Duane Harry Fredenberg, 82
Duane Harry Fredenberg "is now playing his fiddle with the angels" after a brief battle with cancer. He passed, peacefully, surrounded by family on Jan. 16, 2009. Duane and his twin brother, Dale, were born to Anson and Ruth Fredenberg in Kalispell on June 14, 1926, the 12th and 11th of 16 children. As a boy, Duane helped with the family farm and began a lifelong love of music when he taught himself how to play the harmonica. His grandfather played the fiddle and Duane learned so he could someday have his granddad's instrument.
At the age of 17, Duane answered the call for duty, enlisted in the Navy, and served over two years as a range finder operator during World War II. His service included witnessing the formal surrender of Japan in Tokyo Bay while stationed aboard the battleship USS Mississippi. After he was discharged, he moved back home to the Flathead Valley.
He followed in his father's footsteps, working for a time as a mail carrier in Kalispell before moving to Whitefish and beginning a 40-year career with the railroad. During a stop in Cut Bank he met the love of his life, Dorothy Nelson, and they married in June of 1966. Their love continued to flourish until Dorothy left this world much too early in 2006.
If life is a song, then the notes of Duane's tune are his children and family. The union of Dorothy and Duane merged two beautiful families and grew until Duane was dad to 16 wonderful 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.
Duane was a dedicated husband and father. He would allow his kids to stumble and fail, but he was always there to pick them back up. His generosity knew no bounds. The Fredenberg home was open to all, and friends and guests frequently outnumber the family.
After retiring from the railroad, Duane had more time to play his fiddle and most weekends he could be found playing at jams with his friends and brothers, Roger, Dale and Orin. One year, with his young daughters cheering him on, Duane won the Montana State Fiddle Contest Senior Division, and this year he will be inducted into the Montana Old Time Fiddlers Association Hall of Fame, alongside his brother, Dale.
He leaves behind a humble legacy for all to remember, and is survived by his 14 children; 30 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Carol Patterson and Miriam Mack, brothers, Dale, Orin and Les Fredenberg; and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless dedicated friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters; six brothers; "and has now joined Dorothy, and their beloved angels in heaven, Pamela and Daniel."
Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m., Jan. 22, at the United Methodist Church in Whitefish. A reception will follow. Additionally, you are invited to join family and friends at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Idle Spur in Dayton, to celebrate Duane's life and Hall of Fame induction. Bring your instruments, stories and dancing shoes.
In the spirit of Duane's generosity, the family suggests donations be made to the Pamela Fredenberg Memorial Scholarship fund at the First Interstate Bank of Whitefish, or Home Health-Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop #100, Kalispell.