Franklin C. “Butch” Lund was the only child of Frank C. and Inez Lund. He was born in Plentywood Montana and raised on the family farm located 4 miles southeast of Outlook. He attended the Outlook school through his sophomore year, then transferred to Plentywood High School. He was a standout student and basketball player and grew to love the game that he would later coach. He married his sweetheart, his “Kitten”, Shirley Willard, and had more than sixty amazing years together. In 1958, their son Duane Franklin was born, the following year a daughter Debra Kay and four years later another daughter Lisa Roxanne.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Physical Science from Eastern Montana College in Billings, and his Masters degree in Mathematics Education from Penn State University in State College, PA. Frank began his teaching career in Scobey, MT in 1960 and finished at Custer County High School in 1996, retiring after 34 years. An outstanding mathematics teacher at CCDHS, his goals were simply to pass on his love and knowledge of math. He was committed to the success of his students. Frank followed another of his passions and became a basketball coach at Custer, for 11 years, instilling the love of the game in many Cowboys’ hearts. Following his grandchildren’s sports and activities filled his heart with pride.
Frank’s family was his everything. He was a master craftsman and enjoyed working with wood and leather. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t make for them. Be it a truck for a grandson, a baby doll cradle for a granddaughter, or a rocking cradle for his first great-granddaughter. Frank built two houses in his lifetime; one for his family and many years later another for his youngest daughter and her family. Frank was also the site boss for the first Habitat for Humanity home built in Miles City. Designing and constructing unique wooden toys was his gift. He loved sharing his knowledge with his children and grandchildren as they worked together in his shop. Both his daughters frequently sent tiny cut out pictures to be created full size in wood by Dad. Frank continued drawing plans and building unique toys up until the time of his death.
Life could take the farm boy away from the country, but the farm never left Frank. Even with a teaching career and family, summers were filled sharing farm life with his children and helping his father work the land, until son Duane took over the farm. All three children learned to drive on the farm, first tractors, then the grease buggy, and then graduating to the ’60 El Camino.
After his retirement, Frank became an excellent cook and bread maker; his gourmet skills were shared with family and friends. Frank and Shirley enjoyed twelve years of wintering at Port Aransas, TX. All six grandchildren enjoyed a week of spring break in the Texas sun with their grandparents.
Frank was the umbrella over his family, protecting and sheltering us always. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend, he enriched our lives and gave unconditional love to each of us. He was always ready with a hug, a kiss, and the precious words of “I love you”, “drive safe”, and “call when you get there”.
Frank is survived by his loving wife Shirley, son Duane and wife Blair of East Helena: daughters Debi Stiles and her husband Pete of Montana City, and Lisa Gee and her husband John of Stanford. Six grandchildren Michael (Melissa), Alexis, and Thomas Lund; Caleb (Jessica) Gee, Meghan (Tyler) Dellen and Luke Gee. Three great-granddaughters Abigail and Sofia Lund and Havanna Dellen. Shirley’s siblings, Nancy, Ginny, Bob, and their spouses and families, longtime teacher friends and coffee buddies Bob Dickson and Ed Mayberry are part of Frank’s loving family.
Frank was such an avid reader that in addition to an extensive book collection, he wore out two Kindles. Should friends desire, memorials may be made in memory of Frank to Miles City Public Library.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday March 8, 2018
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Friday March 9, 2018
Stevenson & sons Funeral Home
1717 Main St
Miles City, MT 59301
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Martha Crandall says
My sympathy
Denise Harvey says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Frank was truly a great man- one of my mentors- I learned a lot from him not only about teaching math but about caring about kids. He had a heart of gold. We are better by having known him.
May God bless you all with cherished memories.
Denise Oberlander Harvey and family
Betty Vail says
Mr. Lund was my high school math teacher. His threat was always “I’m going to hit you over the head with a wet noodle!” My sympathy
Heidi Brown says
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I had Mr.Lund in high school and have always enjoyed visiting with him whenever I saw him. He was always quick with a smile and a wonderful greeting. Cherish the many memories you have during these difficult times ahead.
Greg&Michelle Johnston says
Shirley, so sorry to hear about Frank. He was a great man, multitalented in many ways. The Fudge was the best ever.If you need anything and I mean anything please call at 851-1567.
Larry Frenh says
Wow what memories on algebra class. Flying erasers LOL. RIP Frank
Loretta Andrews says
Shirley and family,
We are so sad to hear of Frank’s passing. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. You and Frank were always so kind and generous to us and our family. It won’t be forgotten. I know that you will always feel Frank’s presence in your lives.
Scott and Loretta
Pete Stabio says
Shirley, sorry for your loss. During my thirty years of teaching with Frank I developed a deep respect tor Frank’s professionalism. He had a sincere desire to provide his students with a learning atmosphere that was conducive to their education. Frank made a difference.
Dave Schott says
“Lookie, Cookie.” Need I say more? R.I.P. Mr. Lund. Thanks for the lessons and the memories.
James Liles says
Shirley and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless. Jim & Mary Ann Liles
Pam Rogge says
Shirley and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the good memories.
Love, Pam
Cameron Laird Burton says
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Lund’s passing. He was a great teacher with a wonderful sense of humor, and I learned much more than geometry from him. There is one particular story from his class that I share with my own students every year, and it always elicits laughter. He was one of the influential teachers in my life as well as a family friend. My condolences to his family.
Susan (Leibrand) Hagen says
Mr. Lund was my teacher in Scobey. Later on her became a cousin when I married Richard Leibrand ?
Hugs and prayers to you Shirley ?
Susan (Leibrand) Hagen says
Mr. Lund was my teacher in Scobey. Later on he became a cousin when I married Richard Leibrand ?
Hugs and prayers to you Shirley ?
