Frank William Wokojance Jr.

Frank William Wokojance, Jr.

Frank Wokojance, 86, long time Shelton resident and proud World War II veteran, died at his Kamilche home on Friday, March 18, 2011. He was born January 7, 1925, the third of seven children, to the late Frank William, Sr. and Billie Mae (Lippard) Wokojance in Lansing, Ohio. After his early years in Ohio he spent much of his boyhood in Craig, Colorado, where he preferred riding horses, trapping, skiing, hunting, and fishing to attending Hayden High School.
During WWII as a scout in the 2nd Armored (Hell on Wheels) Division, 41st Armored Infantry, Frank fought from Omaha Beach to Berlin, surviving seven campaigns. He was awarded several medals, and received the Purple Heart. Of all the events he shared through his stories, it was the cold December "Battle of the Bulge" that had the greatest impact. Only 18 years of age at the time, his experiences remained with him throughout his lifetime. Years later he found solace sharing his stories as a member of Veterans of Battle of the Bulge, and with various schools and historical groups.
In 1946 he married Eloise May Fuller in Shelton, and they raised three daughters. He was employed by Simpson Timber and Rainier Mills. Later, he worked as an engineer for WA State Dept. of Corrections, retiring as Power Plant Supt. at WA St. Correctional Center. In retirement he continued to enjoy the outdoors, fishing, his vegetable garden, and spending time with family.
He is survived by his daughters, Carma L. (Scott) Anderson-Olympia, WA; Cathy L. (Rex) McNish-Shelton, WA; Cindy L. (Loren) Fassett-Fox Island, WA; grandchildren, Heather R. (Nathan) Benedict-Shelton, WA; Rex E. McNish, Jr-Shelton, WA; Brittany L. Anderson-Olympia, WA; great-grandsons, Dakota J. and Noah G. Benedict-Shelton, WA; a sister, June McPherson-Mesa Arizona and a brother, Rodney Wokojance-Vancouver, WA.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise May Wokojance, who passed on October 11, 2010; parents, Frank and Billie Wokojance; sisters, Joyce Miller and Ruth Gibson; brothers, Johnnie and Richard Wokojance.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011 at St. Edwards Catholic Church, 601 W. 'C' St., Shelton, WA. In Frank's honor, a gravesite celebration with gun salute and Taps will follow at Shelton Memorial Park, across the street from the church.