Frank Cabbage, 84
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Frank Arnold Cabbage, 84, passed away, surrounded by his loving family.
Frank was born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Lewistown to Frank and Grace Cabbage. He grew up in Mountain Brook and attended Mountain Brook Elementary. A 1958 graduate of Flathead High School, Frank was a standout athlete, earning eight varsity letters in football, basketball, and track and field. At the time, athletes could not letter more than three years in one sport — making his achievements all the more impressive.
On the football field, Frank was an all-state quarterback and team captain during both his junior and senior years. In one memorable game against Billings West, he rushed for four touchdowns and passed for two more. In addition to quarterback, he played linebacker, defensive back, safety, punter, and punt returner — showcasing his versatility and athleticism.
Frank was also a three-year starting guard on the Braves basketball team. As a senior, he was named to the all-state team and selected to play in the North-South All-Star high school basketball game.
In track and field, Frank excelled in the javelin throw, winning back-to-back state championships in his junior and senior years and placing second as a sophomore. He continued his athletic career at Western Montana College (now the University of Montana Western), where he set an NAIA District Five record with a javelin throw of 207 feet, 8 inches.
As a senior at Flathead High School, Frank received the prestigious Koford Award, given to a student who demonstrates excellence in scholarship, athletics, character, and inspiration.
In the summer months, Frank played baseball for Kalispell’s American Legion team, batting .455 and .488 in his final two seasons and pitching a no-hitter against Anaconda.
Beyond athletics, Frank was deeply committed to his community. He served Kalispell as a dedicated 25-year employee of the Montana Power Company. He coached Little League baseball and Rotary basketball, volunteered for 10 years as a firefighter with the Evergreen Volunteer Fire Department, and contributed as a Lions Club member and assistant Boy Scout leader.
Outside of sports, Frank loved spending time in the great outdoors of Montana—hunting, fishing, and flying his RC airplanes. Frank taught himself to draw and wood burn, a hobby that filled much of his time. He had a genuine love for making things by hand for his family and friends. During the winter months, he loved escaping the cold and heading to sunny Arizona, where he spent his days riding his bike and forming lifelong friendships with those in the park. Frank had a genuine love for people, he was always ready with a smile or a story. Even while undergoing cancer treatments, he kept his sense of humor, often joking with the nurses at the Infusion Center and brightening the room with his presence.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, a brother, and his lifelong friend, Harvey.
He is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his sister, Ginni; and his children, Brian (Lori) Cabbage, Kevin Cabbage, Jamie (Jody) Nelson-Christiansen, Derek (Marla) Nelson, Robin (Kurt) Grainger, Brian (Kaija) Lockhart and Kevin (Amanda) Lockhart. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m., with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Flathead High School Booster Club.
Darlington Funeral Home is caring for the family.