Mr. Francis Michael "Frank" Harper passed away on Friday evening at Autumn Care Hospice in Billings, Montana. Frank was born on November 13, 1927, in Butte, Montana, the son of Undersheriff Frank "Nig" Harper and Stella (Driscoll) Harper.

Frank was educated at St. Lawrence O'Toole Parochial School, Boys Central, and Butte High School. He served as a sailor in the United States Merchant Marine, and was a long time employee of the Anaconda Copper Mining Company (ACM), where he worked as an Electrician. After the ACM suspended operations in Butte, he worked as an Electrician for Montana Resources (MRI). When Frank wasn't running electrical line, he was running himself. An avid runner, Frank enjoyed participating as a marathon runner, taking part in numerous events.

In 1952, Frank married Elizabeth J. "Betty" Calcaterra in St. Mary's Catholic Church. They remained constant companions until Betty's death in 2000.

In addition to his wife, Betty, Frank was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Betty Cope and Arlene Meaghor; and his brothers, Robert and William Harper. He is survived by his daughters, Karen Harper and Lori Suek; his son, Tim Harper; his grandchildren, Jon Grill, Cole and Emily Harper, and Kaleb and Tess Suek; and his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Jerry Harper.

Friends are asked to join the family on Friday after 10:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am with Rite of Committal to follow in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.