Frank Gonsioroski

Funeral Mass for Frank J. Gonsioroski, 96 of Baker, MT will be 11:00 a. m. Wednesday, May 10, 2006 at St. John?s Catholic Church in Baker, MT with Father Thomas Tobin celebrating. Burial will be in the family lot in St. John?s Catholic Cemetery at Baker. Visitation will be 9:00 a. m. to 8:00 p. m. Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker, with Rosary at 7:00 p. m. Frank passed away Monday, May 1, 2006 at Fallon Medical Complex in Baker. Frank J. Gonsioroski was born on March 22, 1910 to Albert and Mary (Derdowski) in Missoula, Montana. Frank and his family moved to Granite, Montana when he was four years old. The family then moved to Wibaux County where they homesteaded. Frank attended the Cracker Box Country School in 1916. He then attended one year of high school in Ollie, Montana at which time the family moved to Minneapolis where Frank went to work at Armor Packing Co. He then moved back to Wibaux and worked for the Rife Ranch. Frank fell in love and on December 9, 1935, he married Ellen Ferrel in Billings, Montana. They worked various ranches in the Billings area. The couple moved back to Fallon County and ranched for a number of years. They moved in to Baker in 1952 and he began working for MDU until he semi-retired in 1975. He also worked various construction jobs in the Baker area. To the marriage came seven children, Frank Jr. , Jerry, Albert, Vicky, Steve, Terry, and Marty. Frank had a love for music. He started playing at the age of nine and his first instrument was a fiddle his dad had made out of a cigar box. Frank started playing for dances at the age of 12 and the love of music and playing grew. He did not take any lessons while learning to play; he just learned to play by ear. Frank?s talent was great. He played the fiddle, banjo, accordion, piano, and mouth harp. Frank was in numerous dance bands. Frank was a member of the Southeastern Montana Fiddler Association until his health would not allow him to play anymore. He was also a member of St. John?s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Frank?s biggest love was for his family and friends. He always had something funny to say to make everyone laugh. Frank will be missed by all who knew him; he had a wonderful 96 years of life. Frank is survived by his wife Ellen of 70 years, four sons, Frank Jr. (Maravelle), Moxee City, WA; Jerry (Jean), Baker, MT; Steve, Baker, MT; Marty (Susan), Baker, MT; a daughter, Vicky, Baker, MT; two special brothers-in-law, Tom Ferrel and Charlie Ferrel, 15 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. He is preceded by his parents, brothers and sisters, an infant son, Albert, one daughter, Terry and a special son-in-law, Jerry Wiseman.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: May 10, 2006
Funeral Home Baker, MT

Mass: Wednesday, St. John’s Catholic Church, Bake