Frank Dehne

DENVER — Frank Dehne, 76, died May 14, 2006, at his home in Denver after a long struggle with melanoma.

He was born in Butte and moved to Polson in 1944 and graduated from Polson High School in 1948.

He went on to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, followed by four years in the Navy. In 1958, he received a BFA degree from the University of Denver.

He returned each summer like a homing pigeon to go fishing and golfing in his favorite spots and renew his friendships and to tell outrageous stories in colorful language.

He was an artist in many media and particularly enjoyed watercolor because of its spontaneity and ability to express wonderful moods. He was so pleased to be selected for the Arts for the Parks, and to always tell a bigger fish story.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Mary and Ed Dehne and his brother, Ed.

He is survived by is wife, Frankie (Frances McDonell); his daughters, Shawn (Dr. Bruce Nordstrom) and Maureen; his sons, Neil (Terri) and Patrick (Amy); his twin sister, Fritz Dehne of Polson; five grandchildren and a host of in-laws.

Following his funeral at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church, he was buried in Ft. Logan National Cemetery in Denver on May 18.