Frank Duane Braford, 78, of International Falls died Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at his home.Frank began his life on September 21, 1931 at Brown's Corner in the house his father, Frank built. He grew to be proficient in farming, gardening and fixing equipment on the farm. His days began with farm chores and all that entailed, a full day of school and ending with the evening chores - all in helping to keep a 160 acre farm successful. To his friends he was known at "high pockets" due to his stature.On January 25, 1952, Frank dedicated his life to a career in the United States Army. His military education began as a signal store specialist and proceeded to carrier equipment repairman. He received specialized training throughout his service at Ft. Carson, Ft. Sheridan, Ft. Belvior, Ft. Lee, Ft. Huachuca and Germany. He served in Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam and Germany.His skills were wide and varied - from dispatcher to crane operator, field radio repair, relay team chief and motor maintenance. He trained and supervised military mechanics.Frank received many medals and honors in his career. He received the Bronze Star in Korea and two in Vietnam. It was noted that he had "worked with minimal resources available and in extreme conditions yet had managed to repair and have back on the field the needed equipment". His superiors commended him saying he took the turn-around time from 40% to 10% consistently for 6 months in a row. He was never passive in facing a challenge and had great devotion to the call of duty.Frank retired from the army in 1972 with honors after serving for over 20 years. Although retired, throughout the remainder of his life, he had enthusiasm and dedication to his country and its soldiers. He donated monies to help returning soldiers and offered a lending hand anytime he was called upon.He began civilian employment with the Koochiching County Highway Department and Tollefsrude's Building Supply Company. At age 56, he became disabled due to his heart and retired permanently.Frank enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, hunting, cooking, meeting fellow vets for coffee at Hardees, collecting die cast model cars, woodworking, traveling to visit family, blueberry picking, canning, tinkering around the house, watching his huge screen TV and listening to his police scanner. He was a member of the Koochiching Historical Society, the Men's Garden Club, the VFW, the Freedom Team and Boy's Town. In his earlier years, he attended his grandchildren's sporting events and special activities. He found great pleasure in taking pictures at the family events and happenings and giving the grandkids rides behind the lawnmower. He loved a good joke and shared many. Though he was entering his eighth decade, he was incredibly sharp and prided himself in his independence. We will remember him for his patriotism and enthusiasm for life.Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Nellie (Hanson) Braford and siblings, Dorothy "Dot", Ione, Alfred, Arlie and Betty.Frank is survived by his son, Jim Braford; daughters, Mattie "Jane" Braford and Jean Braford; grandchildren, Ryan, Dawn, Angie, Joy and Cassie; great-grandchildren, Austin and Anna Lovald and Meshach and Abendago Mountjoy and brother, Bob Braford.A memorial gathering will be held on Monday, February 22, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at Green Larsen Mortuary in International Falls. Interment will be in Ericsburg Cemetery.