Frank Stoltz was born February 10, 1924 in Solen, North Dakota to Peter and Margaret Stoltz. He died peacefully Monday morning, November 9, 2020 at Holy Rosary Healthcare from aspiration pneumonia at the age of 96.
As happened with so many young boys during the early 1930s, Frank ran away from home at the age of 12. At the age of 16 he joined the NYA (National Youth Administration) program in Bismarck, ND where he learned his welding skills. From there he arrived at the Seattle shipyards to work. The following year he enlisted in the Army Air Corps to fly.
SSgt. Frank Stoltz, of Miles City, Montana served during World War II with the 44th Bomb Group, 506th Bomb Squadron attached to the 8th Air Force. Following his US Army Air Corps induction April, 1943, Frank completed Flight Training at Lowry Field, Colorado; Davis-Mounthan Field, Arizona; and Tyndall field, Florida, followed by Aerial Gunner School.
He was deployed to England in May, 1944 where his assignment was top turret gunner and back-up pilot on a B-24 Liberator bomber. His duties also included the dangerous task of arming the bombs once the aircraft reached enemy territory. His aircraft bombed enemy targets in Germany and France in support of the Normandy invasion.
On June 21, 1944 during his 12th bombing mission, his plane was shot down over Germany. Frank and his crew bailed out of the plane – in his words “hit the silks.” He was immediately captured near Wetzler, Germany by the SS. Because of his fluency in speaking German, he became the translator between his fellow crew members and the Germans. He was transferred to a new Prisoner of War (POW) camp northwest of Auschwitz, Poland. He was imprisoned for nearly a year and then survived the 86-day, 600-mile Black Death March at war’s end.
Frank was discharged at the Sioux Falls Army Air Force Separation Center in South Dakota in October, 1945 His most significant decorations among others include the Purple Heart, Air Medal and the Prisoner of War Medal. In June, 2008 Frank was awarded the highest honor from the nation of France – the French Legion Medal of Honor.
Frank arrived in Miles City after his discharge to be with his mother. He worked for Love Motor Company. While working there, he met his future bride on the steps of the Presbyterian Church. The car he was driving had no doors as Pat always recalled. He and Patricia married May 15, 1948 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and began their lasting, loving bond with each other for over sixty six years.
The original Frank’s Body Shop opened in 1955 located on North 11th. As the business grew the shop moved to the corner of 7th and Palmer. Frank was always looking for ways to sell and enhance the services of the shop and this included Jeeps, Ski-Doos and Bellanca aircraft. He even found time to become half owner of Leon Park for a few years. In 1973/74 Frank built the current shop located on Haynes Avenue. He remained active with his business through 2016.
He was inducted into the Montana Tow Truck Hall of Fame in 2002. He maintained his Montana pilot’s license and continued to fly until the age of 90. Frank loved to fly! He was inducted into the Knights of Columbus 1st, 2nd and 3rd Degrees February of 1951. He was then inducted into the 4th Degree December 1962. He is a past president of the Montana AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). He was also very active in the EX-POW (American Ex-Prisoners of War) National Organization.
August 5, 2016 Frank was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award presented by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Frank and his wife, Patricia, were married for over 66 years. Pat passed away April, 2015. He is survived by his five children: Melissa (Don), Deborah, Tim (Carol), Danny (Nancy) and Patrick; 11 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military Graveside Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Donations in Frank’s memory can be made to the MCC automotive program; our local VFW Club or Wake Up and Lace Up.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Saturday June 12, 2021
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
120 N. Montana Ave.
Miles City, Montana 59301
Reception
11:00 a.m.
Saturday June 12, 2021
VFW Hall
119 N 6th Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Jim & Lavina Hall says
We’re sorry to hear of Frank’s passing.
Ike Eichler says
RIP fRANK YOU EARNED IT!!
B Dean Holmes says
what a life. condolences to your family.
Gayle Muggli says
Our condolences to the family.
Steve and Gayle Muggli
Carolyn Kimball says
I am saddened by this loss. Frank treated me very well the years I worked at the shop. It was always a treat to run into him and chat.
Prayers of comfort to his family.
Shane L says
Rest easy Frank. You were a great man and glad I got to know you. You sure accomplished a lot in 96 years.
Eugene Bankey says
Condolences and prayers for Frank and for the family. May he rest in peace
Tim Burdett says
Thoughts and prayers from the Burdetts.
Sandra Pearcy says
Frank Stoltz, you were such a friend through the years, especially during the Fly In days. Where has the time gone. RIP, my friend.
