Franklin John Palicz

Franklin John Palicz, age 81, passed away at his home in Kalispell, Mont., on Aug. 15, 2006. He was born Nov. 22, 1924 in Omaha, Neb., to Andrew and Margaret (Marten) Palicz.

When he was about three years old his father died and his family moved to Davy, Neb., to live with his Uncle John and Aunt Mary. When Franklin was in high school the family moved to Osceola, Iowa, to a farm.

He married Gloria Walker in Aug. 1949. They farmed in Clarke County until 1953. Franklin and Gloria and three of their children moved to California. There he started his construction business, which continued until 2004. It was construction work that brought them to Fortine, Mont., in 1968 where he built roads and subdivisions for homes all throughout Northwest Montana.

Music was one of his loves, along with all the tractor work in construction. When work slowed down, he joined the Rocky Mountain Rollers, Good Sam chapter, serving as President for two years. He volunteered with the RSVP Sunshine chorus of Flathead Valley to sing at the nursing homes. Franklin volunteered as a Trustee with Somers Volunteer Fire Dept for many years. He was a member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, and a member of the Gideon's International.

He is preceded in death by his son Jerry J. and his granddaughter, April Louise. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Gloria Palicz of Kalispell, Mont.; 2 daughters; Jeanette Fincher and Joy Parker both of Kalispell, Mont.; 1 son; Jim Palicz of Tulsa, Ark.; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Franklin John Palicz will be held Monday, Aug. 21, 2006 at 2 p.m. in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow at Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to services on Monday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Johnson Mortuary.

Johnson Mortuary & Crematory is caring for Franklin's family.