Franklin (Frank) Frederick Nopper
August 2nd, 1939-
March 17th, 2016
Frank Nopper, longtime resident of Helena, MT, passed away at the Fort Harrison Veteran’s Hospital on St. Patrick’s Day at age of 76. He was born in Townsend and graduated from White Sulphur Springs High School in 1957. He attended college for a year at Eastern Montana and University of Montana in Missoula. He enlisted in the US Navy from 1958 to 1962. During his lifetime he was employed at Litton Systems, Teledyne Systems, Nopper & Owens Logging, the Montana Club, Salvation Army and retired from the Good Samaritan Ministries. He married Donna Blasé in California and of this union, two children, Frederick Scott and Teresa Rachael were born.
His interests were sports, his favorite being baseball, expert gardener, fishing, hunting, and camping. He was a Eucharistic Minister at the VA Hospital in Helena through Catholic Social Services and a member of the St. Helena Cathedral. He was also a member/officer of the Moose Lodge.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Madglen of White Sulphur Springs, sister, Rose Marie (Ree) Woodbeck, Helena. He is survived by his son, Scott Nopper and daughter, Tracy Mayfield, both from New Bern NC. Surviving siblings include, Sandy (Bill) Bradford of Helena, Sharon (Arlan) Larsen, of Stevensville, Bill (Tricia) Nopper of Skiatook, OK and Mary (Mitch) Noack of Helena. Also grandchildren, Amelia and Haven Nopper, Blase Nopper and Cole Mayfield, plus numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
Graveside services are being held on Tuesday, March 22nd at 2pm at the Veteran’s Cemetery at Fort Harrison, Helena MT with a social gathering following directly after from 3:00 – 5:00pm at the Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home located at 3750 Montana Ave, Helena MT.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given by the donor’s choice or the Liberty House located at Fort Harrison.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
2:00 pm
Tuesday March 22, 2016
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Graveside Service
Tuesday March 22, 2016
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home Reception Hall
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
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Susan B. Evans says
You leave behind you a host of memories of small town activities from classroom pranks to spring baseball games during religion classes. Especially birthday parties and a ride with Billy on a very uncooperative pony.
Rosana Hurwitz Skelton says
Frank was part of of my growing up from 1st grade till we graduated in the same class of 25 close-knit friends in White Sulphur Springs. He made us laugh with his many pranks like limburger cheese on the radiator in class, dying his blond hair green for St. Paddy’s day, and napping in the overhead luggage rack on our senior trip.
Skelton says
Frank and I did a lot of crazy things in our lifetime. We participated in all high school sports together and then played basketball for University of Montana together during 1957-58 season. We roomed together when he got out of the navy, and had a lot of great fishing adventures. Frank was kind of like his Dad and didn’t do a lot of talking, I ate a lot of meals at his folks’ house, and I never heard his Dad speak until he asked me to pass the meat once. Frank and I had a lot of great experiences together, but I can’t mention them for fear the statute of limitations may not have expired. He was a great friend and I will miss him. dearly
Phyllis kujath white says
So sorry to hear about frank passing away. Sandy always kept me updated about him. Sending my love to the family.
Carol Scott Skerritt says
I never saw much of you after we graduated, but I have no trouble remembering the things that you, Dewey, and Hutch did in school. Dewey is right when he says the statute of limitations may not have expired. I will always remember how hard I laughed, and wondered what you guys would do next. You were a nice guy, and I’m sure you stayed that way all of your life. Go with God, Frank.
Sharon Thrailkill Sargeson says
Sharon and Sandy I was saddened to hear of the passing of your brother Frank. You are in my prayers and hope you both are doing ok.
Tony & Denise Nopper says
Sharon, Sandra, Bill, Mary, Scott & Tracy, and the rest of Frank’s family… We’re so sorry to learn of his passing. I saw more of him in the last couple of years than in the decades before and I’m sad to think how quickly it’s all gone. I love the picture. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Inez Slayman says
My sincere thoughts and comforting prayers go to Frank’s family at this time. I met Frank at league bowling at Capital City Bowl years ago and would talk with each other occasionally. He was so friendly and will be missed by those he cared for. Keep him in your memories to keep him close.
Mike McCollough says
Frank will be missed by all who knew him. A wonderful human being, a longtime friend. Rest in peace.
Kirian family says
When ever Frank came to visit his kids he immediately became one of the family. He always had a joke or funny story to share. He loved his grand kids and was a proud dad. One of my favorite memories is at Tracys wedding when Frank was dancing with one of the band members wife’s. Let’s just say he was very friendly 😉 He was a lot of fun!
We are so sorry for your families loss we love you and will keep you in our prayers.
Donna Nopper Deering says
It’s hard to sort out the feelings of almost 50 years. Frank was so much fun and loving and a good hearted family man. I loved him dearly. We met in 1966 at work. We quickly fell in love and married. We had 2 amazing children, Teresa Nopper Mayfield and Frederick Scott Nopper. We all loved to fish and watch baseball and we were on a bowling league which we loved. Life was good. Even though our marriage ended, I never stopped loving Frank. He was the best of the best and he will always be in my heart and I will miss him forever.
JoAnn Williams Sanders says
Rest in peace dear friend. I am certain your kindness on earth is being rewarded in Heaven. I will always cherish our friendship and smile when I think of our ability to change the rules when we needed to take care of the needy. As we always said one of us needed to be ready to drive the “Get-away car” ! You beat me to it. So thankful for our visit in February. All my thoughts and prayers to your family. You made a big difference and always with class.
Gino Dunfee says
Mary: My condolences on the loss of your brother.
Moe Wosepka says
Frank, you were a class act. Always there, always ready to help. I think often of you in the backroom of Good Samaritan sorting, checking, and pricing items for sale in the store. That’s what we saw, but looking closer you were in tune with everything that was going on in that area, and with your kind and gentle spirit you maintained “holy order”. You were a great gift to Good Samaritan, to all of us that had the good fortune to have worked there with you, and especially to all of those who came to us for help. My prayer is that you are safe in the arms of our Lord now that He is taking care of you. Rest my friend. You will be missed.
Robert King says
Frank was always one of the good guys in High School WSS. I admired his way of being part of the group and not pushing his point of view to the point of stupidest. Loved Frank and was never able to keep in touch with him during our adult years… ‘But I loved him just the same,
Got to see him at our 50th high school reunion and we got caught up there.
I am so sorry he is gone but he is sure in a good place and be well respected just as he was in life……. By Frank We all Loved you so very much.
Hutch Jim-Hutchison says
Frank- What can I say, Nobodys going to miss you more than I do–As crazy as we were, you were always the sensible one. We had more fun in the olden days than life should allow– If there’s a Heaven, you’re there.–Hutch