FRANK WACASER

1923 - 2024

FRANK JEFFRIES

WACASER

Apr. 29, 1923 – Dec. 30, 2024

After a long and beautiful life on earth, Frank Jeffries Wacaser, age 101, entered eternal life on December 30, 2024. He was a resident of White Cliffs Senior Living, Kingman, AZ and most recently of Sunset Villa Assisted Living in El Centro, CA.

The eldest of four children, Mr. Wacaser was born to Emery Edwin and Dorothea Jeffries Wacaser on April 29, 1923, in Chadwick, Illinois.

A Veteran of WWII, he was a pilot in the Army Air Force from 1941-1945. While stationed in Bakersfield, CA, he met the love of his life, Elsie Rapoza. They were married in 1945 and spent 56 loving years together. After their retirement, they purchased a travel trailer and traveled to all the mainland United States, and seven Provinces of Canada. They were campground hosts in both California and Arizona. Always light-hearted and humorous, when asked what our parents did to celebrate their 50th Anniversary while campground hosting, Mr. Wacaser answered "We cleaned toilets!"

A lifelong learner, Mr. Wacaser wore many hats during his life. He was owner-operator of a sawmill in Massachusetts. He obtained his Contractor's license and built and sold houses in Mattapoisett, MA. He raised ring-necked pheasants, sheep, and turkeys. He planted Scotch Pine trees on several acres and sold them for Christmas trees. He built picnic tables and sold them to State Parks. He owned an ice cream shop; was a crop duster for many years, and began piano lessons in his 50's. He was a self-taught silversmith and made many pieces of turquoise and silver jewelry. A talented craftsman, he built many pieces of beautiful furniture over the years and donated his time, talent, and materials to several churches, his children and grandchildren. He was Assistant Manager of Imperial Stores in El Centro, CA. In recent years, Mr. Wacaser enjoyed target shooting, reloading ammo, woodworking, and attending church services. He volunteered weekly at Kingman Area Food Bank. He wrote an autobiography and shared it with his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Elsie 2001; his second wife, Bonnie 2017; grandson, David Ray 1997, and infant granddaughter, Tina Proo 1985; sisters, Marjorie Wacaser 2010, Jean Harris 2011, and brother, Emery Wacaser 2024.

Left to treasure his memory are his daughters and sons-in-law, Marcia & Jack Ray; Susan & Kirby Viestenz, El Centro, CA; and Karen and Barry Lyons, Havre, MT.

He was a loving and much respected grandfather to Roger & Jana Ray, Kelsey & Andres Maldonado, all of El Centro, CA; Kyle & Olesya Viestenz of Tigard, OR; Cameo & Justin Evangelist of Temecula, CA; Klancy & Christophe Chung, San Diego, CA. He adored his great-grandchildren, Haylee, Zachary, and Raegan Ray; Kayla and Emily Evangelist; Aron, Kali, Vivian, and Susanna Maldonado; Samuel and Anya Viestenz; Luc and Sebastien Chung. He is survived by sister-in-law, Irene Moniz of Fairhaven, MA; sister- and brother-in-law, Burta and Ray Eberhardt; adult stepchildren, Jimmy Robie, Brenda Rose, Linda Souza; several nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and a private graveside service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025. Cremains will be buried in his hand-crafted urn with his wife, Elsie, at Evergreen Cemetery in El Centro, CA.

Mr. Wacaser was appreciative of every day he spent with loved ones. He was benevolent, honest, kind, faithful, and he loved us unconditionally,

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Wacaser's memory may be made to Kingman Area Food Bank, 2930 East Butler Ave., Kingman AZ 86409, or to a charity of your choice.