Frank Bernard Gantzer

Frank Bernard Gantzer Jr., Chief Master Sergeant United States Air Force retired, 75, died Sunday, August 2, 2009, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. Born Sept 8, 1934, to Frank B. Gantzer, Sr. and Hedwig (Hattie) Gantzer in St Paul, Minnesota. He married his former wife, Shirley McCarthy on September 25, 1953 in St. Paul, Minnesota, she survives. Frank went by the name Bud. He graduated from Washington High School, St. Paul, Minnesota, 1952, where he loved and played the game of hockey. He continued his education in the in the United States Air Force where he received the equivalent of an under graduate degree. Bud was a past president of the Air Force Gunners Association and the Over the Hill Elk Camp. He served as a Chair person for His local Neighborhood Association and Volunteered for Ultrusa International. Bud loved hunting, fishing, sports, boating, dancing, and socializing with friends. Above all he had a tremendous love for God, family, friends and his country. Bud served his country in the United States Air Force for 31 years. He became a veteran in the Vietnam War where he flew as a flight engineer and tail gunner in the B52 bomber. During his military service, Bud, achieved the distinguished rank of Chief Master Sergeant and served at Offutt Air Force Base Strategic Air Command in Bellview, Nebraska. "Bud flew 142 combat missions, received 30 decorations; disguised Flying Cross, a Bronze star and six Air medals." Bud retired at McCord Air Force Base as a Senior Enlisted Advisor on October 31, 1983. After retiring from the Air force Bud worked for Carrig & Dancer Enterprises Inc. and Apec, Inc. Bud retired from Apec, Inc. in 2005. He is survived by his four sons; David and his wife Dianne of South Lake Tahoe, CA, Dennis and his wife Lorraine of Merced, CA, Donald and his wife Carel of Aloha, OR, Craig of Foxboro , MA, and daughter Laura Lafever of Olympia, WA, 10 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; and two sisters and their husbands Rose and Chuck Auburg, Geraldine (Gerri) Stebbing and Richard, his half sister Joy Lajeret and her husband Curt . In lieu of flowers please send donation to Grace Community Covenant Church, 5501 Wiggins Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98501. Arrangements by Oakwood Hill Funeral Chapel 253-473-2900. Final resting place will be Mountain View Funeral Home 253-584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com