Frank Jurich

Frank Leo Jurich, 84, of Cascade, MT passed away September 30, 2017 of natural causes at a local hospital.Frank was born in Great Falls, MT August 22, 1933 to Frank and Emma (Tessman) Jurich. He graduated from Great Falls High School in 1951. He worked at several gas stations, drove dump trucks on construction, worked for Great Northern Railway and the Mountain Conn Copper Mine in Butte, MT over one winter. He was drafted into the Army in 1953. Frank went to Butte, MT for induction and then to Fort Lewis, WA. At Fort Lewis, he was issued clothing, got a physical, shots, etc. He was sent to Fort Knox, Kentucky for basic training and then on to armored radio maintenance school. He then got a furlough home in time to be married to his high school sweetheart, Darlene Peklewsky on December 24, 1953. After the wedding, he went back to Kentucky to finish classes. He returned home for a couple weeks before being sent to Korea. The tour in Korea ended June 18, 1956. He was then discharged and went to work at Mountain States Telephone Co., which later became Mountain Bell Telephone Co. and then US West Telephone Co. until retiring in 1994 after 38 years of service.Frank was a master at fixing most anything. His knowledge of mechanics and electronics was beyond most. He loved his family and all his pets acquired throughout his life.Frank is survived by his wife, Darlene of 63 years; children Danny (Ramona) Jurich of Maple Valley, WA, Donald (Andi) Jurich of Enumclaw, WA, Kathleen Jurich of Great Falls, Jeanne (Rick) Strizich of Great Falls, Diane (Paul) Heikkila of Belt, Julie (Bill Baxter) of Tigard, OR and Jeremy Jurich of Great Falls; 18 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; and his yellow Labrador, Mandie.Frank's vigil will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017 with visitation one hour prior starting at 5:00 p.m. both at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Great Falls, MT. Funeral liturgy will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 9, 2017, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with burial to directly follow the mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery. He will be buried with military honors. A reception will follow burial at Holy Spirit Parish Center.