Our Dad & Papa was born in Poplar, MT on November 14, 1958 to Frank & Mary (Two Eagle) Gourneau, Sr. Frank was an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes. When Frank was a kid his friends in Wolf Point called him “Jaqalaut”, his family called him “Son”, and his Poplar High School friends called him, “Bogart” (go figure), but the majority of his life he was called “Dad” & “Papa.” Frank passed away on February 8th, 2023 after a hard battle with pancreatic cancer, he was 64 years old.
Frank lived and attended school in Wolf Point, MT until he entered the 8th grade when he moved to Poplar, MT. He would always talk about his escapades with his friends and family in Wolf Point, the Azure boys and girls, Duane Garfield, Rick McGeshick, Cheeseburger Granbois, and many others, but especially his best friend & brother, Jerry Moran. Frank was an outstanding athlete, his “no-hitter” game being a story he loved telling the kids….many times over. Frank excelled in track & field, wrestling, baseball, basketball, and especially in football. He won many local & State awards. He always said, “I loved to practice and never missed one.” Frank was an avid Vikings fan and whenever a game was on, no matter the team, everyone was silent, except Frank. If you ever witnessed him at any sporting event you know!
Frank and Haven met in high school, married in 1979, and for the next 47 years raised 6 children and 4 grandchildren together (he loved telling anyone who would listen about the 47 years and that Haven was still playing Barbie dolls when he met her). Haven always said, maybe I was but Ken & Barbie were having babies by that time. These two loved to argue; it wasn’t a true day if they didn’t squabble at least once. It usually started with Frank and his relentless teasing. Frank never went a day without calling each and every one of his kids and his wife several times a day and everyone else whose number he had; he carried two phones so that he could call two at a time and he would find something for them to do, he loved being in charge. Everyone had to drop what they were doing and do his bidding. Frank loved to visit, reminisce and tell stories about his youth, his Grandmother Emma and Great-grandmother Theresa, and his aunts & uncles. He would get a thrill out of telling the kids, “Ask your Mom, and he would mimic the old ladies saying, “Frankie….you’re a baaad, baaad boy!,” then he would laugh and laugh. For 20 years he would wear his short, short 1970s high school basketball trunks and blue raggedy tank top outside to water the grass and every year the kids would come running in and say, “Mom, tell Dad to knock it off and quit wearing those shorts, everyone is driving by and staring at him!”
Frank served on the Fort Peck Tribal Executive council and had a great love and concern for his community and especially for the kids. His one wish was that the kids in Poplar had a new outdoor swimming pool. Frank spent his life working in construction and even as an adult loved playing in the dirt. Frank owned and operated his first company, Three Feathers, and then Gourneau Construction, building roads, hauling material, demolition, and everything else having to do with trucks and equipment. If you saw Frank, you saw Jonzie. His Tonka toys were big boys!
Frank was preceded in death by his father, Frank L. Gourneau, Sr., grandmother Emma (Two Eagle) Pizana, Uncle Larry & Aunt Jeanette Gourneau, Uncle’s Stanley & Timothy Gourneau, Uncle Andrew Azure, Aunt Judy (Gourneau) & Uncle Eugene Delonias, Aunt Anna Mae (Gourneau) & Uncle Freddie Laducer, special cousin Davey Gourneau, and nephews Dalton & Tyrone Gourneau.
Frank is survived by his wife Haven Jo (McClammy) Gourneau, son’s Frank (Bosh) & Connor Gourneau, daughters Mauri, Tessy & Sidney (Bug) Gourneau, daughter Rainey (Matt) Azure, mother Mary Ellen Gourneau, brothers Greg, Caleb & Terrence (Leslie) Gourneau, Sr., sisters Roxanne & Gwen Gourneau, cousin/sister Chic (Gary) Robinson, Aunt Sharon Ballow, Aunt’s Carol, Maxine, & Rainey Gourneau, Aunt Tammy Azure, Uncle/Dad Lee (Alfreda) Gourneau, grandsons Dusette (BooBoo), Luthor, Ivan, Ashton (Brother), Kaison, Matthew, Huntyn, & Gunner (Gun Bunz), granddaughters Kylie May (Cupcake), Havie, Blessing, Kali, Kaci, Journey (Tiny), Frankie, Hanley (Hammy), Jerzey (Blue), & Mattie, Godson Terrence Gourneau Jr., special children & grandchildren Michelle, Taylor, Jordan & Bailey Day, Renee (Greg) Boswell, & Jason (Tabitha) Gourneau, special brothers Wayne Jones, Troy Perry, Harley Nesham, Wayne Sandau & Dana Comeslast, special sisters, Gracie Pipe & as he called her, his sister from high school, Chrissy (Grainger) Brand, and many nieces and nephews.
A Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, Montana. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, Montana. Interment will follow at Poplar City Cemetery.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 15, 2023
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 16, 2023
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Service Schedule
Rosary
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday February 15, 2023
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
Thursday February 16, 2023
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
Poplar, Montana 59255
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david campbell says
💔🌹🙏no words….only prayers and love for Franks family…many deep hugs for you Haven and kids…..from Dave…airport & family….in tears…xoxo😪😪rest in peace brother….☝☝
Pauline azure feuvray says
God bless and comfort the family.
Tom and Anita Scheetz says
Loads of hugs and prayers! May happy memories keep Frank forever in your hearts.
Jonny Bearcub says
Frank fly high with the Angels you are free of pain and well once again. Sister Haven and family hold close the great and happy memories for that will be a balm to your pain. Prayers sent for strength and comfort as you prepare to celebrate Frank’s life.
Christine and Greg Holler-Dinsmore says
Dear Haven, family and friends deepest condolences. May your faith, give you assurance that you are still united with Frank and will see him again. May the love and care of family, friends and the Creator bring you healing, hope, and peace. Lifting you up in prayer. Love never dies.
Gloria Giese says
So sorry to see this. My thoughts and prayers are with you❤️🙏🏼❤️🙏🏼❤️
Freedom Crawford says
Rest in peace deksi doksa ake
Lois Black says
To Haven and family,
RIP cousin Frank, I wanna say thank you for all that you did for me and my family, specially when I had a flat tire on the side of the road, instead of get me a air tank you bought me a new tire. I could still remember what you said that’s what family is for.
Rest in peace
Love Lois Black and Family
JAMES BIGHORN says
My sincere condolences to the family.
Tim Cody says
A lifelong friend from the Dayton Street days and other places. Rest in Peace my good friend. Blessings of Love, Peace, and Comfort to all the Gourneau family. May God hold you all in His arms!!
Bill Gourneau says
I have fond memories of our times growing up. It makes my heart ache with sadness as you walk on. You will be missed, but I know you are in a place of where you will not suffer the pains of the earth. It makes me feel better knowing you are once again united with your father Frank Sr., and the relatives who have walked on before you. The memories you’ve made with all you’ve met will remain a treasure to all of us. To our families I will pray that we stay strong and that we will continue our faith and work together in our hearts in this time of grief.
Winnie schafer says
My condolences to the family
Mary Follette says
Condolences and prayers for the family.
Gay Pennington says
My heart aches as we lost a great friend, classmate and a loving wonderful husband, dad and grandpa Frank.. he was one of a kind man and always helping when who evet needs it..theres not too many that have a heart to help. My friend Frank we grew up together in school and became friends and Ill treasuer our friendship.. Condolence to Haven, family and relatives…Keep Franks memories in your heart..Love you all..💔💔💔🌹🌹🌹🌹
Robert & Terry McAnally says
Haven and family, may Wakan Tanka be with you and comfort you,now and alwsys. Big Frankie is in the Other Side Camp now with all his relatives. Rest In Peace. Aho.
Kimberley Myrick says
To my little sister Mauri. My sincere condolences 💐 at this time and sending my prayers for you and your family.
Love you,
Kimberley
Jordis Ferguson says
Hugs of comfort to you Haven and kids & family. Proud to have got to call you guys family. Hugs Sent In Love to you all.
Patrice Ironbear says
From Tony and I 🙏🏼
Prayers for the family and thank you for
all you have done for Us. And thank you
for always being a man of your word.
Sincere condolences.
Donald Boyd says
Sending Prayers And Deepest Condolences To The Gourneau Family In The Days Ahead 🙏 Rest Easy R.I.P. Easy My Friend..
Naomi Adams family says
Our sincere condolences to the Gourneau family. So saddened to hear. May God comfort you all in your time of sorrow. Prayers.
Gerald Robert Red Elk (Bob) says
Condolences to the family. Frank was one of my students at Poplar High School 1977-78 when I was an Indian Education Counselor
Cheryl Cantrell says
My Condolences to the Family of Frank. He was a kind man , he knew everyone and had a story or joke for you. He will be missed . Lots of Love n Prayers Haven..
Dale M Buckles says
RIP Frank. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Joel n Marcella GB says
To my dear ol friend Haven n family..my sincere hugs n prayers are with you all..we go back in years..may Jesus be your comfort and strength today and every day..til you meet again in our Father’s kingdom in heaven..fly high with the Angels, Frank..no more pain or sorrow.. amen 💜🙏
Barbara Perry says
Sincere sympathy to Haven and the family. The Gourneaus have always been friends of the family. Frank will be missed!
Rod & Ilene Standen says
Of all our memories of Frank, the one that gives us the biggest smile is when he would come barreling down the street in his truck and we quickly got out of the way! He was the master of the Gourneau Driving School!!!!
He’ll be missed by a lot of us. Blessings to you and the family.
