Stephen J Franich

Obituary Stephen John Franich was born on a farm outside Whitehall, Montana, September 1, 1923. He died November 19, 2011 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma. In high school, Stephen played football and basketball as well as boxing in Golden Glove Tournaments. He joined the Navy during WWII, serving on an aircraft carrier the Marcus Island. After the war, Stephen attended Montana State, then met his wife Helen and settled first in Tacoma, then on several farms in Fife. A lifelong member of the Carpenters Union, he custom built many homes in the area and remodeled many others. For several years he applied these same skills in the Parish of St. Leo's where he supervised projects, including a major church renovation. Stephen was also a long time member of St. Martin of Tours Parish in Fife, where he and his son Tony often attended Mass together. Stephen Franich brought his farming and ranching skills from Montana and shared these with his family and friends. On his farm in Fife and ranch near Eatonville, there was always work to be done. He had a great affection for all animals, who often found a home in or around the barn. Many times he nursed a sick animal back to health. He shared what he had with others and especially enjoyed celebrations and holidays. Dancing, playing his harmonica and cooking on the custom made BBQ always brought a smile to his face. Stephen was preceded in death by his grandson Christopher, his daughter Theresa and his wife Helen. He is survived by his sons Michael (Grace), Stephen (Cherie), Tony (Margaret), his daughter Christine (Jim) Blackett, his brother-in-law, Joe Glaser of Harstine Island and sister-in-law Sis Franich of Butte Montana. Stephen has always been supported by his family, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren as well as an extended family on the Glaser side. His memory will live on in their lives. Visitation will be Sunday, November 27, 2011 between 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by a Rosary at 7:00 pm at Gaffney Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, November 28, 2011, 11:00 am at St. Martin of Tours, 2303 54th Ave E Fife, WA 98424, with reception to follow. Interment at Gethsemane Cemetery. Donations can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or other Disabled Veterans program.