Fred R. LaRoque, 83

Fred R. LaRoque passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at home in his Buffalo Hill Terrace apartment. 

A 1958 graduate of Flathead High School, Fred received an appointment to the United States Military Academy from Montana Sen. Mike Mansfield. A member of the Class of 1962, Fred was a competitive distance runner for the West Point track team. After graduating from West Point, he completed two year-long assignments in Vietnam. He received a Purple Heart and was awarded the Bronze Star. He later earned a Master of Arts degree in Anthropology from George Washington University in Washington, D.C.

In 1968 Fred married Susan Lundquist in a ceremony at the Fort Lewis, Washington base chapel. Fred and Sue were married for 52 years until Sue’s death in April 2020. They had two children, Paul and Jane. Fred’s military career took the family to overseas posts including Seoul, South Korea and Bangkok, Thailand. Fred’s last assignment before retiring as a Colonel was Army Division Chief of the Joint Military Advisory Group-Thailand.

After Fred’s retirement from the Army, the family moved to Bend, Oregon and later to Bigfork, Montana, where Fred could be found during the winter months on his favorite downhill ski runs at Blacktail Mountain. He and Sue enjoyed their travel trailer and many camping adventures.  Among friends and family, Fred was known for his ability to tell great stories, many from his experiences in the Army. He was an avid reader and student of history.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Mary LaRoque, and his son, Paul LaRoque. He is survived by his daughter Jane LaRoque Denham (Mike), his sisters Ann Bennett and Kathryn LaRoque Garrett, brother Robert LaRoque and three grandchildren, Helena, James and Suriya. 

Fred and Sue are interred in Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell, Montana. A Celebration of Life will take place in the summer. The family wishes to thank caregiver Allie Hall as well as the staff at Buffalo Hill Terrace for their excellent care and kindness to Fred for the past four years.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.