Frank Rieck of Frank’s Bakery in Elsternwick has died

Beloved baker Frank Rieck, who fed the hungry masses from his Elsternwick shop for more than 50 years, has died.

Beloved Elsternwick baker Frank Rieck has passed away, aged 83. Picture: Josie Hayden

Frank Rieck, owner of Elsternwick institution Frank’s Bakery, has died aged 83.

The beloved baker, whose parents owned a bakery in Germany, migrated to Australia as a youngster in 1959 without knowing a word of English.

But tucked into his pants pockets — prior to today’s strict customs regulations — was a special ancient sourdough culture.

That same culture has been used to create every loaf of sourdough sold at his Bavarian-style bakery since it opened on Glen Huntly road about 54 years ago.

Speaking to the Leader in 2017, Rieck said the special culture was about 500 years old.

“It does all the work to make the bread rise, you don’t use anything else,” he said.

“You put water and flour, a little bit of salt, and it grows again.”

Rieck’s bread has been touted by some reviewers as “the best sourdough in Australia”, with loyal customers coming from as far away as Bendigo and Moe to get their hands on a loaf or two.

Frank’s Bakery closed in mid-2019, leaving locals devastated.

A funeral will be held on Friday, February 5, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Elsternwick, commencing at 11.30am.

Our thoughts are with Frank’s wife Elana and the rest of his family at this sad time.