Frank Joseph GONSIOROSKI Jr Obituary (2025)

Frank Joseph Gonsioroski Jr., 89, left our world on August 15, 2025, with a fighting spirit and a handful of jokes. Frank was born July 7, 1936, in Billings, Montana, to Frank Sr. and Ellen Gonsioroski. He was the eldest of six children. Frank grew up in Baker, Montana, where acres were known as sections. He had a dog named "Shiny" and rode his dad's horse "Whisper" to and from school. He was so little someone had to be there to help him on and off. Fun fact a lot of people may not know, in high school, he was involved all four years in the Glee Club because of his and his family's love of music. On any given day, you may have stopped to visit him and been fortunate enough to hear his father's accordion or banjo music playing in the background. FFA was another passion of his, and it's where he learned the trade of welding. After graduating from Baker High School in 1955, which he would joke was quite a feat, considering the typical grade he would receive was "an A with the side kicked out." He enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1957 to 1959. He was stationed on both the USS James Kyes and USS Prichett, completing tours overseas in Subic Bay, Philippines, and Sasebo, Japan. While in Japan, he started receiving letters from the daughter of his parents' friends. As luck would have it, he returned stateside, met, and fell in love with his soulmate, Maravell, whom he was married to for nearly 66 years prior to her passing in March of 2024. They began their married life in Bremerton, Washington, where he completed a yearlong assignment living aboard and serving watch on the USS Missouri while it was in mothballs. He was honorably discharged and awarded the Good Conduct Medal on January 31, 1959. They moved from Long Beach, California, to Moxee, where they settled on the family farm, Frank's home for the past 60+ years. In his later years, his Gator clocked many miles and became his trusty steed. If you or your kids ever toured the farm, chances are you got a ride and saw his face light up with pride as he shared stories of dedication and hard work. Although farming was his passion, welding was the trade that supported the family until his retirement in 2000, after which he focused on what he truly loved, his wife, his family, good friends, NASCAR (#5!), farming, CNN, and a good beer. His quick wit, humor, positive outlook, and twinkle in his eye for the pretty ladies stayed with him to the end. He will be dearly missed, but his legacy will live on. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Kenny, Dan, and Courtney for loving and caring for Daddy as if he were their own. Daddy, it's not goodbye, but we'll see you again someday. Frank is survived by his children, Rick (Karen) Gonsioroski, Suzanne (Vince) Romano, and Tami (TJ) Flory. Grandchildren, Jessica (Phillip) Bentz, Colby Flory and fiancee Alex Durrin, Stephanie (Raven) Dominguez, Valerie Romano, and Kyley (CJ) Erickson. Great-grandchildren, Landon, Addy, Austyn and Kendall Bentz, Kynlee Erickson, and Walker Joseph Erickson. Siblings, Jerry (Jean) Gonsioroski, Steve Gonsioroski, and Marty (Allison) Gonsioroski, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 1/2 years, Maravell Gonsioroski, Father Frank Sr., Mother Ellen, infant brother Albert, and sisters, Terry Faye Wiseman and Vicky Gonsioroski, and Uncle, Charlie Ferrel. A Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 12:00pm-3:00pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 3:00pm, both held at Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite charity or organization. Brookside Funeral Home & Crematory is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.