Frank A. Shiflar

Courtesy photo

+ Enlarge

Frank A. Shiflar

August 16, 1937 ~ November 19, 2021

I was born August 16, 1937 on the kitchen table of a two-room shack in #2 Coal Camp, Rock Springs, Wyoming, the last of nine children born to John Shiflar and Anna Sever Shiflar. My four sisters Christine, Anne, Sylvia and Virginia and four brothers John, Rudy, Andy and Al predeceased me. Surviving is my lovely wife of 56 years, Helen Yelenich Shiflar, and two wonderful children, Jon (Shannon) and Nicole (Travis).

In 1955 I graduated from Rock Springs High School. The day after graduation in my 1936 Ford with a toolbox, suitcase and $60, I headed west to make my fortune but only made it to Salt Lake City, where I lived for the majority of my life.

After serving my country in Korea from 1958 to 1960 and being called back into service during the Cuban Missile Crisis, I took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended the University of Utah. After 35 years of service, I retired from Mountain Bell. In 1976 during my time with the phone company I was awarded the Theodore Vail Medal for saving the lives of three people in an automobile accident involving a high-pressure natural gas pipeline.

Throughout my lifetime I made a few poor decisions but many good ones, the greatest of which was marrying the love of my life, Helen. As a family we were traveling every chance we could in whatever vehicle we had. Now it is time for me to turn out the lights and say Lahko Noc (Good Night). There will be a parking space saved for you on the other side. You might find me making Lucifer’s Hot Rod Lincoln louder, or the hinges on the Pearly Gates quieter. A good handyman is in demand, and I hear we can breathe deeply over there. Just remember me, dear family and friends, with a smile, not tears, on your face as I will remember you until we meet again.

We extend gratitude to family and friends as well as to Dr. Greg Elliott for his care, compassion and friendship through these difficult years.

A private funeral Mass was celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church to pray for his rest. A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please support a cause of your choice.