George Franklin Wasco

George Franklin Wasco, 82, of Libby died Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Home Sweet Home in Eureka. He was born to Ukranian parents, Pete Wasko and Helen Schubinitz, on March 29, 1935 in So. Brownsville, Pennsylvania (Township of Alicia). He had eight siblings.

Except for one year in Illinois, George attended Brownsville schools, graduating from Brownsville High in 1954. He completed one year of college prior to going into the U.S. Army where he served from 1958 to 1960 as an internal guide repairman. He worked on the Niki missile system, and obtained several citations for his expertise with rifles.

After being discharged from the Army, he found employment with IBM as a Customer Engineer, first in Riverside, California, and then in Barstow, California where he repaired office equipment for over 25 years. He finished his career in Kalispell after 32 years of service. During that time he received many awards for his ability to “fix anything,” and for his easy rapport with customers and personnel.

He married Shirley Sichting on February 22, 1963 in Barstow, They had two children, Curtis George born January 1, 1966, and Rebecca Ann, born May 8, 1968.

As a youth, George enjoyed long walks in the woods with his dog, and tinkering on cars. In later years he was considered a “Jack of all trades” and was always working on and fixing or building something. He loved the many extended family gatherings over the years, and enjoyed his grandkids.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley; children, Curtis Wasco and wife, Michelle, and Rebecca Drake and husband Marvin; grandchildren Lori Wasco, Courtney Vaughn and husband Robbie, Sarah Wasco, Billy Sipes, Carmen Sipes and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.

A gathering will be held at a future date. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.schnackenbergfh.com.