Francis Zander

MISSOULA — Francis “Frank” B. Zander passed away at the age of 88, Aug. 3, 2013, in Missoula, Mont., of natural causes.  Frank was born March 13, 1925 in the family home to Julius Richard Zander and Grace Viola (Wunderlich) Zander.  

Frank grew up on his parents’ ranch in the Milk River Valley between Harlem and Zurich,, Mont., the fourth of six  children. Frank attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Harlem High School in 1944.

Following high school, Frank moved to Wolf Point, Mont., and started his career as transmission lineman. He worked in that position for two years then enlisted in the Army, March 14, 1946.  Frank served in Germany as a telegraph/telephone lineman. He received the World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal during his enlistment.

In April 1949 he went to work for Missoula Electric Co-op working there until June 1954 when he left to work for the Milwaukee Railroad in Three Forks, Mont. After a year with the railroad, Frank returned to Missoula Electric Co-op until his retirement March 13 1987. Frank married his beautiful bride, Doris Mae (Moderie) Zander, on July5, 1953. The couple resided in Missoula County for the 60 years of their marriage.

Frank was known as a hard-working, kind-hearted man. Frank loved to tease. Frank loved card games, especially cribbage. He enjoyed watching sports, camping, waterskiing, fishing and hunting. Most of all Frank enjoyed spending time with his family.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his four brothers, Lloyal (Kay), Robert (Marian), Kenneth (Iler Mae) and Clayton. He is survived by his wife, Doris; sister, Orma Fairbanks and husband Don; sister-in-laws, Jane Zander, Marilyn Dundas and Patricia Moore; his honorary grandchildren, Seth, Benjamin and Hope McCracken; many nieces and nephews of multiple generations.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. at Livingston, Malletta and Geraghty Funeral Home, Missoula, Friday, Aug. 9, 2013.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St Anthony’s Parish at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2013, followed by a graveside service and reception at the St Anthony’s Parish Hall.

Arrangements are under the direction of Livingston, Malletta and Geraghty Funeral Home.