Cole

A legend with a golden voice — that voice was stilled.
Frank Cole Jr. passed away March 27, 2017, at Beartooth Hospital surrounded by family and friends. He is at peace now. 
Frank Cole Jr., 88, was born May 21, 1928, on a small ranch in Luther, Mont., to Frank Cole Sr. and Agnes (Haugen) Cole. He was the youngest of four siblings. At the age of 2, the family moved to what is now the Cole Ranch outside of Red Lodge. He enjoyed life there, raising cattle, haying, fishing, trapping skunks and chasing coyotes on skis. He attended grade school at Hogan School on Highway 78 and completed one year of high school in Red Lodge. 
He married Florence Herauf, a school teacher, in 1950, and they had three sons — twins, Tim and Tom, and the youngest, Frankie. 
In 1952, Frank decided to become an auctioneer and graduated with honors from the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings. For 48 years, Frank auctioneered for charities, stock sales and farm, ranch and household sales.
Over the years, he increased his ranch holdings and moved to Red Lodge Creek in 1968. He also served as county commissioner for 18 years. Frank and his wife built a cleaning business in the area during their marriage. Frank served his community well, made a lot of friends, he always said, “There are no strangers, only friends waiting to be met.”
He announced the 4th of July Parade in Red Lodge for over 25 years and sold the fat stock 4-H and FFA sale for almost 50 years.
Frank is survived by his wife of 66 years Florence; his sons Tim, Tom (Donna), and Frankie (Judy); three grandchildren; Hannah (Lyndon) Smith, James (Abbie) Cole and Maureen (Brian) Hanna.; three great grandchildren: Jaylee Rae and Chett James Cooper Smith and Adley Cole Hanna. He was preceded in death by his brothers Jim Cole and Bud Cole, his sister Lorraine Indreland, and his beloved grandson Joseph Cole.
We shall hold Frank’s’memory in our hearts forever and if you happen to be out on a clear day, you may hear a melodious yodel, that would be Frank teaching the angels how to yodel.
We would like to thank the staff of Beartooth Hospital, Dr. Fouts, Dr. Stockdale, and Yellowstone Urology for your compassion and care for Frank.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, 2017, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Red Lodge, Mont., with a reception to follow. Smith-Olcott Funeral Chapel of Red Lodge has assisted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.