Frank Christian Thompson, 96, Wolf Creek area rancher, passed away September 6, 2011 at the Masonic Home in Helena of natural causes.
Frank was born April 7, 1915 at the family homestead on the Middle Fork of the Dearborn River known as Stearns. His parents were Frank Tobias and Lia Christine Steinbach. He attended area county schools for several years. His mother passed away when he was 8 years old. Inheriting a sum of money from her, he purchased his Uncle Theodore Thompson’s homestead on the North Forks of the Dearborn. Thus began spending winters in California, Frank was educated at Union Central School until he finished his junior year of high school. His father had him stay at the ranch the following year. His sister, Frances insisted that he finish high school. He stayed with her in Dillon and graduated from Beaverhead County High School. In high school, he participated in football and was a leader on the Debate Team.
When Frank was 20 years old, his father informed him he had to “run this outfit” because Frank Sr. had to go to California and care for his ailing brother, Theodore. They ran both cattle and sheep. Frank has been ranching ever since, constantly increasing his land holdings and improving his livestock.
Fay Elizabeth Brown became his bride on September 3, 1939 and to this union, four children were born: Tom, Nancy, Art and Ken.
His service to his community, county, state and country were vast. Always an advocate for the 4-H program, he served as a leader for 24 years. The Soil Conservation Service was another of his long term programs, both local, state and national for over 50 years. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Masonic Lodge, Shrine, Scottish Rite, school board member and airport board member. Frank and Fay were designated Goodwill ambassadors to Japan, Russia, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. They received the MSU Rancher of the Year Award in 1996.
A sister, Frances Lia Sewell Wendell, and his wife of 68 years preceded him in death.
Survivors included Tom R. (Lydia) Thompson of Helena, Nancy (Ron) Johnson of Dillon, Art (Margie) Thompson of Wolf Creek, and Ken (Judy) Thompson of Helena.
Grandchildren include Dr. Christina (Kevin) Blake of Brush, CO., Gregg (Melissa) Thompson of Helena, 1st Class Petty Officer Doug (Rose) Johnson of San Diego, CA., Deanna (Larry) Steele of Sundance, WY., Don (Letha) Johnson of Dillon, Jeffrey Johnson of Dillon, Rebecca (EB) Richie of Boulder, WY., Dr. Beth (Augie) Bola of San Diego, CA., Frank R. (Mindy) Thompson of Wolf Creek, Ken (Nicole) Lewis of North Pole, Alaska. Great grandchildren include; Bailey Kay, Kacey and Amy Blake, Cade Thompson, Remy Frank and Callie Elizabeth Johnson, Jep, Devon, Trista, Cinch Richie, Corbin Thompson, Tyler and Logan Lewis. One niece and one nephew also survive.
A memorial service celebrating Frank’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 12th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. A reception will be in the upper level of Jorgenson’s Restaurant immediately following the memorial service. A Masonic Burial Rite will be at Augusta Cemetery later that day. Memorials are suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children C/O Algeria Shrine P.O. Box 1174 Helena, MT 59624or the Masonic Home of Montana 2010 Masonic Home Road Helena, Montana 59602 or to an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.aswfuneralhome.com.
Alan Tucker says
Frank is a great man years ago Frank and Fay took me in there house when I was in Montana on a hunting trip with Ron Jones. They put me up for a few days and I shot my first elk on there ranch I think it was around 1992. Great man we will miss him
Del & Scooter Pasha says
Our condolences to the Frank Thompson Family on your loss.
In the many years of knowing and doing business with Frank he was always a true and honest gentleman and will certainly be missed by all.
Fred L. Thompson says
Ken so sorry to hear about your dad passing away. He was a great man and will be missed my many.
John Kimble says
Tom, Nancy, Art
So sorry to read of your father’s death my sincere condolences.
Judith Williams says
Tom, Nancy, Artie, and Ken: I was so sorry to hear that your Dad passed away Sept 2011. I was in the British Isles at that time and no one gave me the information. Our family considered the Thompsons as best friends. My mother enjoyed visits with both Frank and Fay and my father looked on Frank as not only a friend but a resource in all things ranching and government services. I miss them both. Going back to the Dearborn Valley brings a miriad of memories of when we all grew up together as “ranchers’ kids” and “Jackpine Savages”. (4-H Club) Judy Williams
Pat says
Artie and Margie and family, I am sorry to hear of your loss. He certainly must have been quite the man and have lived a full life. I know that he will be missed by all of you. Our love,
Pat and Dave
Peggy Olson says
Frank was a wonderful man. I had the pleasure of working with him for a year & a half at the Masonic Home in activities. He always had a smile for me and I treasured his straight-forward bluntness. He loved to discuss his ranch and animals and he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
TRACEY L. LEE says
KEN: I am sorry to hear that your dad passed away. I remember the last branding where I handled the vaccine gun and stood at Frank’s side while the calves were worked through the chutes. Those were fun times. I also remember borrowing your ranch horses, Goofus and and Silver, so we could all ride in the mountains and look for elk and bears.
Best wishes to you and your family Tracey Lucille Lee aka Fred Taylor’s daughter