Frank's Obituary
Frank R. Jasicko earned his angel wings in the early hours of May 22, 2023, just 10 months short of his 100th birthday.
Frank was born to Louis and Agnes Jasicko on March 24, 1924, in Tracy, MT at a neighbor’s house. He was the youngest of 6 children. When he was 5, his family moved to Great Falls where he lived his entire life, minus his military service and 2 years in post-secondary education. At the age of 11, his father died, and young Frank became the “man” of the house. He plucked chickens, set bowling pins, and boxed groceries for the market to help support his family. Frank graduated from Great Falls High School in 1942 where he played football for the Bison. There were no pads then and Frank joked that he folded his leather helmet and put it in his pocket after a game.
After graduating, he enlisted and served in World War II in the Army Air Corps (current day Air Force). He was the flight engineer on a B-24 bombing crew flying in the European theater out of Pantanella, Italy. Frank’s crew flew a total of 24 missions over enemy territory in Europe. They were shot down twice. The first time they were able to evade capture and return to U.S. military control with the help of Tito’s Partisans. The second time, they were not so lucky, and that mission was the last of the war for the crew. Frank was a prisoner of the German Government at Stalag Luft IV for 10 months. During the last 3 months of captivity, he was forced on the “black march” which was a 500+ mile journey on foot lasting 86 days in harsh winter conditions with little food or warm clothing.
After an honorable discharge from the service in 1945, Frank graduated from Kinman Business University in Spokane, Washington. It was there that he met the love of his life, Frances Kary. Despite Frank initially telling Fran his name was Joe, the two began dating and were married September 4, 1948, in Great Falls. To that union were born two children, Jerry and Becky. Back in Great Falls, Frank began working as a bookkeeper for Ag Equipment Company and Britz Music Company. After this initial stint, Frank pursued his true passion: carpentry. He worked as a laborer, later owned his own construction company, and finished his career as the foreman carpenter for the Great Falls School District. He often held 2 or 3 jobs simultaneously. Long after his retirement and even into his 90’s, Frank could still be found helping others with their construction and repair needs. He was the best handyman around and could fix just about anything. During his retirement, he truly loved building beautiful furniture for his family and friends. Many buildings and residences in Great Falls and throughout the state bear his handiwork to this day.
Frank was a true renaissance man. In addition to his woodworking skills, he was a tremendous pencil sketch artist, mechanic, pigeon fancier, birdwatcher, fisherman, and had a witty sense of humor. As an artist, he had a knack for drawing people, animals, and western scenes. His work garnered several awards at the Montana State Fair. He raised and raced homing pigeons for many years, which also earned him ribbonry at the State Fair. Frank loved bird watching, was an expert on bird species and their characteristics, and enjoyed building bird houses for distribution throughout the town and state. For example, Frank built, mounted, and maintained close to 50 birdhouses between Great Falls and Helena. He loved fishing with friends and relatives, but depending on who is reporting, his biggest catches may have been a seagull and his own britches.
Perhaps Frank’s greatest quality was his dedication to his family and friends. He was admired for his kindness, generosity, and loyalty. He was forever humble, and always there when you needed him. He supported his mother until her death and personally cared for his wife, Fran for several years after she became terminally ill. He taught many lessons to his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids and so enjoyed spending time with them and watching their sports and other activities. He was the toughest, yet kindest and most generous man around. He never complained and met each challenge with a resolve to overcome.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Fran; an older brother who died as an infant; and sisters, Mary Campanella, Cecil Patte, Margaret Duke, and Annabelle Tietjen; as well as a dear friend, Margaret “Murph” Olson. He is survived by a son, Jerry (Teresa); daughter, Becky (Ken) Stuker; grandchildren, Neal Jasicko, Polly (Brad) Neill, Dallas (Tricia) Stuker, and Wendy (Chris Houck) Stuker; and great-grandchildren, Andi and Nell Jasicko, Lane and Trenton Neill, Sophie Stuker, and future baby, Houck.
Donations can be made in Frank’s name to Peace Hospice of Great Falls or the Fisher House Foundation for veterans. Respecting Frank’s wishes, there will be no services. Please join us in saluting one of the last of the “Greatest Generation!”