Diane Welbes says
I wish I had words to lighten your agony, but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry Smith says
So sorry to hear of his passing. I will always remember when Frank would come visit my father Robert Smith of Sigourney, Iowa who was also a POW with him in WWII and in his flight crew. They would seldom share what they endured individually but it was sobering to hear bits and piece’s when they were together. He was another true legend. Larry & Lu Anne Smith What Cheer, Iowa
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Stoltz family – my prayers and thoughts are with you. May your memories help you through this time of grieving.
Patti (Green) Ireland says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Patti (Green) Ireland
Deb Schmeling says
Dear Stoltz Family,
Sorry to hear about you loved one. May God wrap His loving arms around each one of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories you all have of this amazing man.
Deb ( Moths) Schmeling
Garth Sleight says
I have just started reading Tom Brockaw’s book “The Greatest Generation.” My dad was a WWII veteran, as was Frank. It is hard to see this generation leaving us, but what a legacy they have left! The name Stoltz comes from the German word Stolz, which means “pride.” I extend my condolences to all of the Stoltz family on their loss, along with the wish that you may you live with pride in your hearts for the heritage you have received from your father.
Larry French says
RIP Frank. You were always so pleasant and I honor you for your service to our country. I will never forget you telling your story at the flyin in Three Forks some years ago.
Larry and Donna French
Tracy Bertrand says
Thoughts and prayers to the entire Stoltz family. Frank was a great man, and certainly part of the “Greatest Generation”. RIP
Linda Stevens Meidinger says
My thoughts and prayers are with the Stoltz family. I always enjoyed being around Frank.
I remember the good old days of Franks Body Shop the Christmas partys and going flying
with him every now and then. He really had a successful life. May he rest in peace. He will be
missed by many. God Bless. Linda and RIchard Meidinger
Dave Schott says
I will forever cherish my memories of working at Frank’s Body Shop, and in particular flying with Frank to various locations to pick up automobiles. Such fun times. Frank was a hard-worker, smart, incredibly talented, and very capable. He was a fair boss who treated his employees with respect. Frank inspired us all to do our best work and to take pride in the work that we did. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know Frank, to work for him, and to learn from him. He made a lasting mark on my life.
My sympathy to all of the Stoltz family. I share in your loss.
Bernadette Miller says
I send my thoughts and prayers to the family of Frank Stoltz, I always enjoyed seeing him at farmers market over the years – he loved Chokecherry jelly.
MARTHA CRANDALL says
My sympathy. It’s been decades but I’ve never forgotten this incident. When Earline had to have breast cancer surgery, Frank stopped in her room and visited her. It meant a lot to her.
Burch, Linda and Ray Palmer says
What a trooper! RIP Frank. Burch, Linda and Ray
Burch, Linda and Ray Palmer says
What a trooper! RIP Frank. Burch, Linda, Ray
Brian Goodson says
This breaks my heart. I got to know you from my times at The Range Riders and hearing your amazing stories from your incredible life. Ill miss seeing you and being the light of the room. My heart hurts knowing you are gone but I know we’re you are an will have a great time up there. Fly high sir, God bless, and thank you for your service. Praying for the family in this time.
Mary Ann Liles says
To the Stoltz family, Our sincere sympathy is extended to you all. What a legacy Frank left. It was wonderful to see Miles City honor him in the last few years. Our prayers are with you.
Mary Ann & Jim Liles
Chuck South says
Thoughts and prayers to the Stoltz family, Frank was a good friend of my Dad and he talked very highly of Frank always.
Don Neese says
So sorry for the loss of a great man. He served his country and was a great provider for his family. I loved his stories and his smile. Thank you for your service.
Toni Stookey says
Thoughts and prayers for the family on your loss of a well love and caring man…
Don Hofer says
15 years working for Frank and lots of memories and I wouldn’t be where I’m at today without his mentorship and Frank you will be missed and thought of forever
Ron and Marilyn Frize says
To all of Frank’s family please accept our deepest condolences. Losing the patriarch of the family is so difficult. He was such an honored, well respected member of our community who lived such a full life. May you keep his many memories close to your heart.
Meg says
Our sincere condolences to all of Frank’s family. I personally never met Frank but heard many good things about him from my parents Doc and Helen Sampsel. Dad was a World War II veteran as well. So sad to see the greatest generation slipping away.
Lorrie Pearce says
Fly high Frank! It was a pleasure knowing you! You were a giving MAN! I personally have missed you for months. May the family find peace ✌ Oh tell Rog hi and maybe you can both go flying together again!💙
Terri and Ray Schmidt says
We were so sorry to learn of Frank’s passing. What a great man he was and what a legacy he has left. Truly a hero. I will always remember the twinkle that Frank had in his eyes and his cute smile. He was always so friendly. Please know you are all in our hearts and thoughts during this difficult time.
