Frank "Bunks" Loch

Frank Bunks Loch, 79, of Dutton, died on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the family homestead east of Dutton of complications due to heart and lung diseaseA vigil service will be at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Power on Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. His funeral service will also be at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Power on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow in Dutton Cemetery. A reception for family and friends will follow at Dutton Legion Hall. Schnider Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.Frank was born in Great Falls, Montana, to Frank and Helena Sue Nellie (Hanusa) Loch on November 30, 1933. His family resided on the homestead east of Dutton, where he attended the Diamond Valley School. During WW2 the family bought a house in Great Falls so that the children could further their education. Frank Sr. remained on the farm and delivery trips of milk and eggs kept the family connected. While in Great Falls, Frank attended St. Marys Catholic School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1951. College began at USC, transferred to Gonzaga and graduated from College of Great Falls with a Bachelor of Natural Science degree in 1956.Frank married Marie Elizabeth Reed in Whitefish in 1955, and then lived on the family homestead farming with his Dad and Brother, and raising his family until he retired from farming in 1995. He continued to reside at the family homestead up until his death.He was very active in the St. Williams Parish. He served as family life coordinator, organized and served as president of St. Williams Pastoral Council, and helped facilitate parish study groups. He was a graduate of Helena Diocesan Program for Formation of Lay Ministries, served on the Diocesan Pastoral Council for 13 years, was a member of Montana Council of Churches, was a member of the Holy Spirit Charismatic Conference committee, and a 4th degree Knight of Columbus.Frank was also active in community affairs, serving on the Board of Directors of the Dutton Co-operative Association, teaching Hunter Safety Education for 25 years, 4-H leader, Teton County Sheriffs Posse, Dutton Lions Club-chairing the Community Calendar Committee, Dutton Civic Club, Dutton Cemetery Association, and Teton County Cemetery Association.Bunks loved music of all kinds so it was natural that he sat on the board of Great Falls Community Concert Association and volunteered his help with whatever needed doing.Frank was a kind and loving man who led by his religious faith and example. His family was very important to him the love of his life and best friend Marie, his children whom he loved deeply and gave him great pride, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren who provided him with boundless joy.Survivors include wife Marie of Dutton; sons Thomas Poe Loch and wife Velda of Valier, August Augie Loch of Great Falls, Peter Loch of Dutton, Nicholas Loch of Seattle, and Casey Loch of Great Falls; daughters Francesca Fran Gossack and husband Tom of Great Falls, Gretchen Demus and husband Phil of Walker Basin, CA, and Elizabeth Betsy Alama and husband Ande of Kennewick, WA; grandchildren Ian Loch, Lindsay Gossack, Allison Gossack, Anne Alama, and Kirby Alama; great grandchildren Haley and Karen; sisters Molly Munro and husband Richard of Helena, and Sue Schuler of Brea, CA.He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Michael Loch. In the letters, cards and notes to loved ones throughout the years, Bunks would sign off by writing Love, Prayers, and God Bless. We wish the same to you Bunks.Memorials can be made to St. Williams Catholic Church of Dutton, MT 59433 or the Dutton Ambulance Service, Dutton, MT 59433.