FRANCIS BACHINI obituary

Francis Valentino Bachini, 83, longtime resident of Havre, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at his home of natural causes.

Cremation has taken place. His memorial service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at St. Jude's Catholic Church with Tim Maroney officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later time. There will be a fellowship luncheon immediately following the memorial service at the Eagles Club.

Francis "Frank" Bachini was born on Oct. 16, 1920, in Havre to Oscar and Elia Bachini. He was raised and educated in Havre, attended St. Jude School and graduated from Havre High School. Frank entered into the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served during World War II. He worked on three different ships that saw action and were sunk. He survived to participate in the landing at Normandy Beach and continued on with the 69th Seabee Battalion invasion of Germany. He was honorably discharged as a machinist's mate in 1946.

Frank returned to Havre and married Marian Niemi in Red Lodge. The couple made their home in Havre, where Frank worked with his brother as co-owner of Bachini's Conoco. He then went to work for Angstman Motors, the State of Montana Weights and Measures, Nordling and Tweeten Inc. and the VFW.

Frank enjoyed trap shooting, latch hooking, and word-search puzzles. He handcrafted barn wood picture frames. He liked to hunt pheasants and geese. His greatest enjoyments were family gatherings and socializing with friends.

Frank was a member of the Eagles and a life member of the VFW and the Elks Club.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosie D'Hooge; and brother, John Bachini.

Survivors include his wife, Marian Bachini of Havre; sons, Ken (Cathy) Bachini, Jim (Jane) Bachini and Alan Bachini, all of Havre; sisters, Mary (Gus) Guza of Great Falls and Irene (Tom) Hanning of Havre; uncle, Vasco (Anne) Bachini of Havre; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Gift of Life Housing, P.O. Box 7008, Great Falls, MT 59405.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home.