hollander) Frank, and they were together until Edith's death on January 6, 1945. He had children Margot Frank and Anne Frank. Otto Frank died at age 91 years old on August 19, 1980 in Basel, Basel-Stadt County, BS Switzerland, and was buried at Birsfelden Cemetery in Basel, BS.

Otto Heinrich Frank

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May 12, 1889

Frankfurt, Darmstadt County, HE, Germany

August 19, 1980

Basel, Basel-Stadt County, BS, Switzerland

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Otto Heinrich Frank Otto Frank (1889 - 1980)

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Otto Heinrich Frank's History: 1889 - 1980

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Introduction

Otto Heinrich Frank, born on May 12, 1889, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, lived a life marked by love, resilience, and the enduring legacy of his daughter, Anne Frank. Before the Holocaust overshadowed his existence, Otto led a successful life as a merchant and married Edith Holländer in 1925. Together, they welcomed two daughters, Margot and Anne, into their family. In 1933, as the Nazi regime intensified its persecution of Jews, Otto made the difficult decision to relocate his family to Amsterdam, Netherlands, in search of safety. There, he continued his business endeavors while striving to provide a secure environment for his loved ones amid the growing uncertainty. Tragically, the Nazis occupied the Netherlands, and in 1942, Otto and his family went into hiding in the Secret Annex—a concealed space behind his office building. For over two years, they lived in seclusion alongside four other individuals, relying on Otto's resourcefulness and leadership to sustain their hope and unity. Following their discovery in 1944, Otto was separated from his family and endured the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp. Miraculously, he survived and was liberated in January 1945. Despite the immense loss and suffering, Otto remained committed to fulfilling his daughter's wish of sharing her diary with the world.
05/12

1889

Birthday

May 12, 1889

Birthdate

Frankfurt, Darmstadt County, HE Germany

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

Otto Heinrich Frank was of Jewish ethnicity and came from a loving and close-knit family. He was born on May 12, 1889, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, to parents Michael Frank and Alice Stern. The Frank family had deep roots in Germany, and they were part of the Jewish community that contributed to the rich cultural and social fabric of the country.
Nationality & Locations

Born on May 12, 1889, Otto was raised in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Frankfurt was a vibrant and culturally rich city, known for its economic prosperity and intellectual atmosphere. Otto grew up in this dynamic environment, surrounded by the diverse community of Frankfurt. In 1933, as the Nazi regime rose to power and anti-Semitism intensified, Otto made the decision to relocate his family to Amsterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam provided a new home for the Frank family and offered the hope of escaping the escalating persecution in Germany. In Amsterdam, Otto established a new life, engaging in business and seeking a safe haven for his loved ones. However, tragedy struck when the Franks were forced into hiding in 1942 to evade Nazi persecution. Otto, his wife Edith, and their two daughters, Margot and Anne, found refuge in the Secret Annex—a concealed space behind Otto's former office building in Amsterdam. In this confined space, they lived in hiding for over two years, their lives dependent on the secrecy and support of a small group of trusted individuals. Unfortunately, their hiding place was discovered in 1944, leading to their arrest and subsequent separation. Otto was the sole family member to survive the Holocaust, enduring the horrors of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and other camps until his liberation by Soviet forces in January 1945.
Early Life & Education

As a young man, he attended school in Frankfurt, Germany, where he acquired a solid foundation in various subjects. The details of his formal education are not extensively documented, but he likely received a standard education typical for boys of his time and background. Following his schooling, Otto embarked on a journey of self-discovery and professional development. He ventured into the business world, where he honed his skills and gained practical knowledge in commerce and entrepreneurship. Otto's business endeavors allowed him to navigate the complexities of the economic landscape and establish himself as a successful merchant. In addition to his formal education, Otto was a curious and well-read individual who valued intellectual pursuits. He had a keen interest in literature, history, and current affairs, which contributed to his broad perspective and informed worldview. Throughout his life, Otto remained intellectually engaged, drawing on his own experiences and knowledge to navigate the challenges he faced.
Religious Beliefs

Otto Heinrich Frank was of Jewish descent and practiced the Jewish faith. Born into a Jewish family in Frankfurt, Germany, he grew up in a community that celebrated and observed Jewish traditions, rituals, and customs. Judaism played a significant role in shaping Otto's identity and worldview throughout his life. As a follower of Judaism, Otto adhered to the religious practices and principles that guide the Jewish faith. These included observing the Sabbath, celebrating Jewish holidays, and participating in religious ceremonies. Judaism provided a framework for his moral and ethical values, emphasizing concepts such as justice, compassion, and the importance of community. During the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent persecution of Jews, Otto's faith and Jewish identity became targets of discrimination and persecution. The Nazi ideology propagated anti-Semitism and sought to undermine and eradicate Jewish communities. Otto's commitment to his faith was tested, and he faced immense challenges as he navigated the turbulent and hostile environment that threatened his religious freedom and existence. While in hiding during the Holocaust, Otto and his family maintained their Jewish identity, finding solace and strength in their shared faith. Their faith provided a source of resilience and hope amid the unimaginable difficulties they faced.
Professional Career

During his early years, Otto ventured into the banking industry, gaining experience and knowledge in financial matters. Later, he transitioned into the field of commerce, becoming a successful merchant. In Frankfurt, Germany, he established his own company, Opekta, which specialized in the production and distribution of pectin, a substance used in making jams and jellies. Through his business acumen and dedication, Otto built a thriving enterprise that catered to both national and international markets. Following the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent relocation of his family to Amsterdam, Netherlands, Otto continued his business activities. He reestablished Opekta in Amsterdam, focusing on the same line of production. Despite the challenging circumstances brought on by World War II, Otto managed to sustain his business operations, adapting to the constraints imposed by the occupation and seeking opportunities for growth and survival. However, the horrors of the Holocaust interrupted Otto's professional trajectory. After his family's discovery and subsequent arrest, Otto experienced immense suffering and endured the brutal conditions of concentration camps. Despite the unimaginable hardships, he managed to survive until his liberation by Soviet forces in January 1945. Following his liberation, Otto returned to Amsterdam and dedicated himself to preserving the memory of his daughter Anne's diary, which she had written while in hiding. He played a crucial role in the publication of "The Diary of a Young Girl" (commonly known as "Anne Frank's Diary"), ensuring that her powerful voice and the story of her family's struggle and resilience would be shared with the world.
Personal Life & Family

In 1925, Otto married Edith Holländer, and together they welcomed two daughters into their lives: Margot, born in 1926, and Anne, born in 1929. The Frank family enjoyed a relatively normal and happy life until the rise of the Nazi regime and the subsequent persecution of Jews. The oppressive and discriminatory policies forced the Franks to leave their beloved home in Frankfurt and seek refuge in Amsterdam, Netherlands, in 1933.
08/19

1980

Death

August 19, 1980

Death date

Unknown
Cause of death

Basel, Basel-Stadt County, BS Switzerland
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

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Funeral date
Birsfelden Cemetery in Basel, Basel-Stadt County, BS Switzerland
Burial location
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Otto Heinrich Frank lived 16 years longer than the average family member when died at the age of 91.

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Kathy Pinna

32.7k+ favorites

04/27/2017

Frank Family

A photo of the Frank family in the Netherlands on their way to a wedding.

Date & Place: in Netherlands

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Elisa Chaplin

13 favorites

05/03/2017

Edith and Margot are not present in this photo, L-R Miep Gies foster parents, Laurens and Anna Nieuwenberg,Otto and Anne Frank, Elly Voskuijl, Esther, a worker at Opekta, and the Nieuwenberg's granddaughter.

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