Obituary for Dr. Frank G. McGreevey

Dr. Frank G. McGreevey

Dr. Frank G. McGreevey, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather died July 7 surrounded by his wife, sons, and niece.

He traveled his twenty-one-day journey living with brain cancer with the determination not to be a burden to anyone and with a faith filled with style and grace.  He died as he lived, with dignity.

He was born on July 4, 1934 in Anaconda to P.J. and Hazel McGreevey.  He graduated from Anaconda Central High School in 1952 and attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.  He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Neb. in 1958. 

Frank met the love of his life, LaVerne Deschenes in Spokane in 1954.  They were married in August of 1957 at the Cathedral of St. Helena, in Helena and together they raised six sons in Ronan.

In September of 1958, Frank began a 40 plus years dental practice in Ronan and another ten years with Tribal Health Services.  His love of dentistry and perfection in his work led his peers to dub him “The man with the golden hands.”

His commitment to the community he loved also involved being on the Ronan School Board from 1978-1990.  He was a long time member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Ronan, Knights of Columbus, the Cursillo Movement, and the Jaycees.  He gave freely of his time, treasure, and talent.

He was also a member of the XI PSI PHI Dental Fraternity, The Montana Dental Society, and the American Dental Association.

In 1961, Frank and his father-in-law, Adolph built a cabin on Flathead Lake to be enjoyed by all of Adolph’s three girls and their families.

Frank was an avid outdoorsman with fishing the Madison River and the opening weekend of hunting season at the Finkbeiner Ranch as his favorites.  He also loved to golf and was a member of the Mission Mountain Country Club.

Preceding him in death are his parents P.J. and Hazel, brothers, Dr. Don McGreevey, Dr. Jim McGreevey, Edward McGreevey and sisters Marie Fenner and Dr. Virginia McGreevey.

Frank is survived by his wife Laverne of Ronan, sons Tim (Carol) McGreevey of Polson, Tom (Shawna) McGreevey of Sidney, Dan McGreevey of Missoula, Pat (Trish) McGreevey of St. Ignatius, John (Mia) McGreevey of Missoula and Rob (Stephenie) McGreevey of Ronan and sister Lenore Prigge of Butte; nine grandchildren, Jennifer, JeNaia, Jermey, Josh, Molly, Logan TiLynn, Sierra and Sophia; and eight great-grandchildren.

A memorial funeral mass will be held Friday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Gary Reller presiding.  Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  The family wishes to thank Dr. Ed Vizcarra and Dr. Paul Gochis for their care and concern.  They also want to thank Partners in Home Care Hospice for their support and services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bread Basket in Ronan, Ronan School District, or a charity of your choice.