Dorothy Mae Fredenberg, 73

Dorothy Mae Fredenberg "is now home, soaring with the eagles" after a heroic battle with cancer. She left, peacefully, on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, at home with her family by her side. Dorothy "Dottie" was born July 29, 1933, to Anton and Blanche Nelson. She lived most of her young life with her family on a ranch north of Zurich, Mont.

In 1966 she met and married the love of her life, Duane Fredenberg, and moved to Whitefish, making it their home for 37 years. Their union joined two wonderful families and then added more children to make their household complete.

Dorothy was blessed with 16 precious children; Grant, Amy and husband Scott, Shelly and husband James, Brenda and husband Trent, Janine and husband Don, Karla and husband Elmer, Bruce, Cyndi and husband David, Greg and wife Trina, Michael, Marlene and husband Jim, Joe and wife Mona, Elaine and husband David, Donna and husband Thor, Pamela and Daniel.

Dorothy was more than an eternal, faithful mother, wife, sister, aunt and grandmother; she was a devoted friend. She leaves behind many amazing memories with her family and friends that lasted a lifetime and she cherished every moment with them. Whether she was cooking for the crew, caring for someone, extending her motherhood to her children's friends, playing cards or dominos, she did it with passion. All she knew was giving her all with generosity and love. Sunshine, and a full house, encompassed with love and laughter is what she lived for.

She spent her last three years fulfilling her dream, living on Flathead Lake, embracing its never-ending beauty.

Dorothy had said, "Through the eyes of my children and the ripples of beautiful Flathead Lake you will see my smile."

She leaves behind a miraculous legacy for all to remember and is survived by her husband, Duane, of 40 years; and her 14 children; 26 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Helen Kessner and husband Kenneth, and Agnes Chapin and husband Richard; and brother, Les Nelson and wife Colleen; and numerous nieces, nephews, and wonderful, dedicated friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, and is "now home with her beloved angels in heaven, Pamela and Daniel."

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home in Kalispell. A reception will follow in the ballroom at Alpine Lighting, 333 Main St., Kalispell.

In the spirit of Dorothy's generosity, the family suggests donations be made to Hospice of Kalispell in lieu of flowers.