Frank A. Cattern Sr.

1925 - 2013

Cattern, Sr., Frank A.

Frank A. Cattern, Sr., 87, Green Bay, died Tuesday, February 12, 2013, at a local nursing home. He was born September 28, 1925, in Oxnard, CA, to Frank and Lulu (Winship) Cattern.

Frank left high school his Junior year and proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the start of WWII. He served aboard landing crafts in the Pacific Theatre and helped take many islands held by the Japanese, including Iwo Jima. After returning from service, he completed high school and later graduated from Cal Poly University at San Luis Obispo, with a degree in mechanical engineering. He worked for the U.S. government at the U.S. Naval Weapons Center at China Lake, CA, where he worked for many years in the missile program until his retirement. During his retirement, he worked for General Dynamics for five years. Frank was united in marriage to Debra Beard and they raised four children. On April 9, 1994, Frank and Mary Smet were married in Las Vegas, NV. Frank loved traveling in his motor home and traveled coast to coast. He was a former member of the Elks Club and the American Legion.

Frank is survived by his wife, Mary; four children and their spouses, Frank Cattern, Jr. and his wife Leslie, Sally and Steve Tavaglione, Newton Cattern, Sloan and Bob Walsc

h, all of California; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; three sisters; four step-children and their spouses, Kevin and Sarah Smet, Christi and Scott Quigley, all of Green Bay; Sheri and Eddie Trest, Hernando, MS; Brian and Charlene Smet, Bellingham, Washington; 11 step-grandchildren; one step-great-grandson; many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and one sister.

Friends may call at Calvary Lutheran Church, 1301 S. Ridge Rd., from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, at the church with Rev. Earl Vorpagel III officiating. Burial will take place in California. Blaney Funeral Home is assisting the family. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the nurses and staff of Parkview Manor for their wonderful care.

Heartfelt thanks are extended to the nurses and staff of Parkview Manor for their wonderful care.