Francis 'Frank' Anthony Grasso

ASHLAND, Wis. - Francis "Frank" Anthony Grasso, 84, of Pence, died Monday, Oct. 19, 2015, at Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center in Ashland.

Frank was born on Feb. 23, 1931, and grew up at the family home west of Trimble Hill in Montreal. His father, John, passed away when Frank was 7 years of age. He cared for the home and his mother, Anna (Milo), along with his two sisters, Marie (Gamble) and Mildred (Pavlovich). His sisters taught him that family and hospitality are no small things.

His brothers, Miles "Bulls," John "Jack" and Robert "Bobby" taught him the value of hard work and that a job well done only takes a little more time than a job poorly done. Their bonds were forged with family, neighbors, friends and a love of the Northwoods. They stayed in touch with God's work and bounty with their fishing trips, annual deer hunts and countless excursions throughout the cathedral of what we know as the Iron County Forest.

He is survived by his wife, Jean (Vandevoorde); two daughters, Gina Turner and Darcy Hautala (Steve Knutson); and his son, Ken (Laurie). His children made him proud. Their dedication to making the world a better place gave him a true sense of satisfaction.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Christina Grasso, and Jacob and Jordan Turner, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Frank held many jobs during his career. After graduating from J.E. Murphy High School in 1949, he served his country for 11 years as a combat engineer in the Wisconsin National Guard and earned the Cold War Victory Medal. He was a miner with Oglebay-Norton at the Montreal Mine and with Copper Range at the White Pine Mine. He worked in maintenance and construction at Whitecap Mountain Ski Resort and retired as a mechanic with the Iron County Highway Department.

Frank and his brother-in-law, Jack Vandevoorde, were masters of innovation. While they never held patents, they always found ways to modify equipment to keep it running long after other mechanics would have cast it aside.

He was a lucky man in every way. Frank was fortunate enough to work doing what he loved, but his true passion was fishing. Whether he was casting for brook trout on the Tyler Forks or walleyes on the Gile Flowage, Frank always knew where the fish were biting and guided many friends and neighbors to his favorite spots. John Pavlovich, Jim Kaffine and Bob Mezzano were among his many fishing companions.

Above all, Frank will be remembered for his good nature, fine sense of humor and his ability to enjoy a practical joke. He was a happy soul, laughed easily, and left only friends with his passing. He will be sorely missed by his family.

Frank's family would like to thank the staff of the Ashland Health and Rehabilitation Center and Aspirus Grand View Hospital for their care and consideration during his recent stay at their facilities. They also want to thank the family of Sandy and Renee Olson for their kindness and care during this difficult time.

Out of respect for Frank's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Private family services were held.

Arrangements were entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Ironwood. Condolences may be expressed online at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.