Frank Shelby Bernatz

Frank Shelby Bernatz, 90, passed away Monday, Sept. 14, 2015, at Bitterroot Valley Living Center due to natural causes.

He was born in Butte on Dec. 16, 1924, to Carl and Anne Irish Bernatz. After his father died, Frank was raised as an only child by a single mother during the Great Depression. He graduated from Anaconda High School, where he was a star basketball player.

Frank was a decorated Army veteran of World War II where he earned several medals, including the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He traveled to England on RMS Queen Elizabeth to prepare for the D-Day invasion. Prior to D-Day, Frank was reassigned to guard General Dwight Eisenhower at the Palace of Versailles in France. He was a Master Gunner and Rifleman within Company B of 44th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 6th Armored Division. In December 1944, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge where he was severely injured by mortar shell. After recovering from shoulder and arm wounds he resumed fighting and helped liberate Buchenwald Concentration Camp in April 1945.

After returning from the war, Frank moved to Missoula where he earned a B.S. in business administration from University of Montana in 1952. He married the love of his life, Frances Louise Simons in Missoula on Aug. 31, 1950. After graduating, Frank and "Fran" moved to Great Falls where he worked in the farm implement business. He then went on to earn a Master of Education in guidance and counseling from Seattle University in 1969. He also received graduate level education at University of Utah and University of Illinois.

Frank applied his extensive education during a long career as a master counselor with the Montana Department of Labor's Employment Service office in Missoula. He was an active member of the Montana Purple Heart, Elks, Masonic Lodge, Knights Templar (Freemason) and American Legion.

Frank enjoyed hunting and fishing in the great Montana outdoors, especially with his best buddy – a yellow Lab named Howdy. He also loved attending Griz football games and barbecuing for family and friends.

Frank is survived by his wife Fran, after 65 wonderful years together, and faithful daughters, Julie Coley (Levi) in the Bitterroot Valley and Lindsay Beighle (Bruce) near Rock Creek. He was preceded in death by his daughter Laurie Briggs. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, Elizabeth Briggs, Amber Briggs, Brooke Beighle, Taylor Beighle, Abe Coley and Mariah Coley, as well as four great-grandchildren.

There will be a private burial at Missoula Cemetery and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
Read Frank Bernatz's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.