Frank Bestwina 96

Frank Bestwina

Great Falls —Frank Bestwina, 96, of Great Falls, died peacefully of natural causes on February 1, 2017.

He was born September 9, 1920 in Belt, Montana. He met his soulmate Maxine his senior year of high school, graduated, moved to Great Falls and began working for the Anaconda Company, got married, and enlisted in the army in 1942. He served as a combat medic in World War II in the Solomon and Philippine Islands. After the war he returned to Great Falls and worked as an electrician until its closure in 1980.

In 1950 he and Maxine built their forever home on First Avenue South and he resided here until August 2016. Frank was a humble, patient, loving and caring man with a great smile, always willing to help others asking for nothing in return. He was an avid gardener until the end and always prided himself on having ripe tomatoes by the fourth of July. He enjoyed growing flowers and especially roses, having more than 48 bushes in his yard. He felt so proud when the Great Falls Flower Club toured his gardens several times. He was intrigued by nature and its bounty and loved sharing and giving to others. He enjoyed fishing at surrounding lakes and creeks in the Great Falls area and bowling in his younger years, winning the Montana State All Events Division in 1968. For the past 40+ years Frank made it a habit to walk every morning. His iconic walks down Central Avenue or up to Lewis and Clark School were an integral part of his day. He continued to walk a mile a day until late this past summer.

Frank and Maxine are survived by daughters Nancy Bernius (George) of Missoula and Cheri Spitzer(John) of Oregon. They were blessed with two beloved grandchildren Tyler Bernius (Lizel) of Salt Lake and Kelsey Bernius (Justin) of Denver and several nieces and nephews.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife Maxine in 2005. Preceding him in death were his siblings Pete, George, Alice, "Hook," and "Pheno."

Special thanks go to next door neighbors Jerene and Rick for their love and assistance, Barbara who lovingly assisted Frank in his home the past two years and dear niece Gail and family who visited and helped him, to Harley who delivered his meals for the past decade, to Debbie of Rocky Mtn Carriers for her deliveries and updates, to Dr. Lenz for consistent decades long care, to Dr. Matzko for monthly appointments for decades to preserve his vision, to Dr. Bonfilio for two artificial knees that kept him gardening and walking his entire life. Most recently our heartfelt thanks go the the incredible Beehive Homes staff for their loving care and much appreciated support the past six months. Finally, our thanks to Sue and hospice care in the end.

As per Frank's request there will be no funeral services.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.croxfordfuneralhome.com