Frank Alcaraz

Obituary

Frank Alcaraz

Aug 12, 1931- December 9, 2022

Frank Alcaraz, 91, passed away on December 9, 2022 at the Thermopolis Wellness and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born to Faustino Alcaraz and Natalia Gaytan in Galeana, Puruandiro, Michoacan, Mexico on August 12, 1931.

Frank came to the United States, seeking a better life when he was 16 years old. He worked as a field laborer to help support his mother and younger siblings. He worked in the Rio Grande Valley and later in northern Texas, seeking better employment to continue helping support his family as the eldest brother, until he was able to bring them to the United States, believing they would have a better life.

Frank never attended public school, but he had such a desire to learn, he taught himself to read and write both English and Spanish. He had a brilliant mind and learning came easy to him. He married Frances Lopez in 1954 and in their union had 15 children.

In 1957, he moved to Worland, Wyoming with his wife and children. In Wyoming, he worked at Holly Sugar Factory and in the summer as a construction laborer. Eventually he was employed with the Burlington-Northern Railroad until he retired. Frank became a U.S. Citizen, which was one of his goals that he was very proud of.

He later divorced his wife and married Concepcion Martinez, to whom he remained married until his death. He was a very faithful and devoted Christian and member of Mt. Calvary Assembly of God Church, so dedicated that when he was older and unable to drive, he would walk to church, even in the dead of winter.

He enjoyed visiting with his brothers, family, and church friends. He loved playing his harmonica and guitar, playing cards, and telling jokes. While in the nursing home, he would often play his harmonica and tell jokes to the residents and staff. He also enjoyed rabbit hunting and fishing on occasion. He was very caring and loving to his wife. Anyone could see how they were devoted to each other. After their visits in the nursing home, when it was time for her to leave, he would embrace her and remind her how much he loved her, as she loved him. Frank had a very sharp, witty mind and enjoyed visiting with his brothers, getting the best of them with his remarks and jokes until the last year of his life. Frank will be missed dearly by all.

Frank is preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Francis Lopez; son, Daniel Alcaraz; daughters, Vicki Herrera, Rosemary, and Esther Alcaraz; step-daughter, Graciela; brothers, Augustin Alcaraz, Gregorio and infant brother, Alberto; granddaughters, Leticia Zubia, Tiffany Alcaraz and Tracy Alcaraz; grandsons: Daniel Jr. Alcaraz, Jonathan James Alcaraz, and Christopher Matthew Counterman.

He is survived by his wife, Concepcion Alcaraz; step-mother, Guadalupe Alcaraz of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico; sons: Benny G. (David C.) White of Bellingham, WA; Phillip Alcaraz; David Alcaraz; Benjamin (Loretta) Alcaraz of Worland; and Michael Alcaraz of Worland; daughters: Alice (Doug) Nichols, Helen (Patrick) Harrigan, Angela Villacis all of Las Vegas, Gloria Alcaraz of Cheyenne and Rachel (Jesus) Zubia of Burlington, WY; step-children: Joseph, Edward, Miguel, Jesus, Victor Martinez and Veronica Martinez Ramirez; brothers: Pascual (Loretta) Alcaraz of Worland, Alejo Alcaraz of Brownville, TX; Lauro (Mavilia) Alcaraz of Lander; Toribio Suniga of Riverton; Felipe Suniga of Houston, TX; Juan (Lupe); Rafael (Lilli); Felix (Eva); Jose Luis (Consuelo) Rodrigo; sisters: Emelia of CA, Maria Suniga, Rosa Maria (Samuel Arenas), Nicolasa (Juan Correa), Nieves (Roberto Delgado), Severa (Javier Acosta), Alicia (Francisco Pala Fox), Isabel; brother-in-law, Moundo Herrera (Cici) of Worland; sister-in-law, Lupe Alcaraz Contreras; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held 4:00 PM, Friday, December 16, 2022 at the Bryant Funeral Home Chapel in Worland. Services will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Mt Calvary Assembly of God with Pastor Rey Moreno officiating. A public visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial will follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.