Donald G. 'Don' Friske

Donald G. “Don” Friske, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, in Kalispell.

His home in Rollins is the place he loved more than any other.

He was born on Jan, 23, 1927, in Halfmoon, Mont., to Herbert and Violet Friske. Don spent his growing up years in Polson and Rollins, and served in the Air Force during the Korean War.

He met his eternal companion, Betty Jane Lee, while stationed at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. It was love at first sight and forever after.

Don was an oil and gas company accountant, a Texaco Service Station owner, a missile silo construction worker, a lumberman, a home building contractor, a steel building contractor and a construction inspector for the state of California; but he simply referred to himself as “a Montana cowboy.”

He was a man of integrity and love. He knew how to be a true friend. Some of his grandchildren called him “Grandpa Great.”

Don is loved and survived by his four children and spouses, Lynne and David Thompson, Gaye Bailey, Tom and Pam Friske, and Marla Friske; 30 grandchildren; 70 great-grandchildren; and his sister, Marlene Rule.    

Services for Don Friske will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 9, in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, located at 180 Redfield Lane in Lakeside. A viewing will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. today, Aug. 8, at the same chapel location. Interment will be at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson where he will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Lee, who passed away on Nov. 19, 2007. Military honors will be conducted at the graveside.

Arrangements are under the direction of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at www.groganfuneralhome.com.