Francis Skierka

Francis Leo Skierka, 23, died on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from an avalanche accident while snowmobiling in the Kalispell area.The family would like to greet friends and family at OConnor Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at which time the rosary will begin.Mass will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Traditional Catholic Church, 2200 Smelter Ave, Black Eagle, MT. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Novitiate Cemetery, Round Top, NY. Schnider Funeral Home is handling arrangements.Francis was born October 3, 1988 in Flushing, New York and raised on the family ranch, near Glacier Park in Montana.Francis loved the great outdoors and was always involved in some adventurous activity. While growing up, he enjoyed riding anything that had a motor under it, checking cows on his motorcycle, mountain climbing, fishing, predator hunting, and any kind of mechanical work involving four wheelers and motorcycles. He was very capable of fixing things and even built his first pickup at age 15 from parts and pieces. After completing school, Francis went on to work for Swenson Farms in Cut Bank. He loved traveling; especially trucking grain and always had a big smile and wave for anyone who passed him. Weekends would find him snowmobiling or camping in the mountains or motorcycling with his brother Mike along Cut Bank Creek. He had an attracting personality and was always lending a hand to the neighbors.Francis married the love of his life, Andrea Milacek on July 10, 2010 in Oyster Bay, NY. Together they started their life residing at Swenson Farms where they anticipated the arrival of their first baby, due in April, 2012. Francis was a loving and devoted husband and will be sorely missed by Andrea and everyone.Survivors include his loving wife Andrea, parents, Leo and Sharon Skierka; loving sisters, Maria and Angela; brothers, Joe (Donna), Chris (Bethany), Mike, Jerome, Paul, and Matt, all of Montana.Also surviving are his father and mother in-law, Ed and Patty Milacek; sisters and brothers in-law, Marina, Rebecca, EJ, Eric, and Evan Milacek, all of NY. Donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Traditional Catholic Church or to Francis Skierka Family Memorial at Stockman Bank of Cut Bank, 125 W Main Street, Cut Bank, MT, 59427.