Ronald Grant Fredenberg, 77

Ronald Grant Fredenberg, 77, passed away at home, surrounded by his family.

He was born May 2, 1946, to Orville G. Fredenberg and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Motichka.

Ron married Sandra Daley on Nov. 14, 1966, and divorced Sandra on Nov. 9, 1973. Ron and Sandra had one son, Daniel Jay Fredenberg. He then married Marilyn Tipton on July 2, 1975, then divorced Marilyn on Jan. 1, 1984.

Ron found his match and married Elizabeth “Lizzy” Syth, the love of his life, on Nov. 15, 1986. They raised their children together.

He graduated from Flathead High School. Went to college in Havre, Montana, and was drafted and chose to go with the US Army on Aug. 7, 1968 to March 9, 1970.

He worked for S&S Manufacturer and Albertson Bakery. He then found his passion and went to work at the Kalispell Police department December 1970, was promoted to detective and retired April 1993. He owned his business from 1994-2006.

He enjoyed camping, fishing, softball and bowling. Ron bowled 300 in Kalispell. He went to state bowling in Billings and bowled 89. He even bought a new bowling ball but it didn’t help his score.

He enjoyed Tuesday morning breakfast with Bill Paullin, Gary Havens, and his brother-in-law, Hank Olson, and whoever else joined them.

His favorite daytime soap was Young and the Restless, from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. you did not interrupt while he was watching his soap. He would not answer the phone, doctors appointments were made at 9:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. He’s been watching this program for 40 years.

He was preceded in death by both parents, Orville and Betty; sister, Mary Ruth Olson; mother-in-law, Evelyn; father-in-law, Leon Syth; his son, Daniel Jay Fredenberg.

He is survived by his Lizzy of 37 years; children, Tim Rambo (Tammy) Los Vegas, Ronda Heil (Jack) Columbia Falls, Dawn Phillips (Roger) Boise, Idaho, Sarah Gardner (Todd), Robert Ridgway, both from Kalispell; sister-in-law, Leona Tilton (Richie), Lana DeGrio, Laura Ingram; brother-in-law, Hank Olson; Leon Syth, and many nieces and nephews. Ron was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Ron loved his family very much. 

We would like to thank 911, KPD and Adam Mills at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home for all their help. 

A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Eagles ballroom in Kalispell. Please come and join us and tell your stories.