Frank Vande Werfhorst Jr., 72, of Oak Harbor, Wash., died Sunday, May 19, 2019 in Phoenix, Ariz. after a brief battle with cancer.

Frank was born June 20, 1946, in Oak Harbor, to Frank Sr. and Catherine Vande Werfhorst. He graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1964 and then joined the Army. After his service, he returned to Oak Harbor and married Shelly (Faber) Vande Werfhorst in May 1968. They took over the family dairy farm from his dad and farmed for over 30 years. After retiring from the family farm, he went to work for Island Transit as a driver and operations manager until 2012.

He married his wife Deena Montgomery in February 2009 and spent the last few years in Surprise, Ariz.

Frank is survived by his wife, Deena Montgomery, and step-granddaughter, Jaya, of Glendale, Ariz.; daughters, Vicki (Hans) Mertins and Stacy (Pat) McCollough; six grandkids that Papa adored, Mitchel, Brent and Mariah Mertins and Blake, Brandon and Brittany McCollough, all of Oak Harbor, Wash.; sisters, Aldine (Ron) Leistra, of Tigard, Ore., Marilyn (Howard) Vander Griend of Sully, Iowa, Eileen Hale and Sharon (John) Lusk, of Oak Harbor; brothers, Bill Vande Werfhorst, of Everett, Wash., Jerry (Katherine) Vande Werfhorst, of Oak Harbor; aunt, Jo Ernst, of Oak Harbor; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was proceeded in death by his first wife, Shelly (Faber) Vande Werfhorst, his parents, Frank and Catherine Vande Werfhorst, and his sisters, Sylvia Kuhuski, Frances Davis-Curtis and Pat Michael.

Frank touched so many people. He always had a “hi” and a chat for everyone. His smile and presence were enough to turn your day around. Especially, if you were ever lucky enough to hear him sing (especially Oak Ridge Boys Elvira) it’s not something you’re likely to forget. He had so much love for his family, but especially loved watching his grandkids play sports. A special thank you to his sister, Eileen, for helping and being by his side when God took him home.

A time of remembering Frank’s life will be 2 p.m. July 6 at the Rolling Hills Community Center.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com