Frank Joseph Zaversnik, Jr.

Friday, Jul. 01, 2016

OGDEN – Frank Joseph Zaversnik, Jr. died May 27, 2016 doing what he loved the most, spending time with his family and riding around in his Polaris Hot Rod in Moab, when God called him home. 

Frank was born Aug. 26, 1945 in Rock Springs, Wyo. After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Wyoming, where he received a bachelor’s degree in engineering. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served with the 501st Signal Battalion/101st Airborne Division at Camp Eagle, Vietnam from 1969-1970; after which, he moved to Utah to work at Hill Air Force Base. He married and had one son, Matthew Anton, while becoming a father of two daughters, Rachele and Carolyn; he later divorced. 

Frank married his soulmate on June 29, 1985. During their 31 years together they had five children. He spent his life rebuilding hot rod cars and had a passion for classic Chevrolets. Some of the cars he rebuilt were featured in magazines, commercials and a music video. 

After 30 plus years of civil service, Frank retired from Hill Air FB in 2005, and at the same time, graduated as one of the great pioneers of car restoration. His hobbies were cruising with the love of his life in their Polaris RZR around Bear Lake or Mesquite and making new friends, for which he had a gift. 

Frank had a huge heart and a love for life. He was talented at telling side-splitting jokes, even at inappropriate times, to brighten anyone’s day and it usually resulted in talking someone’s ear off. 

Anyone who came in contact with Frank is now a better person because of his loving and caring heart; his compassion to make people better. 

Frank is survived by his wife, Vaneita Thornock Zaversnik; three sons, Matt (Sarah) Zaversnik, Mike (Christy) Pierce, and Brandon Pierce; two daughters, Amber (Jason) Poll, and Rachele Zaversnik; 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Sr. and Rose Zaversnik, and grandson Jared Dalton. 

The family would like to thank all family and friends that were there to assist, Medical first responders, Deputy Sheriff Todd Bristol and the many bystanders who stepped up to comfort the family in time of need. 

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. James the Just Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family that asks donations be made to your local county search and rescue.