Frederick A. Plummer, 88
Fred Plummer, 88, passed away Dec. 6, 2008, at Waterford Nursing Home in Spokane. Fred was born in Creston on April 25,1920, to William and Laura Plummer.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kathryn; sisters, Betty and Kathleen; and brothers, Ellison, Lawrence and Edward.
Fred is survived by his brothers, William and Ted; his children, Ron, Patrick and Krystel, and her husband, Michael; his five grandchildren, Wendy, Shelle, Darren, Matthew and Makenzie; and three great-grandchildren, Brandon, Zachary and Alexa.
He graduated from St. Matthew's High School in Kalispell and then attended Montana State University.
On Dec. 11, 1941, Fred married Kathryn D. Puchalla in Seattle, and they had three children, Ron, Patrick and Krystel. Soon after getting married, Fred was drafted into the U.S. Army. He fought in both World War II and Korea and was awarded the Purple Heart, Silver Star and other meritorious citations.
Fred was extremely intelligent and attained the rank of captain prior to leaving the military. After his Army service, Fred began his business life in Glasgow as a sales representative for New York Life Insurance. He was later transferred to Kalispell.
In 1954, he co-founded the Big Mountain TV Cable Company in Whitefish. In 1956, he founded Montana Microwave and then expanded the enterprise to Missoula TV Cable Co. These businesses were sold in 1960.
After five years of gentleman ranching at his Gold Creek Ranch and owning Triangle Realty, Fred purchased Hillside Manor Nursing Home. Then in 1976, Fred with his sons, Ron and Patrick, also purchased Community Nursing and Rehab nursing facility. These two businesses were sold in 1981. Fred and Katy retired to Polson and kept a winter home in Olympia, Wash.
In his retirement years, Fred was extremely active in his hobbies of golfing, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and gardening. He also belonged to the Century Club, Missoula Mavericks, Missoula Country Club, Polson G.C. Lions, Kiwanis, Elks and American Legion.
In 1998, Fred purchased a condominium in Lake Havasu City, Ariz., where he wintered with his many friends. Most were members of London Bridge G.C., where many mulligans were in play. As many of you know, Fred was a great and avid Grizzly fan. Go Griz!
Memorial services will be a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, with a reception at Missoula Country Club at noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fred's name to the charity of your choice. You may also choose to donate to the B.P.O. Elks Children's Fund or your local hospice.