Frank Hanser

Heavenly Angels took Franklin (Frank) Gus Hanser, 71, of Broadview, MT, home Friday July 29, 2022. He was born October 1, 1950, the second of 8 children to John P. Hanser and Inga (Jenny) M. Hanser in Billings, MT.

Frank loved God, family, hunting, gun collecting (especially his Colt pistols), trucking down the road, history of all kinds and driving his Massey tractor. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years.

Frank married his soul mate Marie Bolstad (and son Michael) in Eagan, MN on July 20, 1979. At that time he was trucking for Hoovestal Inc., hauling mail. He also worked for Nelson International, Wilmar, MN as a mechanic which was very stressful. After seven years in Minnesota, Montana called to him so they moved to Billings, MT to be closer to his parents.

He also worked as a diesel mechanic for Billings Mack. A few years later the open road called to him so he bought his own truck, a Kenworth, Frank Hanser Trucking, and hauled railroad trailers for Eagle Systems Inc. He had a lot of fun and made good friends along the way. When that fizzled out, he hired on with Interstate Distribution out of Tacoma, WA. His wife Marie was able to ride with him for a full year while he hauled anything from groceries to flowers (Marie helped unload the trailers).

When the trucking industry changed, and not to Frank's liking and every aspect of owning a truck became too expensive; he sold the truck. Around this time his parents needed help on the farm, so Frank went to work as a mechanic/driver at Billings Farmhand. This made him available to help on the farm as needed. When his parents passed on and the farm was auctioned, Frank bought 22 acres of his Grandad's farm. This was a special place for Frank and he had many fond memories here as a child. When his wife Marie was less than confident that this was the best move to make, he made her a promise, that if in five years she didn't like the area or feel safe he would move them somewhere else. Five years later Frank asked Marie if she could live there and be happy the rest of their lives, she of course said yes. Marie loved the peace and quiet and the seven mountain views. They were both happy.

It wasn't long before the open road was once again calling to Frank and in 2011, he went to work for CHS Transport out of Laurel, MT. He even joined the union. Yikes! He always said he would never join a union. Frank was once again back in his element, driving down the road (even going into Canada) hauling propane, fuel and anhydrous. After seven years and some major health issues he retired, but not really. After a short break he went to work part time for Raymond Corcoran Trucking until his diabetes and eyesight took a turn. That still didn't keep him from being busy, helping his cousin, Don Hanser with haying and was able to put more time into his gunsmithing and setting up at Gunshows. Of course, this also meant more time to run his Massey Tractor on the farm and help others when needed. He also was able to become more involved with the church and loved being a greeter and visiting with people. He looked forward to every Sunday.

Frank was a jokester at times, especially if it involved teasing his Norwegian wife. He was a very caring and loving family man with a strong faith. Among Frank's interests he and Marie were members of the Montana Gunfighters Association based in Billings, MT. What fun it was to dress in 1800's style clothes and do skits for different parties and events. The skits included shootings, hangings and a lot of laughs. He had even joined the Calvary Reenactment group. Frank also participated in the Montana Centennial Cattle Drive in 1989 and went to the Centennial Ball in Helena, MT. Frank and one of his good friends, Frank Nienabor often enjoyed going to the Virginia City Black Powder Shoot, dressed in period clothing and sleeping in a wall tent.

On his trucking adventures across the United States, he found the time to visit the Gettysburg Battlefield and tour two WWII Battleships. The USS Alabama BB-60 and the USS Texas. Frank led an eventful life and was well liked by everyone he met. He and his friend Tiger even went to Alaska for a caribou hunt, they had a great time but instead of caribou all he got was fish. Frank also went hog hunting in Florida with his good friend Gary Benton. He had so much fun and came home with so many stories to tell.

Frank will be eternally remembered by his wife Marie of 43 years; his daughters Toni Hanser-Hahn of Seattle, WA and Kristi Hanser of Thermopolis, WY. His son Michael Galland (Tawnya) of Billings, MT and his beloved grandchildren: Josh Hahn of Seattle, WA, Julianna Maddox of Great Falls, MT, Eirika Hanser of Thermopolis, WY, Matthew & Kimberly Galland of Billings, MT. His brothers Joe (Cathy) Hanser of McLeod, MT, Mike (Jan) Hanser of Greybull, WY, Tom (Rose) Hanser of Colstrip, MT, Andrew (Caroline) Hanser of Yelm, WA and sister; MaryAnn Weathered (Dick) of Bozeman, MT. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his brother John and infants Robert Daniel & Marion Frances, parents, grandparents and numerous aunts and uncles.

There will be a Vigil on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 6pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel. 10 Yellowstone Ave Billings, MT. On August 11, 2022 the Funeral Mass will be 10am at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 2055 Woody Dr. Billings, MT (luncheon to follow at the church). Friday, August 12, 2022 there will be a Memorial Lunch held at the Broadview Community Center in Broadview, MT from noon to 3pm. All are invited to celebrate the life of Frank Hanser.