Lifetime Prairie County resident and rancher, Frank Martin Ban passed away March 22, 2020 at the Prairie County Nursing Home, Terry, Montana. He was 92 years old. He is now reunited with his wife, and they are dancing together in heaven.
Frank was born on June 29, 1927 at the family ranch 27 miles north of Terry to parents Nickola and Mary (Zudnich) Ban. Frank was the youngest of five children. When Nick went to Terry to record the birth, it was recorded as June 30, 1927, so Frank had 2 birthdays!
His parents immigrated to the United States from Gospic, (Austria) Croatia and homesteaded on the ranch north of Terry, which Frank lived on and ranched for 90 years moving to Terry in 2017.
As a Terry Terrier, he participated and excelled in basketball. He was a life-long Terrier fan. He graduated from Terry High School in 1944 at the age of 16.
He enlisted in the Navy and reported for duty on August 8, 1945. He was on a ship to Hawaii during World War II, when it was declared that the war was over. His rank was Fireman2c, Navy Seabees (CB’s). He served at NTC San Diego, CA, CBRD Camp Parks, CA, US Naval Base Pearl Harbor, HI, and PSC USNB Bremerton, WA. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on August 1, 1946. He was fortunate to go to Washington DC as a WWII veteran on the Montana Honor Flight.
Frank and Irene (Schmidt) Ban were married July 29, 1950. They spent their entire married life on the ranch. Irene preceded him in death on April 6, 2010. To this marriage, five children were born.
Frank raised sheep and cattle, eventually getting out of the sheep industry and increasing his cattle herd. He was absolutely devoted to his ranch and cattle. He was a hard worker and work always came first, with one exception, attending Mass every Sunday in Terry.
While being a rancher, Frank was active in other organizations. He was on the Terry Farmer’s Union board, a member of the Terry School Board, and a member of the ASCS (FSA) board.
He thoroughly enjoyed calf-shipping day and the party uptown after! He also liked a good juicy rib steak!
Frank loved fishing – in fact that’s what he and Irene did on their honeymoon. He also enjoyed horseshoes, bowling, and playing cards especially pinochle, whist, cribbage and rummy. While in high school he boxed and was the Montana Golden Glove’s champion in his weight division. He came from a family of musicians and he could play the guitar by ear.
Frank is survived by his children: Darrell (Dorothy) Ban, Cathy (Gary) Kalmback, Cindy (Bill) Stephenson, and twins Tyrone Ban and Todd (Annette) Ban.
Grandchildren: Jason Ban, Amy (Randy) Thomas, Shayna (Jay) Phalen, Layne Kalmback, Garrett (Jenalyn) Kalmback, Riley (Beth) Stephenson, Tyler (Kordelle) Stephenson, Chelsea (Asa) Anderson and Courtney (Garrett) Ban-Swandal.
Great Grandchildren: Allison Thomas, Madison Thomas, Caleb Phalen, Kade Phalen, Clay Phalen, Raegen Kalmback, Mason Kalmback, TJ Stephenson, Ellasyn Stephenson, Sawyer Stephenson, Finley Stephenson, and Preston Ban-Swandal.
Frank is also survived by 2 siblings Ann (Ban) Frette and Ed Ban.
Frank is preceded in death by his wife, Irene, parents Nickola and Mary Ban, brothers Joe Ban and Ivan Ban. Brother-in-law Harold Frette and sister-in-laws Skippy Ban and Hattie Ban. Father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Amelia Schmidt. Special brother-in-law and sister-in-law Harley and Helen Robinson.
Frank was a life-long member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Terry.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Terry, American Legion Post #32, Terry, or the charity of one’s choice.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2020 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. We are asking the public to please abide by the social distancing requirements upon arrival. A private rite of committal will be held at the Prairie County Cemetery in Terry. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Frank’s funeral services to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Frank would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Service Schedule
Private Family Service
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Frank's funeral services to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Frank would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Monday April 6, 2020
,
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to Please advise to group limitations upon arrival.
Sunday April 5, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry , Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Private Family Service
Due to the recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, public officials have strongly recommended to keep Frank's funeral services to immediate family. We ask that if anyone is not feeling well to please stay home and get feeling better. Frank would have wanted his friends to be in a safe environment during this time of uncertainty. His family understands and appreciates your thoughts and prayers.
Monday April 6, 2020
,
Visitation
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to Please advise to group limitations upon arrival.
Sunday April 5, 2020
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
300 Spring Street
Terry , Montana 59349
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Del Linda Frost says
To all of Frank’s family, truly sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was very special. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Delores Cameron says
My thoughts are with you at this time. At least Frank is in a safe place and not self or social distancing. My sympathy to you folks, we will remember him in privacy.
Dean Ashley says
To all of Frank’s family
Very sorry to hear about Frank’s passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him about the local sports. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean And Sue Ashley
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Julie Harbaugh says
Im so so sorry for your lose. Many prayers coming your way.
David & Diedree says
Our thoughts and prayers for you all. Your Dad was always such a special uncle to me. Dave and I had such a good visit with him one of the last times we were home. He now joins more of the Ban clan in Gods heavenly kingdom.
Richard Meidinger says
So sorry to see your loss of Frank. We remember him from get togethers they had and we would join them with Richards Dad and Mary at some of thier gatherings and also bowling. He was a fun super guy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Linda and Richard.
Larry and Judy Jens says
To all the Ban families, We send our condolences at this time of grief. Larry always enjoyed Frank’s friendship when they served together on the FSA committee. He was a pleasure to visit with. I am sure he is happy to be with his Lord and with Irene once again.
.
Ruth Peck says
Dear Ban Family;
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. May God bless and comfort you.
Lisa Kalfell says
I enjoyed my short visits with Frank while visiting Bruce and Merry. Such a nice man. Thought and prayers to all of his family.
Maridel Kassne says
Wish I could be there for you Cathy and family. Know we are thinking of you.
Frank was one very special human being. Always so caring!
Hard to let go of our parents no matter what age we are.
Hugs,
Darlene Strobel says
To the Ban kids and families:
My deepest sympathies in the loss of your father and grandfather; my friend. May God give you the extra strength and courage needed in the days ahead. God be with you.
Love,
Darlene
Kathryn West says
So sorry for your loss.
Kathy (Hinnaland) West
Delite says
So sorry to hear about Frank. Between he and Ed they were quite the characters. Take care.
Michele Sanders says
I remember Frank and Irene visiting with Grandma and Grandad and how Frank’s eyes would light up when he and Ivan would tease each other. Family is so important to all the Ban’s and this generation has left a treasure trove of memories for all of us. My deepest sympathies to the family members left behind. May God grant you peace.
Phyllis Anderson Stevens says
Ty and Todd, I am so sorry to hear about your dad! I have thought about you guys for so many years and I hope you know how much you are loved and thought of during this time! My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Lynette Scott says
Dear Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. Rejoice in knowing that your Dad is in his Saviors arms and enjoying being able to dance with your Mom again. God bless you all.
Mary and Don Luhr says
So sorry to hear of your recent loss! Thinking of you and praying for you and your families!
Tom and Barb Albers says
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. May your memories bring you smiles and peace.
Dale Barta says
I am sorry for your loss. May god bless you in this time and keep the memories you have.
Bill and Gina Asay says
Dear family our sincere condolences. Frank was a good man, he will be missed. We so wished we could have been there to show our support. Know we were there in out thoughts and prayers. Bill and Gina Asay
Greg and Noreen Berger says
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Ban family during this difficult time. Frank was a joy to visit with and always had a smile ready for you when you met him. He will surely be missed by us and the entire community. May God rest his soul and peace be with all of you.