Ronald Dennis Francetich

On Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. the family of Ronald D. Francetich welcomes you to join them for a graveside service held at the Sand Coulee Cemetery in Sand Coulee, Montana. Ron was born on October 19, 1940, to Joseph and Josephine Francetich. He joined his older sister and brother. On September 9, 2021, he passed away quietly in his sleep after a long battle with cancer. He volunteered and served in the U.S. Navy for three years.He was one of the proudest veterans who always displayed the red, white, and blue prominently. Upon returning to the United States, he fell in love with Dolores (Avery) Cotham. They had three daughters. He later married Mary Knapp and a son was born. Ron held many jobs, from restaurant owner to liquor store salesperson to warehouse worker for the State of Washington. One thing in common with all his jobs was that he could share stories and make friends with his customers. Ronald is survived by his daughters, Darla (Tracy) Francetich of Sacramento, CA and Dawn Francetich of Elk Grove, CA ; son, Joe (Sarah) Francetich of Bismarck, ND; sister, Joan McGuire of Missoula MT; granddaughters, Amanda Byers of Sacramento, CA, Ashley (Larry) Quill of Sacramento, CA, Susanna Francetich of Bismarck, ND, and Maren Francetich of Bismarck, ND; grandsons, Anthony (Carressa) Byers of Rio Linda, CA, Keith Allen (Jenn) Byers of Loomis, CA, Steven Crayne of Sacramento, CA, Jacob Francetich of Bismarck, ND, Brody Wardlaw of Elk Grove, CA, and Tyler Francetich of Craig, CO; nine great-grandchildren; countless extended family; “adopted family” members; and numerous friends. He was also the proud stepfather of Koleene Pope, Renee Vinje, and Larry Knapp. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Dodi Francetich; and brother, Alan Francetich, Ron was a storyteller and could entertain for hours with his countless stories. He always had a new contraption that would keep the youngsters amazed for hours as well as the quirky gifts that had the adults amused for years. You never knew what was going to emerge from his faithful van that he pampered and loved to disassemble and reassemble. The family asks you to remember this last message: keep telling stories. It is our stories that connect us and unite us. It is through our stories that we can change the world. Ron and his stories did change the world in countless little ways as they always made us smile. Memorials can be made to Wounded Warrior Projector in his name.