Alan Francetich

Alan Francetich, 81, of Tracy passed away March 22, 2017 at a local hospital.A celebration of his life will be held at Centerville gym on Friday, March 31, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the Sand Coulee Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Eagles Lodge, 1501 9th St S. Schnider Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.Alan was born in Great Falls on March 26, 1935 to Joseph and Josephine Francetich. He graduated from Centerville High School in 1954.He married Barbara Osweiler on September 11, 1954 and together they raised their four children in Tracy.Alan attended mechanic school becoming a top-notched mechanic who could miraculously tell you how to repair a car, tractor or small motor over the phone. His work career included jobs at the Anaconda Copper Mining Co., City Motors, John Deere, International Harvester, and he finished his mechanic career at the Montana Power Company retiring in 2000.Al lived in the gulch for his entire life. He served his community for several years on Tracy Water Board and 23 years as a school board member. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish in Centerville and a member of the Eagles Lodge.He loved to attend all sporting events at the local high school for decades with the highlight being asked to award the winning trophies at the district tournaments for the past several years. He looked forward to hosting the basketball tournaments in the hospitality suite each season.Al could hardly go anywhere without knowing someone in the crowd, making all short trips longer much to the chagrin of his kids. His quick wit, gentle spirit, ability to fix anything, loyal friendship and never ending teasing will be greatly missed.Al was survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara; his aunt, Bonnie Eller of Cascade, MT; his sister, Joan McGuire of Kirkland, WA; his brother, Ron Francetich of Kent, WA; his sons, Michael (Whitney) of Fairview, OR, Kerry (Rosalie) of Tigard, OR, Robb (Trish) of Grayson, GA; and his daughter, Becky (John) Whittemore of Beaverton, OR. He was the proud grandfather to 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; and many local adopted grandchildren: and he was known as the teasing Uncle Alan to his nieces and nephews.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Centerville "public" Schools (Alan Francetich Memorial Fund), 693 Stockett Road, Sand Coulee, MT 59472.There are some people in life that make you laugh a little louder, smile a little bigger, and live a bit better. Lucky for all of us, Alan was one of those people.