Rodney Lewis Fox, 82

Rodney Lewis Fox passed away on Oct. 13, 2012, after a short illness, at the age of 82.

He was born Aug. 31, 1930, to Russell and Etta Fox in Creston. Rod was raised in Swan Lake at the family homestead, along with his older brother Gene. The Fox family owned Lion Creek Outfitters which Rod helped run until joining the United States Army in 1950.

After completing basic training at Fort Hood, Texas, Rod was stationed in Germany where he met and later married Marianne Weiler. They had two daughters, Ramona and Wanda, before permanently moving the family back to Kalispell. Rod and Marianne spent 28 years together until her death in 1980.

Rod spent time in Korea and Vietnam before being honorably discharged in 1970. After retiring from the Army as a master sergeant, Rod went to work for the Swan River Youth Forest Camp and worked Saturdays at Aluminum Products. He later (again) retired after 14 years working for the State of Montana.

In 1981, Rodney married Shirley Anderson Stahlberg. They enjoyed 31 years together, most of which were spent at their home in Swan Lake. They loved to ride bicycles, fish and hunt together in the Swan. Wood gathering trips were almost always accompanied by a picnic lunch. Rod always said how fortunate he was to have Shirley in his life and to spend their time together. He very much enjoyed spending time with their beloved dog Dolly who will miss him very much.

Rod was an accomplished ice fisherman and avid hunter who loved spending time in the outdoors.

He was also a member of the American Legion in Condon for several years.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Etta; and brother, Gene.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, at the family home in Kalispell; daughters, Ramona Bednar and husband Mark, and sons Cody, Brandon and Travis, of  Washington; Wanda Freyholtz and husband Gary of Condon; grandson, Bryce Freyholtz and wife Shannon of Missoula; stepsons, John Stahlberg of Kalispell, Rand Stahlberg and wife Cheryl of Kalispell, Danny Stahlberg of Washington, and Brad Stahlberg and wife Kim of Kalispell; and stepgrandchildren, Shane, Shawna, Jacey, Danielle, Chad, Tyler, Jessica, Reece and Maranda; along with several great-grandchildren.

There is a memorial planned for 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral home in Kalispell, followed by interment with full military honors at Fairview Cemetery.