Jared Bankey says
T o the Family of Mr Lund
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my condolences for a great teacher and one of a kind in the classroom .
Jared Bankey
David A. Rustebakke says
I had him for Freshman algebra in Scobey, Montana. I never liked math in elementary and Junior High; after he introduced me to algebra I developed a real love for mathematics. It was my favorite subject through college calculus. This led me to enjoying all of the physical sciences, and eventually led me to my chosen profession, veterinary medicine which I have practiced for over 40 years. I give credit to the amazing teachers at Scobey High School for my subsequent success; he was the first who brought mathematics to life for me, and I am forever grateful to him for that. My condolences to his family and friends; I know he will be missed.
Alison Boe Schwarzkopf says
Duane and family, I am so deeply saddened to hear of your loss. I had Frank for a teacher and loved him. My parents both worked with Frank at CCHS and respected him immensely. Please accept my condolences for a fabulous teacher who really made me understand and enjoy mathematics.
Nadine Whitehead says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
Susan and Rich Proul says
Deb and family..so sorry to hear of your dad passing. Wish we could have met him but knew him based on all the stories you shared.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Robyn (Hoff) Loumer says
Shirley and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I enjoyed being in Mr. Lund’s geometry class, he was an awesome teacher. I also fondly remember being your “adopted daughter” for a week when the youth group had the teen exchange. You made me feel so welcomed and loved that week. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Robyn
Larry and Val Edwards says
So sorry for your loss. Mr Lund was a nice teacher. He will be missed by all
Larry and Val Edwards
Janet Klein says
“Listen up all you knuckleheads, you are in my class to listen and to learn!” That was the first words from Mr. Lund that I remember as a freshman student in 1994 and I knew he meant business and I respected him and he respected us for young adults! There just are not many of these good guys around anymore…please know you were a favorite teacher of mine and I have continued to respect and admire you through the years! To your family, I extend my thoughts, prayers and sympathy…Frank was a very special man.
Rosa Esteves Nerbonne says
The first time I saw him in class I was really scared. He was a mountain of a man,but he was a gentle giant. I enjoyed geometry because of him. My sympathies to his family. He was a great teacher and will be greatly missed.
Ginger Melneck Kiel says
So very sorry for your loss…sympathy, hugs and prayers to you and you family…. Frank will be missed by many!
Fred and Vicky Anderson says
We are very sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was an outstanding teacher that made a positive difference in the lives of our sons through their experiences with him at CCDHS. We shared many great times both when we worked together at CCDHS and through activities at the United Methodist Church.
Shirley, Duane, Debi and Lisa our prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of sorrow.
R.I.P. “Big Guy”
CarleneRoot says
Shirley and family, You and your families are in my thoughts and prayers. Carlene Root.
Tanna Aye says
Shirley and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was
a very talented man. Teaching, coaching and his wonderful woodworking projects. Keep his memory in your heart and he will always be with you. Will keep
you in our prayers.
Sharon & Stan Clelland says
We were so sorry to hear about Franks passing and know he is not suffering anymore. I worked under Pappy Nees and Frank with my basketball program and he was quite the guy. He was very well liked for his math teaching. He also went to the Methodist church with his lovely wife Shirley and always had a kind word for everyone. You will be missed by anyone who knew you. Prayers for his family and especially Shirley. R I P Frank..
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
Frank you will be missed. It was so wonderful to get to know you in your later years. Being able to meet up with you, Bob and Ed for your morning coffee sections what a group. I really enjoyed you sharing your love for wood working and your Hawkins black powder. Shirley I’m not sure how you put up with this crew God Bless you and your family thanks for everything.
Doug Damm says
Mr. Lund was an educator and coach that made a difference in my life, that to this day I am extremely thankful for. A good man!
Jerry Struck says
We lost a kind and gentle man last week . I’m happy to be able to have called him my friend. I remember the fun we had working together the summers at A&T, always ready to help and quick with a joke. He will be missed by family and friends but we know there are many student out there that have learned from him.
Jerry and Gayle Struck
Pam & Bob Holland says
Pam & Bob Holland say
Shirley and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Frank’s passing. May the wonderful memories you have of Frank comfort you all as you go through this difficult time. We’ll keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott and Sue Jens says
Shirley and family,
We go back a long ways, Frank and I, 1969 to be exact, Our rooms were side by side. Lots of story telling took place in that little science, math chubby hole up on the third floor. Lots of fun we had, Ron Sawatsky, Frank, John Potts and I the rookie of the bunch, almost forgot Bob Dickson, he was our head of the Science Dept. Frank introduced me to coffee, which I had never liked before, but slowly became addicted like everyone else. Frank and Ron were always there to help me solve some problems with math questions. He and Bob Southall helped me immensely with my trailer putting on a swamp cooler so I would not roast to death in the summer. We coached BB together for a number of years together and were part of the 1973 cowboy state champion staff along with head coach Bruce Zinne, a great man also. Yep lots of good memories, it is hard to see friends and colleagues pass away, and Frank was one of the good ones. Sue and I are keeping you all in our prayers. God bless.
The Woodhall Family says
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing man who left behind an incredible legacy. Find strength in your family and loved ones-he would wish nothing else. Our love is with you during this difficult time.
Eileen and Vern Entzel says
Shirley and family, You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hold all the good memories close to you and they will help you in the days ahead.
Deb Bartholomew says
Shirley, Duane, Lisa, Deb and Families:
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Mr Lund was truly a great teacher and an amazing master craftsman at carving and making wood cars, trucks, etc. What a legacy he had for his grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. He will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. Treasure your memories as they will help get you all through difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Lloyd Anderson says
Shirley & family,
I just read of Butch’s passing in the Sheridan County News. It brought back great memories of when we were classmates and good friends in Plentywood High. My condolences to your family.