George M. Franko, a lifelong rancher who knew the value of hard work and dedication, passed away on Tuesday at the Holy Rosary Health Center in Miles City.
George was born in Walnut Creek, California, on November 13, 1917, the son of Francisco and Rosa (Vieria) Franko. He grew up and attended his early schooling in Walnut Creek while working on the family ranch.In 1967, George and the Franko family moved to Melrose, Montana, after purchasing a ranch along with Big Hole River. They were there until 2002 when a ranch on Cherry Creek in Terry beckoned.
George loved to live and work in the country. He was an avid reader and also adored watching his garden burst to life in the summer. The plot of land overflowed with potatoes, zucchini and carrots, but George had a penchant for sharing the produce with his neighbors.
George is survived by three sons: Martin (Kathy Jo) Franko of Colgate, ND; George (Donna) Franko of Cascade, MT; and Rich (Ellen) Franko of Terry, MT; six grandchildren: Dwayne Franko, Kyle (Lynze) Franko, Marie Franko, Angie (Jeff) Brensdal, Jamie (Cheri) Franko & Tara (Sean) Biggins; and six great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary (Borges), seven sisters, two brothers and grandson Dan.
A Vigil Service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2014, at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2014, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Terry. Rite of Committal will follow in the family lot of the Prairie County Cemetery. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Terry is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday July 18, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 19, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Terry, Montana 59349
Service Schedule
Vigil Service
6:00 p.m.
Friday July 18, 2014
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 a.m.
Saturday July 19, 2014
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Terry, Montana 59349
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Shannon Holmen says
So sad to hear of George. Such a gentleman. We are glad you have lots of happy memories. Take care, our prayers.
Pat Pereira says
A legend in the Pereira family. Uncle George is the last of his generation. So pleased we were able to visit last summer.
Frank Rose says
My memories are of growing up on the Franko ranches in Walnut Creek are memories that no one can ever take away from me. You will always be in my thoughts.
Wayne and Pat Haas says
Martin and Kathy, we are sorry to hear of your father’s passing. We will remember you and your family in our prayers.
Mick and Fran Larkin says
George and Donna after a quick shock reading the paper then realizing it was your father you were named after, we want you to know how deeply we feel for your loss. No one can take away the good memories nor the hurt, but you are in our prayers.
Rick & Cooky Later says
With deepest sympathy, our thoughts & prayers are with you. R.I.P. George.
Phil & Sally Roy & Family says
Dear Family
So sorry to hear about Uncle George. I am unable to travel now but we want you to know our
thoughts, love and prayers are with all of you at this time. May God bless all of you.
Our love
Phil & Sally Roy and family
Mike and Linda Wyse says
Rich, Ellen and families
Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Lon and Vicki Reukauf says
We are so thankful we had the opportunity to get to know Grandpa George. We will miss him, too. May God bless you all with comfort and peace beyond all understanding.
cliff and lila glade says
Rich and Ellen, we were so sad to hear about George, wish we could have known him better, but we never knew a man who had such a quest for knowledge–he just couldn’t learn enough about the new place he called home! We also never knew you could grow a garden like that, he must have had the greenest thumb ever! Sorry we couldn’t make his funeral, but we are all in the hay field, as I bet you are.
Rick Walter says
George and Donna and all of the Franko family, My sincere condolences to you regarding the passing of George. I will keep you all in my heart and prayers during this difficult time.
craig schell says
Rich I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad.
J Johnson says
My sincere condolences to the family George M. Franko – It was not the Creator’s purpose for mankind to suffer (Romans 5:12). May the Creator give you peace through his promise to comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4). Cherish all your happy memories and I hope that you are consoled by Bible promises of a hopeful future (John 17:3).