Donald Freter

Donald Louis Freter, age 79, passed away on Thursday, December 1st at the Renaissance Senior Care facility in Dillon, Montana after battling with Renal Cell cancer for the last five years. Don was born October 30, 1937 in Tracy, Minnesota to Roy C. and Muriel L. Freter and spent his younger years there before moving to Billings, Montana. He graduated from Billings Senior High School, and then went on to graduate from the University of Montana where he played baseball and met the love of his life – Lois DeTonancour Don and Lois were the ultimate Griz Fans, rarely ever missing a football game. He loved to fish anywhere, but his favorite place was on the ice at Clark Canyon Reservoir, where he was highly regarded as the “Hawg Master”. He also enjoyed sports, playing games of chance, spending time at the cemetery remembering loved ones, but was happiest while laughing with family and friends over a cold beer. The majority of Don’s career was spent working in the potato industry in Idaho Falls, ID, Tri-Cities, WA and Salt Lake City, UT. He then went back to his roots in Missoula, MT where he worked in the food, real estate and modular home industries before finally settling in Dillon MT. There he worked for the U.S. Census Bureau and ALCO retail store. Don leaves many good friends along the path of his travels. Don is survived by his sons Lou (Gayla) of Salt Lake City, UT and Darrell (Cathleen) of Meridian, Idaho, grandchildren Landon (Ashley), Lauren, Alex (Amanda), Aaron (Harmony), Andrew and great-grandchildren George, Juliet and Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, son Daniel and sister LaDonna Weller. The family would like to thank the numerous doctors, staff and hospice caregivers in Bozeman, Salt Lake City, Missoula, Butte and Dillon for the quality care that Don received. You are all truly amazing. Donations may be made to Barrett Hospital in Don’s honor – foundation@barretthospital.org, or call 406-683-6737. Arrangements are under the direction of Brundage Funeral Home in Dillon. Following cremation, the family will have a small memorial service at Mountain View Cemetery at a later date.