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- Birth: Dec. 10, 1921
Death: Jan. 17, 2008
Frank A. Ascuaga, 86, died peacefully at his Notus home on January 17, 2008. He was born in Caldwell on December 10, 1921, to Basque immigrants Jose and Marina Ascuaga. Frank was the second of their four children. He attended Enrose School and graduated from Notus High. Following high school, he graduated from Boise Business College.
On December 7, 1941, Frank was working as a payroll clerk for Morrison-Knudsen Company at a jobsite in Hawaii when Pearl Harbor was bombed. He quickly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. His compact stature ("130 pounds of lean, mean fighting machine!") made him ideally suited to being a Fighting Seabee. While in the Navy, he trained in Marin, California, as a deep sea diver, diving to 300 feet to do underwater welding because it meant an additional $10 per month.
During this time, Frank met Winifred Bartlett at a USO dance in San Francisco. Romance blossomed and they were married on August 31, 1946.
The couple settled in Idaho. Eventually they purchased the family dairy operation and farm ground from Frank's parents. Believing that he was more suited to raising beef than to milking cows, Frank sold the milk cows in 1955 and started a feedlot. He successfully operated the feedlot and farmed the adjoining acreage for over 35 years. Frank and Winnie loved to entertain, and their home will be remembered by many for the dinner conversation, the card games, and the generous hospitality.
Frank and Winifred welcomed their daughter Rita. Frank was a proud and devoted father. He took parenting seriously and was willing to assist with just about any of Rita's projects. He was especially welcoming to her friends and schoolmates. Throughout Rita's life, Frank was very supportive and offered words of encouragement, along with plenty of advice, whether she wanted it or not.
Following Winifred's death in 1996, Frank continued fishing with friends, cheering for the BSU football team and attending his brother's annual cattle drive. He looked forward to the cattle drive and the pranks that were pulled on him. Of course, he pulled a few pranks himself.
Frank began spending more and more time with his dear friend, Peg Araquistain, relishing her company and camaraderie. A new romance blossomed and they were married on June 15, 2005. The couple enjoyed traveling, gardening, and visiting with family and friends. Among the highlights of their time together was a trip to Spain where they toured the Basque Country and connected with Frank's heritage.
Except for a few years in the 1940's, Frank lived his entire life on the ground that his parents homesteaded in 1917. He cared deeply for his family, friends, neighbors and pets. Those who knew him will remember him being full of life. People of every age enjoyed his company. Frank was a founding member of the Caldwell Basque Group (now Euzkaldunak Charities, Inc.), a member of BPOE Elks Lodge #1448 and a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church.
Frank is survived by his wife, Peg; his daughter, Rita of Boise; two sisters, Carmen Blackwell of Vancouver Washington and Rosie (Kermit) Kadel of Notus; one brother, John (Rose) Ascuaga of Carson City, NV; three step-sons, Tony of Elko, NV, Mark (Theresa) of Caldwell and Craig of Fairbanks, Alaska; two step-daughters, Mary Kay of Portland and Beth of Caldwell; several nieces and nephews; his dog, Clyde and a number of genuine friends and good neighbors, many who were life-long.
The family suggests memorials may be made in Frank's name to: Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1122 W. Linden, Caldwell, ID 83605; Euzkaldunak Charities, Inc., P.O. Box 258, Huston, ID 83630 or to a favorite charity.
A vigil service will be held at 7:00 P.M. Monday, January 21, 2008, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Caldwell. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M., Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at the church. Interment will follow at Canyon Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, under direction of the Flahiff Funeral Chapel, Caldwell. A luncheon for family and friends will follow the committal at the cemetery at the Caldwell Elks Lodge.
The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Bobbie Bonaminio and to Four Rivers Hospice for their care and kindness.
Published in the Idaho Press Tribune on 1/20/2008.
Burial:
Canyon Hill Cemetery
Caldwell
Canyon County
Idaho, USA
Created by: Connie F
Record added: Jan 20, 2008
Find A Grave Memorial# 24066552
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1921 - 2008 (86 years)
