Frank T. Denny

Frank Thomas Denny passed away on April 14, 2026, after years of health struggles.

Frank began his life journey on a sparkling winter day in International Falls, Minnesota, born to Willis and Edna (Hill) Denny. He was named after his mother’s foster father, Frank Gilbert of International Falls, and his grandfather, Tom Denny of Pine Island, Minnesota. When he was not yet in kindergarten, the family moved to Pine Island, near Genoa, where they built a life on a small hobby farm. Later, the family welcomed his little sister, Wanda.

Frank graduated from Pine Island High School in the spring of 1975 and went on to attend cosmetology college in St. Cloud, Minnesota. He was an artist at heart from a young age. In middle school, he painted model cars and airplanes, and by high school he was creating large oil and acrylic paintings as well as working with modeling clay, but he became best known for the gift he brought to his work as a hairstylist.

Frank spent his early years as a cosmetologist working for “Gil” Gilbertson at The Barbers in Rochester, Minnesota, where he built a loyal following. He later moved to Watertown, Wisconsin, where he opened a shop and married Beth Peckham in 1984. Together, they returned to Rochester and opened several salons, the first being Headturners. After their divorce, Frank bought a home on a lake near Zumbro Falls, where he opened his final hair shop and clients enjoyed the view while getting their hair done.

Frank’s career in cosmetology reflected his artistic gifts, and he won awards and trophies as a top stylist. He once styled Miss Minnesota, and while living in Wisconsin, women would make a full day of it, filling a van and traveling together from Rochester to have their hair done by Frank.

Outside of his work, Frank loved classic cars and was especially fond of Lincolns. He also built several kit cars, including one that resembled a Lamborghini.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willis Denny, in 2006, and his mother, Edna (Hill) Denny, in 2016. Frank is survived by his sister, Wanda Denny Martens; her ten children, all living in the Southwest; and cousins in Minnesota, who held a special place in his heart.