Robert N. 'Bob' Frauson, 84

Robert N. "Bob" Frauson, 84, of Columbia Falls, passed away on June 20, 2008. At the time of his death he was living at the Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell, where he received loving care.

Bob was born in Mahwah, N.J., in 1924. At age 19 he joined the U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division (86-A), and served in the mountains of Italy during World War II.

After graduating from Colorado State University in 1951, he taught junior high school industrial arts in Greeley, Colo.

He began his National Park Service career at Devils Tower National Monument, then worked for more than 10 years as a Longs Peak climbing ranger in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo.

While there he met and married Ann Davis, and together they had two daughters, Deb and Karen. In 1962 the family moved to St. Mary Ranger Station in Glacier National Park, where they lived for the next 20 years.

As a ranger, Bob was involved in emergency services and resource protection for the eastside of Glacier National Park. He retired in 1982 as the Hudson Bay district ranger for Glacier National Park.

In retirement, Bob and Ann moved to the Flathead Valley, where Bob became active with Glacier Nordic Ski Club. He also volunteered with the disabled ski program at Big Mountain.

Bob's passions included his family, friends, skiing, hiking and silversmithing.

Bob is survived by Ann Frauson, his wife and life partner of 50 years; his daughters, Deb Frauson and Karen Frauson, of Grand Teton National Park; his brother, Jack "Swede" Frauson, and wife, Joy, of Raleigh, N.C.; sister-in-law, Barbara Frauson, and son, Bruce, of Conyngham, Pa.; cousins, Ed Carroll and family of Fort Collins, Colo., and Marie L'Heureux of Central Valley, N.Y., and her family; and brother-in-law, Jack Davis, and wife, Bobbie, of Green Valley, Ariz., and their families.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Minnie Frauson; and brother, Bill Frauson.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. July 19 at the Lake McDonald Lodge Auditorium. All of his friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Search and Rescue Fund, Glacier National Park, P.O. Box 128, West Glacier, MT 59936.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and crematory is caring for the family. To send a condolence message please visit www.buffalohillfh.com.