Frederick Froehlich

Fred Froehlich passed away from complications related to advanced Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, November 27th, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, MT. He was surrounded by tremendous love and compassion during the time of his passing.

The eldest of six children, Fred was born in Missoula on July 21, 1932 to Chris and Adelyne Froehlich. He was a proud Missoulian and cherished his memories of growing up on the Northside. He often shared stories, equal parts adventure and mischief, about roaming the north hills with his cousins, selling newspapers in front of Worden’s “Super Beer Market”, working as a dishwasher at St. Pats Hospital, sneaking into the Highlander Brewery after hours with his friends, hunting and fishing alongside his father and Bob Ward, attending Missoula Catholic Schools and serving as an altar boy at St. Francis where he was the proud recipient of the St. John Berchmans Server Award.

In 1951, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was stationed in Long Beach, CA and was assigned to active duty aboard the USS Rochester, affectionately known as “The Rock”. His service during the Korean War took him far and wide across the Pacific Ocean. He was stationed for a period on Adak in the Aleutian Islands. Later they sailed the South Pacific, cruising off shore and docking in Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and the Indonesian Islands. Fred often expressed his love for the freedom he felt aboard his ship. “There is nothing else like it,” he would often say, “it was one of the best times of my life.”

After his military service, Fred worked at the White Pine Sash Co. mill and then as an electrical lineman apprentice. In 1954, Fred met the love of his life, Marsolee Nunnally. They were married two years later at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Marsolee graduated nurses training from St. Patrick’s Hospital and Fred accepted a position with The Mountain Bell Co., which later became AT&T. As Fred’s career with the telephone company progressed, he and Marsolee would often relocate based on the needs of his job. They lived an adventurous life in numerous locations across Montana, including Missoula, before eventually settling in Helena. Fred became known as an extremely skilled technician in his industry and was often called upon for support in the field even as he worked his way into company management. He retired from AT&T in 1988 after 31 years of service.

Fred and Marsolee raised six daughters - Janel, Theresa, Stacey, Anita, Dena and Bethany - during their 62 years of marriage. They were blessed with fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They relished in the time they spent with their family and friends. They were devoted members of the Cathedral of St Helena Parish and spent countless hours volunteering their time to the church community. In the fall of 2013, Fred and Marsolee returned to Missoula to be closer to family. Though it was difficult for them to leave Helena, Fred was comforted to be back in his beloved Missoula and close to all the places that were such fond memories from his youth.

Fred was an avid sportsman, spending much of his time outdoors gardening, hunting, fishing, hiking, camping and boating. He had a particular affinity for bird hunting and German Wirehaired Pointing Griffon dogs. Fred truly loved Montana and took full advantage of all the recreational opportunities it has to offer.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents and grandson, DJ Anderson. He is survived by his wife Marsolee, his six daughters and their families, his five siblings and many extended family members. Fred will be dearly missed, but the memory of his character, charm and goodwill lives on in all those who knew him.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am Thursday, December 6th, 2018 at Saint Francis Xavier Church in Missoula. Reception to follow in Reidy Hall. Interment service to take place at Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made in Fred’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.