Myron
Fretheim, 69, a lifelong Toole County
farmer and rancher from
Shelby , died July 10, 2008, near his home on the Marias River .
Visitation is Sunday from noon until 8:00 pm at the Whitted Funeral
Chapel. Funeral services will
3 p.m., Monday, July 14th at St Luke’s Lutheran Church
followed by a lunch in the church parish hall. Private family graveside services
and burial will take place later Monday afternoon in the Mountain View Cemetery
. The family suggests memorials to the Yellowstone Boy &
Girls Ranch, 1732 South 72nd Street West , Billings , MT 59106 .
Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Myron was born August 1, 1938 in Conrad to Melford and Margaret (Coleman) Fretheim and was raised on the family ranch by the Marias River . He attended Riverside School until 1948 when a flood washed away the school, along with all the ranch buildings. He started school in Shelby in the 5th grade and graduated from Shelby High School in 1956.
Myron was inducted into the Army in 1957 and honorably discharged in 1959. While in the service he was stationed at Fort Bliss near El Paso , Texas . Myron attended night school at Texas Western University studying electrical engineering. He returned to the family ranch in 1959. In March of 1961, Myron married Connie Martinson and together they purchased part of the ranch. He continued farming and ranching on the Marias River for the rest of his life. It would be an understatement to say that Myron had a green thumb.
He loved being with his family, spending time on the tractor and watching his grandchildren grow. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends. His unconditional love and understanding provided strength and guidance for all who had the privilege to share in his life.
Myron is survived by his wife of 47 years, Connie; daughter, Tamara (Chuck) Williams of Kalispell; son, Joseph (Anna) Fretheim of Shelby; and six grandchildren, Jacob Williams, Maggie Fretheim, Hayley Fretheim, Bradley Fretheim, Allison Williams, and Lucas Fretheim. Two brothers, Marvin (Brenda) Fretheim of Shelby and Milton (Judy) Fretheim of Columbia Falls also survive Myron. He was preceded in death by his parents.