Carol Bean says
We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was such a beacon in our community and he will be deeply missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
JR and Carol Bean
Hazel$ Stabler says
Melissa & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Frank was a great man and I know you have many wonderful memories to cherish.
God bless you and give you peace.
Monte and Laura Monasmith says
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Your father was a leader in the autobody field and a model for the rest of us to follow. We also want to thank him for his service. Another of the Greatest Generation gone. 🙁
Erica says
I am So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He always had a way to make me giggle and the great smile and he had was so infectious and good for the soul. Blessing and prayers to the whole family.
Erica
Mary Ann Stoltz says
I’m so glad, we got know each other uncle Frank and will all ways remember your kind Ness and are chats at parkers! Go’s bless you!
Joe Whalen says
I’ve just read of Frank’s passing and offer my condolences to your family. Let us remember always this remarkable life: a citizen-soldier’s upbringing in North Dakota, the brutal “Black Death March” and final victory over the fascists in WWII, his contribution and rise to prosperity in his newfound community of Miles City as a veteran, and the honor finally bestowed upon him by the Consul-General of France.
Denise Harvey says
A wonderful man has left us to fly with the angels. He has also left a legacy for all to cherish and remember. Thank you for being in our community and for your service to all of us.
Denise and Jay Harvey
Shorty & Judy Brush says
So Sorry for your loss Frank Thank you for your service praying for you all for God to give you the strength now and in the days to RIP Frank
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
Melissa, Tim, Debbie & Pat and all family members-
I am so very sorry that you have lost your father. He was a very good man and great example to all who knew him. A war Hero, a great businessman and much more. Treasure the memories. My family sends their condolences.
Kim R. Smarsh says
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the Stoltz family
Tom Masa says
Frank was a friend to my family. My dad Frank worked for him and my brother John for him and then for Tim. Frank was also so personable to myself when I would drop into the shop to see John. Miles City will miss this man, a war hero and good citizen.
Duane and Carol Case Nelson says
Dear Stolz Family,
Duane and Carol Nelson wish you all peace. God has
Blessed you all. Duane and Tim were roommates in college. My dad was in WWII from beginning to end. Thank you for your service.
Duane and Carol & family
Fred Anderson says
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Stoltz family. Frank was a great man who not only served his country with honor but also his community. He will certainly be missed but not forgotten.
Garth Sleight says
I hope the family will indulge me in one more post. This was my dad’s favorite poem. He was an A-26 pilot during WWII for the Army-Air Corps and later flew C-47s and KC-135s as an Air Force pilot. I read this poem at his funeral in June 2011. Enjoy your new set of wings, Frank!
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr
Tom and Marie Nelson says
Tim we are sorry to here about Frank passing our thoughts and prayers are with all of your family Tom and Marie
Kelly and Mary Lou Smarsh says
Melissa and Don, our sympathy at your dad’s passing. May God comfort you.
Sandy and Pat Anderson says
We are very sadden by the passing of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers to all you kids. You were blessed with great parents and they were blessed with great kids.
Cathy Pyle says
Frank sure had an incredible life!! God bless you Frank & God bless his family!!!
Don & Cathy Pyle
Cathy Pyle says
Frank sure had an incredible life!! God bless you Frank & God bless his family during this sad time!!
Don & Cathy Pyle
Bob & Pam Holland says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you peace. Bob & Pam Holland
Ardel Hilderbrand says
Melissa and Don, Debbie and the ” boys”. Ralph and I both enjoyed your dad as a positive and personable guy who rose above lifes circumstances. We had the pleasure of knowing him as a fair and honorable business man as well. My caring thoughts are with you in your enormous loss. May god hold you close. Deljean
Mike Michunovich says
Deb and family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I know how close you were to him and he will be missed and loved. He had an amazing life. That generation was special and we owe them more than we can ever repay them. Take care.
Mike and Laurie Michunovich
Mike Nardella says
I did not know Frank, nor your family, but was amazed from reading his obituary by his service to this country. RIP, Sir. And thank you for your service.
Shannon and Bryan Holmen says
We are saddened to hear of Frank. Such a gentleman. We thank him for his important part of his service to our country. Here’s to great memories.
Jan C. Johnson says
So sorry to hear about your father. I invariably would meet him walking to or from work when I was walking my dog,. We had some fun and always interesting conversations. Thoughts and prayers for you all.
