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Frank Leon Levandowski, 72, a generous, hardworking man who never met a stranger, died Jan. 13 2017, surrounded by his family.

Frank was born June 13, 1944 to Frank Sr. and Dorothy Levandowski in Reading, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Mount Penn High School in Pennsylvania, Frank served for five years in the Navy. His first duty station was in Kodiak, Alaska where he had the opportunity to harvest a Kodiak brown bear. Following his time in Alaska, Frank was stationed in Japan.

After completing his military service, Frank moved to Gardiner in 1968 where he met his wife of 48 years, Phyllis. They met in August of 1968 and were married on Dec. 21, 1968. They had two children, Dan and Lisa.

Frank worked in the Park Service for 25 years, beginning his career in Yellowstone National Park and retiring from Glacier National Park in 1993. In 1976, Frank pioneered the distribution of soft pretzels in Montana and soon became known as the Pretzel Man of Montana. The distribution of pretzels throughout Montana led to ownership of several food concession stands which he, along with his family, operated throughout Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Frank was famous for his “uniform” of white short-sleeved shirts with red suspenders at the fairs he attended.

Throughout his life, Frank enjoyed the outdoors. He especially loved hunting and fishing with family and friends. Some of his most loved trips included fishing, and goose hunting trips to Canada, elk hunting, and pheasant hunting. Going on a trip with Frank was never boring and bound to be an adventure. Frank always had a project in the works and for the last several years enjoyed renovating his farm house in Eastern Montana.

Frank was dearly loved by his family and friends. His larger than life personality, booming laugh, and gift of gab will be greatly missed. Frank was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy and father, Frank Sr. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis and his brother John (Paula) Levandowski of Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania; and his sister Linda Brossman, of Mohton, Pennsylvania. He is also survived by his children and two grandchildren, Lisa Levandowski of Whitefish; Dan (Heather) Levandowski of Great Falls; and grandchildren Abigail and Caitlin Levandowski. In addition, he is survived by several nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 27 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Columbia Falls with a reception to follow. Memorials can be made to Pheasants Forever in honor of Frank. Columbia Mortuary is caring for Frank’s family.