Obituary: Windishar, Francis Leo “Frank”
Age 83
Frank will be remembered as a dedicated and talented educator, hardworking provider, and beloved father and husband.
Frank was born in Nampa, Idaho, grew up in Salem, Oregon, and was the son of Thomas and Nora Windishar.
He attended Gonzaga University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance.
He was a lifelong educator, serving the children in Spokane Public Schools at Hamilton Elementary, Sacajawea Junior High, and North Central, Shadle Park and Rogers High Schools.
Frank taught five different languages, including Latin, German and Japanese, and also specialized in Social Studies and Humanities.
Along with Frank Yuse, he developed and implemented “Practicum in Community Involvement,” a class still taught today that has been taken by his own grandchildren.
He also was a Program Development Specialist in Central Administration, developing curriculum for District 81 and its teachers.
He was passionate about teaching, and over the years his family has been treated to stories from past students about his humor and his profound effect on their lives.
He was also a US Army Corporal and served in the Korean War as a Heavy Construction Draftsman.
Frank married Lena Zampetti in 1954, and they raised seven children: Mary, Thomas, Jerome, Christine, Kathleen, Anne and Melinda.
In addition to teaching, Frank worked hard supporting the family as a referee/umpire for the Inland Empire Football, Wrestling and Baseball Associations, a draftsman, and he indulged his enthusiasm for pipes by working at Tobacco Square II.
He was also active in Statewide and National Education Consortiums, and in his community as Transportation chairman for Expo 74, and Chairman or Vice Chairman of Task Forces from the Quality of Life Council to the Housing Assistance Plan.
Frank was also known for his passion about all-things Scottish.
His rakish Stuart plaid driving caps were praised by everyone he encountered.
Music and the arts were also pursuits: he sang, painted, carved and even took the harp back up in his late 70’s.
His grandsons declared him “the smartest man we’ve ever met,” and he was a real threat at the bridge table at Riverview Terrace where he and Lena lived for the past two years.
Frank was preceded in death by his son Jerry, and is survived by his wife and other children, their spouses, 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
A funeral mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, at Saint Aloysius Church.
The family would like to thank the wonderful people at Riverview Terrace and Care Center.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wishing Star Foundation.
Please visit Frank’s online memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.