Rev Steven Smith says
Such a shock to hear. He always treated me with great honor and respect as a pastor. Would ask for prayers for Haven and his family. So continued prayers for his family especially during this time of loss. Gods matchless grace in Jesus name. Amen! 🤲🏽
Debra says
Condolences to the family
Kenny Shields says
This isn’t good bye cousin, you are being taken to higher place, where there is no pain or sorrow, you will be there with your ancestors. Your father will be so glad and happy to see you, and welcome you with open arms. Love to all your family. Cousin Kenny and family.
Linda L Hansen says
Prayers to all of Frank’s Family; Haven and children, Mother Mary, sisters Gwen and Roxanne, Brothers, Greg, Terrance and Caleb. Frank had a beautiful smile and a generous heart. May the Lord send you comfort in your time of grief through the prayers of all family and friends.
Rhonda Mason says
Dear Haven and family, prayers to lift your hearts during this very sad time. What I remember most of Frank is his love for you and family and he always had a kind word and smile.
Rest easy Frank, God bless.
Fred McGeshick, Jr. says
RIP Frank. Condolences, prayers, peace, joy, love for his family, relatives and will remember the big heart you had for others.
Curtis Courchene says
Sorry you had to go through so much misery , but we are all thinking of you ……… Cadillac and sons
Debbie says
Shokolot, Rest in blessed peace.
Robyn Baker says
Extending my sincere condolences to the Gourneau tiospaye. Frank was one of the good guys. May he journey well and fly high.
Florence Garcia says
Condolences and prayers to Haven and all the family. Frank was bigger than life and made it known that his family was the most important thing to him. God bless.
Debbie Vine says
Haven and family,
My sincere condolences to you. God bless you all.
Laurel Boulds-Fisk says
My condolences to Haven and all family, friends who knew Frank! I have fond memories from our High School days, Frank was always so generous and always telling jokes and making everyone laugh! Rest In Peace Frank. 🙏 💔
Evetta Two Bulls says
Sending our heartfelt condolences to all the family! Prayers for comfort and strength during this sad and difficult time 😔🙏.
Wayne and Evetta
Lucy and Lee Redekopp says
My sincere condolences to the Gourneau family.
Rob, Carrie Manning says
Sending our condolences and keeping your family in prayer.
Rob and Carrie Manning
Sadie Hamilton and Family says
Haven and Family, please accept our sincerest condolences. We are sending love and prayers to all of you. We pray God will wrap his loving arms around you all and give you strength in the coming days.
Crowbelt and Bighorns says
Our sincere condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Josh Vanek says
Haven, Bosh and family: Sending condolences and strength from your friends and colleagues at Campus Compact, and from the higher education community across Montana.
Darlyn Grainger says
Haven and family. So sorry for your loss of your husband, Son, Dad, Grandpa. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kristina Simons says
My heart is so heavy…I truly am at loss to even begin to express myself. What an enormous loss. My heart is with the entire family. Lord…please give this family the strength and comfort they will be needing…
Monica Campbell says
I’m so sorry for your loss Haven and family. I and my kids are sending our sincere condolences to you and yours. May the good Lord be with you in your time of grief.
Connie Bird says
Sending Prayers to all his family. Sorry For Your Loss
Pearl says
Condolences and prayers to the family. He would always tease me. One time I was at Cenex putting gas in a white pickup and he honked and waved and I seen him turn. I thought oh no he’s coming, he pulls up right beside me and says Holay this one, what white rich oil man you dating, driving a nice pickup! haha
Waycen Owens-Cyr says
My condolences to the Gourneau family, I will cherish the time I was able to spend with Frank and the family; I was able to experience his storytelling, laughs, wisdom, and knowledge, and even able to go on a few trips together. Those memories have impacted me and will last forever, thank you! Rest Easy Frank! -Waycen
craig a azure says
frank we both went thru so much this last year, i am sorry you lost the battle, as i am still unsure. we will meet in heaven and visit when i get there. love you friend, gone but never forgotten. craig a azure
Loren Boadle says
Sorry to hear about your loss, prayers and thoughts for his family. I really enjoyed visiting him at sporting events.
Loren Boadle and Family
Cissy Eagleman & Cookie Bighorn says
Sincere Condolences, big hugs, much love and lots of prayers to the Frank Gourneau family.
Thank you Frank for always being the kind person you were to my mother, Cookie & I. Your friendship was always appreciated.
Rest easy now my friend. YOU healed completely after your last breath and that I know was God’s mercy.
Praise the Lord for your friendship, laughs and now your healing.
Danette (Johnson) Olguin says
I am so sorry to hear of Franks passing and my heart goes out to his family,Haven, his children and grandchildren. I went to school with Frank and I don’t think I ever seen him without a smile on his face. Rest In Peace Frank! Prayers to you all 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Gene Jackson says
RIP Big Frank. Your famous words to me all the time..Keep on truckin Geno, as i know you will still be doing in heaven. You taught me alot and I’m forever greatful for you. And to the family, I send my most sincere condolences. God Bless