Frank M. Custer

Frank Custer, 86, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2003, at Edgewood Vista in Billings, with family at his side throughout his illness.

Frank was born in Belfield, N.D., on Nov. 29, 1916, to Mike and Annie (Wertepny) Custer. Frank grew up and attended school in the Billings County, N.D., area. He joined the CCC in the 1930s and served in camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Frank taught himself how to play guitar and harmonica and enjoyed dancing as well. While dancing, Frank found the love of his life, Ellouise Finch. They married on Oct. 12, 1940, in Eugene, Ore. They lived in Eugene for a while, then moved to North Dakota and farmed in the Belfield area until 1966. They then moved to South Heart, N.D., where he worked on the railroad. Frank worked as a crane operator. His work took him from home a lot, but he always made it home on weekends to be with his wife and family.

Frank enjoyed doing work around the yard and was a very loving and dedicated man. He spent much time restoring two old pickups, which he really enjoyed. Frank lost Ellouise to an illness in 1995 and lived in Dickinson, N.D., for several years with a very special friend. The family then moved him to Billings to help take care of his special needs while in an assisted care facility, Edgewood Vista. Edgewood was truly a "home." The staff was extraordinary. Frank enjoyed friendly people and family until the Lord took him home.

He is survived by four sons, Larry (Ardie) Custer of Dickinson, Roger of Vallejo, Calif., Bruce (Cathy) Custer of Billings, Terry (Kathy) Custer of Maryville, Tenn.; four daughters, Louise (Ray) Frank of Eugene, Ore., Patti (Nolan Schaff) of Salem, Ohio, Nancy (Larry) Hibl of Billings, Sandy Oliszczak of Billings; 28 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was preceded in death by his wife, parents, a brother, two sisters, a grandson, daughter-in-law and a son-in-law.

In complying with Frank's wishes, cremation was done in Billings. Services will be held in Dickinson at St. Joseph's church, 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, with burial and luncheon to follow at St. Mary's church in South Heart. Dad, you can dance with Mom again.