Daniel Jay Fredenberg, 40

Daniel Jay Fredenberg, 40, was taken from us unexpectedly and “received in the hands of the Lord” on Sept. 22, 2012, “where he was reunited with his grandparents, Orville and Betty Fredenberg, and Grandma Doris Daley.”

Daniel was born Sept. 19, 1972, in Kalispell, to Ron and Sandy Fredenberg.

His passion for classic cars started at a young age and continued throughout his life.

Dan is survived by his wife Heather Fredenberg, daughters Tylar, 20, and Tori, 18, twin sons Paxton and Bentley, 18 months; stepdaughter Haylie, 5; stepson Aden, 3; grandson Bodhi, 3, and father and stepmother, Ron and Liz Fredenberg, all of Kalispell; and mother and stepfather, Sandy and Bob Colbrunn of Maricopa, Ariz.

Dan graduated from Flathead High School in 1990. During and after high school, Dan’s love for cars and speed led him to racing around the valley and eventually to Raceway Park. He owned and operated an upholstery business for two years. Ultimately, he went back to classic car restoration, where he became recognized as one of the very best.

Dan was a simple man who revolved his life around his family and cars. Dan was very caring, compassionate, easygoing, kind, understanding, forgiving and a funny man who loved telling jokes. Dan immensely loved his wife and children to no end. He was proud of every accomplishment — from the girls graduating from high school to the day the boys he always wanted were born. He enjoyed involving his family in car shows he attended and entered, where he won several awards. Dan was loved by all and will be extremely missed.

Dan is also survived by his brother, Tim and wife Tammy Rambo; sister, Rhonda and husband Jack Heil; sister, Sarah and husband Todd Gardner; brother, Robert Ridgway; sister, Dawn Marie and husband Roger Phillips; grandpa, Jim Daley; grandparents, Leon and Evelyn Syth; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends, all who loved him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Christian Center, 255 Summit Ridge Drive, in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Dan’s children. Donations will be accepted at the service and more details will be available at that time.