The Legacy of Frank D. Trestman: A Pillar of Leadership and Impact
In the quiet moments, we remember Frank D. Trestman (z”l), a man whose commitment to volunteering and philanthropy was not just a facet of his personality but the very essence of his being.
Frank's journey of philanthropy was a reflection of his character. It started with his participation in the Harry Kay Leadership Institute and a passion to inspire and develop future community leaders through volunteerism and missions to Israel.
Volunteer opportunities at the Minneapolis Jewish Federation eventually led Frank to Chairing the Board of the Minnesota Jewish Community Foundation. Frank, along with Erwin Kelen, were instrumental in establishing the importance of leaving a legacy in the Minneapolis Jewish community. Because of their forethought in understanding that endowments were a critical way to sustain our community, they paved the way to the centralization of those efforts within the Foundation and setting the financial scaffold that perpetually supports the Minneapolis Jewish Federation and dozens upon dozens of non-profits here and around the world.
For Frank, the global and local Jewish community held a special place in his heart. His wife, Carol ("Toodie"), has said that his commitment to community service stemmed from a genuine concern for the welfare of the Jewish community. His son-in-law, Kevin Brazner, expressed that Frank's approach to volunteering mirrored his success in the business world: visionary, strategic, committed to efficiency and accountability. Frank's leadership at the Foundation was characterized by detailed planning, productive meetings, and the ability to ask great questions.
Frank’s generosity was purposefully connected to community programming, ensuring assistance was given to those in need within the community. This was evident through initiatives like the Toodie and Frank Trestman Special Needs and Collaborative Education fund and the Jacob M. Garber Endowment Fund, both funds held at MN JCF that together support the mission of building community, caring for the welfare of Jews worldwide, and providing needs-based tuition assistance and scholarships for post-high school students in the greater Minneapolis area. Frank found great fulfillment in the process of reviewing applications and grants, learning and discussing the best use of these community funds, and seeing how so many people could be impacted. Frank’s numerous contributions were not about personal recognition but creating a lasting impact in the community.
Frank, together with Toodie, never pursued recognition for their efforts. His sense of fulfillment came from knowing he was making a difference in people's lives. He found joy in helping others, not just through financial support but also by investing time in his family, friends, and the wider Jewish community. Frank’s philanthropic legacy will continue to support those in need through the principals that the couple have taught their children and grandchildren. Their philanthropic contributions underscore the enduring legacy a person can have when driven by a desire to contribute to causes they believe in.
As the Foundation celebrates its 50 years of impact this year, many memories and milestones have been shared by community leaders and former staff, with countless mentions of personal and professional growth generously inspired by Frank. Many who worked with him have called him a mentor, a colleague, an inspiration, and best of all, a friend.
The community mourns the loss of Frank, yet we find comfort in remembering Frank's kindness and the memories he left behind. His caring nature, his dedication to family, and his selfless contributions to the community remain etched in our hearts. May his memory be a blessing, and his enduring legacy a source of inspiration for generations to come.