Frank Norman Gangler, Commander, USNR (Retired), died April 11, 2008 in Seattle at age 92.

Born Feb. 20, 1916 in Port Angeles, Frank graduated from West Seattle High School and earned a degree in ceramic engineering from the University of Washington in 1939.

He proudly served in the Navy during World War II. He was first assigned to specialty communications training at Annapolis. Frank then utilized that training in Adak, Alaska.

He remained in the Naval Reserve after the war and was recalled during the Korean War for stateside duty. He served many years in active and reserve positions, retiring with the rank of commander in 1976.

Frank worked in the insurance industry in Seattle until he started his own accounting business in 1965.

He enjoyed wood-working, building furniture and carving totem poles as a hobby. He also built a 25-foot boat in his Seattle garage and later, the south Whidbey Island house near Freeland to which he and his wife Margaret retired in 1984.

The couple then enjoyed island living, gardening, golf and domestic and foreign travel. They visited many Civil War and European battlefields and memorials, as Frank was an avid history buff.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Gangler, now living in Seattle; daughter Julie Gangler of Seattle; son Douglas Gangler (wife Roberta) of State College, Penn.; daughter Susan Landgren (husband Chal) of Beaverton, Ore.; and four grandchildren, Steven and Meredith Gangler, Kristin and Peter Landgren.

A military service will be held at the Tahoma National Cemetery for family only.

Remembrances may be sent to the Salvation Army.