David E. Boyd Sr. & Chong Ae Boyd says
I embroidery a POW jacket in the 90s that was given to Frank and there at the Legion Hall in Miles City when he was awarded medals earned for his service. Fly High Frank
Carolyn (Cooky) Emerson Hays says
I’m so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I always admired him and I’m sure he will be greatly missed. He has touched so many lives. Garth-thank you for the poem! That is one of my favorites and so appropriate for a pilot with a love of flying! Well said.
Sharon Volkman says
I am fortunate to have known Frank in his later years. He has been such an amazing person. To his family I am sorry for your loss. You can be so proud of him and his establishments
mike atkinson says
Thoughts are with you.
Mike Atkinson
Darcy Huckins Corbridge says
Dear Melissa, Debbie, Tim, Danny, Pat, and families,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. He lived a long, rewarding life and accomplished so much. He will be long remembered as a hard-working man who was a strong pillar in the Miles City community. I remember when I was going to school at MCC, (many years ago), working for my dad, I would deliver paint to the shop. Your dad would be there with Sarge, his German Shepard, who made me nervous because he was such a good guard dog, and would growl at me. Your dad would laughingly tell me, “Don’t worry. He doesn’t bite very hard.”. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts prayers.
Sydney says
I love you so much Grandpa, rest in peace.
ronald lala says
So very sorry to Franks family. He was one of the nicest gentleman I have met. It was always enjoyable to visit with Frank if only for a few minutes. Thank you for your service and you are a true hero. Rest in peace, I will miss our visits.
Michelle R (Penne) Whitmarsh says
My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family of Mr. Stoltz.
Ms. Deborah Stoltz, specifically I want to send you a hug and extra prayer. We had many conversations about our “tow truck” dads and I believe that I would not be the person that I am today without the years of encouragement that you had for me when I was your student at LHS. I am not sure that I have ever said Thank you for being an amazing human being, for believing in me, for never letting me quit and for pushing me to be better than I believed I could be. Your support as a teacher helped me more than one time and my high school years are full of memories including you!
I hope that the good memories will get you through the troubled times ahead, may each of you remember the love that Frank shared and the lessons that you learned from him. God bless you Frank, may you rest in peace.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
The family of Frank are in our thoughts and prayers. Hope all the good memories will help you in the days ahead.
Earl and Jean Kiddie says
Dear Stoltz Family
We were so very sorry to learn of your father’s death this month, Jean was Sydney’s (Pat’s daughter) teacher at Sacred Heart Parish School, and Frank came in to tell his war stories to Sydney’s class, and what stories they were!! We would also visit with Frank at the Sunday VFW breakfasts. He was always fun to visit with.
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Earl, Jean, and Matt Kiddie
Anthony and Megan (Kiddie) Class
Ann Ringling says
Dear Deb, Melissa and family.
I’ve enjoyed getting to know you both over the last year and by extension, I feel like I’ve gotten to know your father. Our fathers were both honorable members of the greatest generation. It is my hope that the memories of your wonderful father and his life will sustain you through this time and into the future. My thoughts are with you.
Charlie and Margaret Brown says
To the Stoltz family, what a wonderful legacy he left behind. May God hold and comfort you at this time. You are all in our thought and prayers.
Curtis Fillafer says
Stoltz Family. I so sorry for the loss of Frank. I can’t begin to tell you of the many decades of chariest pleasant memories that I was involved with Frank at Rock and Gem Shows and in the community. God bless you Frank and I’m so sorry to see you leave us and thank you for the thoughtful things that were done for your friends and acquaintances.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
To the Stolz Family,
Your dad was quite the man. Keep close your wonderful memories.
You have been in our thoughts and prayers, at this difficult time.
Dale Benti says
To the Stoltz family. I’m so sorry for the loss of Frank. Frank sure going to miss you old time buddy and all the times we flew together, and the visits we had at the house when I couldn’t get out. Frank was a person who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in his company. God bless you Frank and I’m so sorry to see you leave us and thank you for the thoughtful things that were done for your friends and acquaintances.
Terry Virag says
To Pat and Tim and the rest of your great family. I knew Frank very well and remember going to him for collision repairs back in the late 60’s. It was always great talking to him about flying and hot air ballooning and other interesting things. He will be greatly missed. My prayers and good wishes to the whole family. Terry
Wayne williams says
Frank one of the men I admired most I learned so very much from just being around him. The world has truly lost one of the great people. In this world he will be missed.
Teresa Bell says
I was so fortunate to have met Mr. Stoltz through my job at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Mr. Stoltz told me the story of his capture during World War II. Mr. Stoltz was a member of the Former POW organization and coordinated gatherings of former POWs at the Fort Harrison VA Medical Center. It was an honor to know him.