Garold (Gary) Fredericks
Garold (Gary) Fredericks, 66, of Worden, Montana, stepped into the arms of his Heavenly Father, on March 09, 2024, in Billings surround by his loved ones and close friends. Gary was born on August 13, 1957, in Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho, to Shirley Rea (Grier) and Donald Jack Fredericks. Gary was the oldest of three siblings followed by his sister Corina and brother Eddie. One of the memories that Gary would talk about as a young boy was when he and his cousins were at grandpa’s farm and would take the baby kittens, hold them up to the baby chickens telling them that they could not eat the baby chicks, and oh boy, did they all get a whooping. They lived in Idaho until 1963 and then moved to Billings, MT.
Gary went to school at Billings Senior and graduated from Huntley Project High school in 1975. He played football and ran track. He loved to play chess and was the school champion. Gary knew a lot about computers and remembers the first one at school which was the dos system ticker tape. He loved American history, and was very knowledgeable about guns and ammunition.
In 1977 he married the love of his life of 46 years to Diana (Michael) at Huntley Methodist Church. They had two children, Trista and Joshua.
Gary had numerous jobs, Pierce Packing, Midland Packing, a paralegal for Charles Schinder, a few other jobs, and the last and most important work was being Grandpa Daycare for his grandchildren. Gary was volunteer fireman for Worden Fire and Ambulance for 20 years and was on the WBYC board and helped obtain funding for a newer water system. After 911 he started a 911 ride which went through three counties. The funds went to the local veterans, and then he retired from this after a severe heart attack.
He had many hobbies from riding his 2005 Harley electric glide, woodworking, gardening and taking care of his pets. He was student of the Bible and God’s word. He enjoyed writing articles and wrote lyrics to four songs.
Part of one of his articles: I will always be grateful and humbled by the patience God has shown me. He waited for me to settle down and listen to Him. He allowed things to happen to me, in my life, that would change my direction and bring me back to Him. He let me learn many things the hard and painful way so that I would appreciate His way. He stayed with me when I went astray and the rock-solid belief that He gave me when I was only a child in grade school never left me for a moment in spite of my personal failures and sins. He was always there, in the back of my mind or tugging away at my heart no matter what I was doing. He never left me, and He never gave up on me. I am, as a result, a repentant sinner, saved by the sacrifice of my Lord Jesus on the cross at Calvary. Saved by faith in His perfect and complete work on the Cross.
Gary is survived by his devoted wife Diana Fredericks and their children Trista (Fredericks), Christopher Hoffman and their children Erykah Hoffman, (Shea and little Joshua) and Evelyn Hoffman, Joshua Fredericks and children Adarra and Raiden. His sister Corina Schwarzinger and her family Connor (Shannon) and children, Taylor and his fiance Joslin, Miranda and nieces Sadie, Lexi and family. He is also survived by Diana’s parents Bonnie and Harry Michael. His best friend Wil who stayed many nights and days while Gary was in the hospital and all the deep conversations between the two. He will be deeply missed by family and friends, countless individuals whose lives he has touched. His great sense of humor will be missed; his sister would tell Gary she needed a good laugh and he would tell her a good joke.
Gary’s was preceded in death by his mother Shirley, father Jack and little brother Eddie.
A celebration for Gary’s life will be held at the Heights Family Funeral Home on July 12, 2024, at 11:00.
www.heightsfamilyfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers donations could be sent to C4RV (Citizen’s 4 Our Veterans) nonprofit, Huntley, Montana. The funds go to Huntley Veterans’ Park and Yellowstone County Veterans.
