Frank Koncilya

Frank Joseph Koncilya 98 of Lewistown died Tuesday July 4th, 2023 in Valle Vista Manor of natural causes. He was born August 02, 1924 in Roundup, MT the son of Frank and Mary (Gruden) Koncilya. He graduated Roundup High School in 1942, and attended Montana State College in Bozeman. Then graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Montana College in Billings, now MSU Billings.

Frank served in the 4th Cavalry Group, US Army in 1943 receiving his discharge in December of 1945. He served in the European Theatre, earning 5 Bronze Battle Stars; beginning with the landings in Normandy on Utah Beach and ending with the Battle of the Bulge. He received several Unit Awards and Citations, Presidential Unit Citation, French Croix-de-Guerre, with Silver Gilt Star and Belgium Croix-de-Guerre

Frank was united in marriage to Anna Mae Preece on June 18, 1949 in Roundup, MT. He worked at the coal mines in Roundup, MT prior to and after his time in the service. He was a school teacher and Principal for two years in Shepard, MT; and one year in Lewistown, at Highland Park School.

In 1953 he went to work as a Financial Advisor for Ameriprise Financial, and didn’t retire until 2008, at the youthful age of 83. He also established and operated a Real Estate and Appraisal Service from 1972 to 1992. Both of these careers gave him the opportunity to get to know a myriad of people. He could travel to remote destinations, and would always find someone he knew.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golf for as long as he was able. He was also an avid reader, especially of military and history books. Frank’s passion was telling stories from his life, which inspired him to do a presentation called “No Glory in War” for local junior high and high school students. Frank and Ann had over 70 wonderful years together, and enjoyed a large celebration with many friends and family in June of 2019. He lost the love of his life two and a half months later.

He is survived by his children: Alan Koncilya, Ken (Karen) Koncilya, and Diane (Jonathan) Polly; grandchildren, Heddi, Katie, Andrea, Jamie, Joey, Dean, and Daryl (who was his main caregiver following Ann’s passing). He is also survived by 7 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and countless friends and admirers.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elsie (Jim) Lynch, and granddaughter Rylan Polly.

Graveside Services for Frank J. Koncilya will be Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Lewistown City Cemetery with a reception to follow in the American Legion. The Cloyd Funeral Home is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make donations to the local charity of choice on his behalf and they may be left with the Cloyd Funeral Home.

Condolences for the family may be posted online at www.cloydfuneralhome.com.