Frank J. Charette

ST. IGNATIUS — Frank J. Charette, 85, Jan, 2, 2005, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan from a massive heart attack.

Frank was born in East Helena to Francis and Laura (Sweeney) Charette on Aug. 23, 1919. Raised in East Helena, as a young child Frank suffered injuries from a fire that eventually led to losing an arm.

However, Frank was a very resilient man who went on to become one of the best welders in the Seattle shipyards. He worked for Markey Machinery in Seattle for 30 years, retiring in 1977. At that time he moved to St. Ignatius to be by family, where he continued working for his sons until 1981.

Frank enjoyed his pets, fishing and camping. He also enjoyed Bingo and was a member of the Dixon and St. Ignatius Senior Citizens' groups.

Frank came from a large family and was preceded in death by his son Norman and several brothers and sisters including Curley, Eli, Rosanna and Ada.

He married Janet McLeod Anderson in 1969 and she survives. Also surviving are his children: Laurel "Babe" (Lori) Charette of St. Ignatius, Judy (Richard Hansford) Charette of Graham, Wash.; daughter-in-law Teddi Charette of Ronan; stepchildren Jim, Joan, Jack and John; sister Violet Dickson of Washington and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Jan. 5 in the Longhouse. Burial was in the St. Ignatius Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the St. Ignatius or Dixon Senior Citizens.