Gary L. Van Frachen

Gary Van Frachen went home to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 5 at home surrounded by loved ones.  He was born on July 30, 1941 in Green Bay Wisconsin. Growing up the family lived above his parents' bakery in Two Rivers. Go Packers. As a child he wanted to move to Montana and buy a ranch. Gary served in the Air Force which brought him to Lakeside Radar Base. He ventured down to Woodland Park for some ice skating where he says Lois pushed him down several times to get his attention. He pulled her girls around on the ice rink which won Lois’ heart. Gary was sent to Japan and Lakeside then Vietnam before returning to Montana to marry Lois. A year later they welcomed Mark. Lois spent 56 years saying “oh Gary'' because he was such a tease. He passed that sense of humor on to Mark and grandkids. Gary loved hanging out at Sykes, drinking coffee, talking politics and shooting the breeze with the other old guys. Gary enjoyed watching The Chosen in the last few weeks of is life and was rebaptized five days before his death.  Gary was preceded in death by his parents Albert and Margaret Van Frachen, brother Ernie Van Frachen, mother in law Nina Jones, Father in law Harry Jones, daughter Connie Van Frachen, brothers in law Hector Rodela and Jim Barrett, son in law Casey Griffin and grandson Joseph Mickels-Silva.  Gary is survived by his wife Lois, daughter Cheryl Griffin, son Mark Van Frachen(Candy) grandchildren Kiel Fauske(Jenna), Mason Van Frachen(Kimi), Richard Dilka, Desirae Westenskow( Matt), Megan Gluyas, Jolee Van Frachen and Austin Van Frachen.  Great grandchildren Riley Shelton, Caroline Van Frachen, Lynleigh Fauske and Gabe Westenskow.  Sisters Jackie Barrett, Sharon Herzog and Pauline Rodela, Sister in law Pat Van Frachen and many nieces and nephews. He was loved by all.

The service will be held Monday, February 13th, 1:00 PM at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home.

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