Stuart Irvin Fryberger
Stuart Irvin Fryberger, 79, of Charlo, MT, passed away on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at Mountain View Care Center in Ronan.
Stuart was born on November 18, 1929 in Polson, MT, a son of the late George and Elizabeth Chamberlin Fryberger. He grew up in Charlo where he attended and graduated from the Charlo Schools in 1947. He worked on the family farm as a young man and also in the grain fields of Washington during harvest time. Stuart later went on to work for several road construction companies. He married Nancy Turnbull on December 29, 1956 in the Charlo Methodist Church. They lived in Laurel until the construction outfit moved to Charlo to rebuild the Charlo road. When the road crew moved on they stayed to take over the family farm. He also bought a farm west of Charlo where he farmed for 14 years. Besides raising sugarbeets, cattle, and other crops, he did custom farming and had a cattle hauling business. After selling the farm, he moved to Fryberger land outside of Charlo. He then worked for the Lake County Road Department on the crusher crew. He also became a director for Lake County Farmers Mutual Insurance Company until health problems forced him to step down. He then became a resident of Mountain View Care Center in Ronan.
He was an active member of the Charlo Lions Club for a number of years helping with the annual 4th of July barbeque and fireworks and various other civic projects. Stuart was also a member of the Charlo Fire Department and the Wilson’s Service bowling team for a number of years.
Stuart had many interests including riding horses and snowmobiles and later in his retirement, he enjoyed skiing and riding his bicycle. Exercise was his game. But above all, he will be remembered as the life of the party and the master of jokes.
Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his in-laws Florence and Ed Turnbull, a nephew, Danny Phillip Fryberger and brothers-in-law, Robert Burns and Don Walsh.
Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy of Charlo, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage; two daughters, Janis (Rick) Rafter of Ward Cove, Alaska and Connie (Saichi) Oba of Fairbanks, Alaska; one son, Greg Fryberger of Charlo; three sisters, ZoeAnn (Ed) Luthy of Kinsale, VA, Marjorie Burns of Cathlamet, WA, and Mary (Gene) Smith of Tigard, OR; three brothers, Ralph (Gladys) Fryberger of Hemet, CA, Dan (Norma) Fryberger of Buckley, WA, and Joe (LaDonna) Fryberger, of Charlo; sisters in-law Alice Walsh of Torrance, Ca. and Betty (Fran) Mocabee- of Missoula and Ronan six grandchildren, Jeri, Kiel, and Lindsey Rafter and Elli, Kekuewa, and Lupua Oba; an uncle, Paul Chamberlin, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2009, 2:00 PM, at Mission Valley United Methodist Church, St. Ignatius with Rev. Karen McRae officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stuart’s memory to either the Charlo Senior Center, PO Box 1, Charlo, MT 59824, or to the Charlo Lions Club, or the Charlo Fire Dept.
Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. Grogan Funeral Home, Polson is assisting the family.
I can’t remember life without the Fryberger family in it. Stuart was the life of the party, always had a smile on his face, and a hug ready to give. His chuckle/laugh was something to experience and remember forever. May your memories and love carry you through this great sadness. I’ll see you at the Memorial. Love, Deb and Jack
I just wanted to pass on my deepest sympathies to the Stuart Fryberger family. My thoughts are with his family and just wanted them to know I have nothing but fond memories of the Frybergers and was prevliged to have known him. Thanks for the memories Stu and God Bless the Fryberger family. It just isn’t going to be the same Charlo that I remember as Stu was just so much a part of the history when I was growing up there.
Ed and Conrad Todd
When I think of growing up in Charlo one of the things I remember is how funny Stu always was . I never met anyone that was always in a good mood and smiling like he was He never had a bad thing to say about anyone . The town of Charlo just got a little sadder now. His family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Clint and Carrie Davis
& Family
When one can think back on somebody from the past and it always brings a smile to your face, that’s a pretty good deal. That is Stu. Great neighbors to have for this old Charlo boy. Thinking of you all.
Dan Morrison
The world has lost a “twinkling spirit” with Stuart’s passing……. It is with a chuckle that I recall my visits to the Charlo Senior Center and the marvelous characters who brought that building to life. What a zest for living Stuart had and has now been released from his illness, once again becoming whole in HEAVEN!! What a joy!!!
We mourn for your loss but rejoice that his struggle is over!
God Bless you!
Amy
We’re so sorry to hear about your loss Jan. Please know that you and the family are in our thoughts.
Kim & Kevin
Nancy, Greg, Janis, Connie - my condolences to you on the loss of your husband/father. Know that in this time of sorrow, others are thinking good thoughts and sending best wishes your way. Stay strong and keep that joyful spirit going that you bring to others. Laughter keeps you young.
Our condolences on your loss. We will miss seeing Stu when we make it back to town. Know that we are thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
C.H. Hendrickson and family
I would like to convey my condolances to Joe, Greg and other members of the large Fryberger family. I enjoyed Stuart’s sense of humor and admired his many contributions to community activities. Among his many talents, he really knew how to run a road grader and get the pitch right and the surface smooth.
Dick Erb
I am sorry to learn about the death of Stuart Irvin Fryberger. This must have been a difficult time for all. Therefore, I am forwarding scripture to bring solace. Please, read the following scriptures: Psalm 9:10, Genesis 5:3-32 and Hebrews 9:27.
I just learned of Stuarts passing and am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember the time that I had spent with him. I am glad that a few years ago I stoped by to say hi. He was the same upbeat, funny, wonderful person I had remembered from years before. My thoughts are with all of the Fryberger family
Lane
fryberger family didn’t get the chance to meet everyone again. never did meet mary,.connie ,janis,and greg.. they were in grade school.. nancy will stop in visit you.