FRANK SCHWAN obituary

CHESTER - Frank Schwan, 83, died peacefully at the Chester rest home Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005.

Frank was cremated per his request. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Assembly of God Church in Chester.

Frank was born June 5, 1922, on the family homestead in the Goldstone community north of Rudyard to Anton and Juliana Schwan. Frank received his formal education at Central country school near the farm.

In his late teens, he worked at the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp in northwestern Montana, where he cleared timber and built roads.

Frank enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served in the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign during World War II. He attained the rank of fireman first class and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Montana.

Frank married Ona Mae Snuffer on June 29, 1946, at Shelby. They began farming the Snuffer land near Lothair, where they made their home throughout their 59 years of marriage. Frank retired from farming in 2004 when his health began to fail. He developed congestive heart failure and moved to the Liberty County Nursing Home for extended care about a month ago.

Frank was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith and was a longtime member of V.F.W. Post No. 3997 in Chester.

His hobbies in his younger days included fishing, hunting and camping. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially whist and rummy. During his quiet time at home, Frank loved to read, mainly historical and sports publications. He and Ona Mae enjoyed traveling. They made several memorable trips together, namely to Mexico and Alaska.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Antone, Andrew, Jack, Joseph, Bernard and infant Peter Schwan; and sisters, Eva Falla, Julia Schwan, Theresa Houim, Mary Hall, Sister Antonita and Tillie Miller.

Survivors include his wife, Ona Mae Schwan of Lothair; brother, Paul Schwan of Havre; sisters, Agatha Sherman of Ronan and Pauline Laeupple of Havre; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Arrangements are by Rockman Funeral Chapel in Chester.