Frank E. Gilbert, 91

Franklin “Frank” Gilbert, 91, of Kellogg, Idaho, passed away Feb. 2, 2018, in Kellogg. Frank, the son of Benjamin and Marietta Gilbert was born on Jan. 3, 1927, on a farm near Idaho Falls, Idaho. Soon after Frank was born, his family moved to Kellogg. He moved with his mother and stepfather to Cocoalla, Idaho, in 1933. In 1937, Frank moved back to Kellogg to live with his dad and brother, Marion, where he grew up and attended local schools.

Frank worked for the Deal Transfer and Fuel of Kellogg in 1942, prior to enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1944. Frank later returned to work for the Deal Transfer, before going to work for the Bunker Hill Mining Company. During his time at Bunker Hill, Frank worked in several areas including underground, as a supervisor at the blast furnace and eventually moving to the mechanical maintenance shop. He was one of the last persons employed by Bunker, before it was shut down. Frank often worked part-time jobs, as well as, full-time work at the Bunker. He then moved to Quincy, Wash., to work at the Columbia Basin Nursery, until his retirement in 1991. After retiring, Frank was proud to make, paint and maintain the picket fencing around the Teeter’s Field. He often supervised troubled teenagers while they helped stain the fencing. Frank considered them good kids who needed something to do and some positive guidance. Frank enjoyed attending City Council meetings. He also volunteered his time to help with snow removal and other pertinent community projects. Frank was a member of the Bunker Hill retiree groups. Other work experiences in the area included: owner/operator of the Husky Power Bulk Plant in Osburn, owner/operator of the Mobil service station on Cameron Avenue and as truck driver for the Riffle Pre-Mix Plant (in the area where the freeway, Subway and Sam’s now exists).

Frank married Helen Racich in 1947. They enjoyed their two daughters, Mary and Ellen. They also had two sons who died at childbirth. They later had four grandchildren and one great-grandson, Zack. They enjoyed those early years with the grand babies celebrating numerous family get-togethers, taking trips and camping together. At one time, Frank enjoyed being a stock car racer with the Shoshone Stockcar Racing Association. Helen was a member of the ladies’ group called the “Lady Bugs.” More recently, Frank could be seen cruising (on his cherry red scooter) or taking his daily 1-2 mile walk around his beloved community. Frank and Helen had been married 43 years when she passed away in 1990, while they lived in Quincy.

Frank later met Esther (Krabill Croft) in Quincy. They were married in 1992 and moved back to Kellogg. After retirement, Frank and Esther renewed the enthusiasm for Frank’s earlier sport by attending local car races in Coeur d’Alene. Esther was blessed to be able to share Frank’s grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Esther passed away in 2016.

Frank is survived by his two daughters, Mary (David) Seatz of Federal Way, Wash., and Ellen (Tom) Reagan of Chubbuck, Idaho; four grandchildren, Owen (Dawn), Leanne, Kramer (Sheila) and Tommy (Desi); 10 great-grandchildren, Zach (Adrianna), Kaitlyn (Kyle), Jeremy, Samantha, Drew, Ryan, Nicholas, Nathanial, Kasey and Sean; his brother, Marion of Reno; his half-sister, Ruth; three nieces; two nephews and one cousin. Frank was also preceded in death by his son-in-law, Tom and his sister, Mary.

Family graveside memorial services will be held in the spring at Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Loving Care & More, P.O. Box 119, Silverton, ID 83867.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with services. Frank’s online guest book may be signed at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.