Frank A. Shiflar
August 16, 1937 - November 19, 2021
I was born August 16, 1937 on the kitchen table of a two- room shack in #2 Coal Camp, Rock Springs, Wyoming, the last of nine children born to John Shiflar and Anna Sever Shiflar. My four sisters Christine, Anne, Sylvia and Virginia and four brothers John, Rudy, Andy and Al predeceased me. Surviving is my lovely wife of 56 years, Helen Yelenich Shiflar and two wonderful
children Jon (Shannon) and Nicole (Travis). Also left behind are the three grand mutts who will miss my teasing.
In 1955 I graduated from Rock Springs High School to the relief of the staff knowing that there would be no more trips down the hallways on my Harley. The day after graduation in my 1936 Ford with a toolbox, suitcase and $60.00, I headed west to make my fortune but only made it to Salt Lake City where I lived for the majority of my life.
After serving my country in Korea from 1958 to 1960 and being called back into service during the Cuban Missile Crisis, I took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended the University of Utah. After 35 years of service I retired from Mountain Bell, which became Century Link. “Ma Bell” treated me pretty damn good . In 1976 during my time with the phone company I was awarded The Theodore Vail Medal for saving the lives of three people in an automobile accident involving a high pressure natural gas pipeline.
Throughout my lifetime I had all the “toys” I wanted, if affordable. If not, I made them one piece at a time and they didn’t cost me a dime, because it was all junk! I made a few poor decisions but many good ones, the greatest of which was marrying the love of my life, Helen. As a family we were traveling every chance we could in whatever vehicle we had. As empty nesters Helen and I chased rainbows wherever our RV took us. Now it is time for me to turn out the lights and say Lahko Noc (Good Night ). There will be a parking space saved for you on the other side. You might find me making Lucifer’s Hot Rod Lincoln louder, or the hinges on the Pearly Gates quieter. A good handyman is in demand and I hear we can breathe deeply over there. Just remember me, dear family and friends with a smile, not tears, on your face as I will remember you until we meet again.
We extend gratitude to family and friends as well as to Dr. Greg Elliott for his care, compassion and friendship through these difficult years.
A private funeral mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church to pray for his rest. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com where celebration of life service information will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers, please support a cause of your choice.
“ALWAYS FRANK WITH YOU”
In Loving Memory
Oh Frank, we read your life story with many tears and with big smiles. Thank you for being you and being part of our large family - we are all better for knowing you. We will miss you and look forward to seeing you once again on the other side. Our sincere sympathies and love to you Beba, Jon and Nikki. Your Frank can breathe once again and is at peace...how wonderful is that. We love you so much, Judy, Darryl and Jason.
Dear Beba, Jon and Nicole, I do not profess to know what happens to us once we take our last breath. I will choose to believe that Uncle Frank is in a better place where he can breath without a struggle and pain. Riding his Harley or tinkering on another TBird. No doubt he found my dad and they are sharing a beer and laughing. I can't remember a time without Uncle Frankie in my life and that is a comforting thing for me. The last thing I remember him telling me was "you are not such a Bad Seed after all". He taught me so much about undying love these last few months. Much love and admiration to each of you. Helen aka The Bad Seed. Godspeed
Uncle Frank you always made us laugh and brought joy to us all with your stories. I'll never forget all the stories mom use to tell us when we were kids. She loved you so much her eyes and face lit up with joy every time she got to see you or talk to you. I know all your brothers and sisters are so happy to see you now. And you are all healthy and happy to be back together. I love you and miss you very much. I love you to Aunt Helen, Nikki and Jon and I'm so sorry for your loss. Love Karen
Dear Helen I’m so sorry to learn of your loss.Frank was always so friendly to me.God bless you and your family.sincerely yours Dean
Dear Helen, I stumbled on Frank's obituary and felt I needed to extend my sympathies and condolences to you and your family for your loss. Although I mostly knew Frank through our conversations over many years, your marriage of 56 years speaks volumes of the kind of man he was. I hope you find peace knowing his sufffering has ended. Your friend, John
Dear Helen and family, My sincere condolences. I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. May your memories become brighter in the days to come. I appreciate your friendship.
Dear Helen: Jonette and I just learned of Frank's passing. We were sad for ourselves but at the same time, so glad for you, that you finally dumped all of your attorney friends years ago to spend more time with the higher class Frank, even though I was one of the dumpees. I am never short of stories involving you, my father, Prince Yeates, your family's hotel in Helper and a host of other subjects. You have a wonderful family, including even the Bad Seed, and I I know they will rally around you. Frank will be missed...Geoffrey and Jonette Mangum
The slideshow brings back so many great memories- what a great life you had with Frank - He is at peace now and will be missed by so many - thinking about the times he lived with us when I was very young and how he liked to torture me. Those times are precious to me - Love you Helen, Jon and Nikki
In Loving Memory
