Ervin E. (Erv) Fiechtner

Ervin E. “Erv” Fiechtner went on his final ride the morning of November 24, 2021, at the age of 87. He passed away peacefully of natural causes with the love of his life by his side. Ervin was born on August 26, 1934, in Lehr, ND to Edward and Caroline (Kirschenmann) Fiechtner. He was the only son and middle child of three. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Hardin, MT where he lived until the age of 9, and then on to Fairfield, MT where he lived until he graduated. It was during his younger years that his passion for music began. His family was very musical, and he taught himself to play the guitar and sing. Ervin learned the Bible through his comic book collection, loved to fish, and developed a very soft spot for animals. Ervin had a hard-working attitude from a very young age and was able to purchase his own car at the age of 14. He spent his high school years being active in choir, octet, and sports. It was during this time that he joined the Navy Reserves. Following graduation from Fairfield High School in 1953, he went Active Duty based in San Diego, CA. Ervin served on the USS Shangri La as a Radio Operator. He also sang in the Naval Choir. He was honorably discharged three years later. He continued in the Reserves and taught new enlistees Morse Code until it was replaced by technology. On September 9, 1956, Ervin married his high school sweetheart, Leta Carole Fish in Fairfield, MT. He attended MSU Bozeman and studied electrical engineering. After moving back to Great Falls, they began their family with the birth of their daughter, Kolleen in 1957. Two sons followed. Curtiss was born in 1958 in Choteau, and Scott in 1961 in Great Falls. Ervin began his own concrete and excavating business “Quality Foundation Company” in 1959 and ran it until early this year. The success of his business can be attributed to his work ethic and his passion for what he did. Ervin was a mentor in his field and held a wealth of knowledge that he loved to share. He poured thousands of foundations all over the State of Montana and remembered every single one of them. Ervin was a true cowboy. His passion was his horses, and he was a talented team roper. He won his last belt buckle at age 80. He was President of the Slow Poke Saddle Club and active in the Team Ropers Association. He took his family on numerous trail rides and wagon trains. He played polo and O-Mok-See’d. He loved to hunt and fish and respected the mountains. You packed out what you packed in; plus, anything others had left behind. He loved to entertain, and you could catch him playing the guitar and singing “Chocolate Ice Cream Cone” to all the children in the room or telling stories and jokes at all the family/friend gatherings. He was considered the rock of the family and was always attending children’s and grandchildren’s activities. “To make a long story short” (as Erv would always say) he was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, grandfather, mentor, and friend. He was one of a kind with a heart of gold and would help anyone in need. He will be deeply missed. Ervin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Leta Fiechtner (Great Falls); daughter Kolleen Rogers (Lewistown); sons, Curtiss (Billie) Fiechtner of Lake Stevens, WA and Scott Fiechtner of Lynnwood, WA; grandchildren, Nathaniel Rogers of Simms, MT, Benjamin (Jaclyn) Rogers of Utica, MT, Jennifer Rogers of Cascade Locks, OR, Kevin (Michelle) Stokes of Stanwood, WA, Meaghan (Joseph) Coons of Arlington, WA, Caylee Fiechtner of Lake Stevens, WA, and Curtiss “Blane” Fiechtner II of Lake Stevens, WA; sisters, LaVerne (Jim) Coffman of Fairfield, MT, and LaVonne (Gary) Thompson of Kelso, WA; brothers-in-law, Jerry (Terry) Fish of Great Falls, MT and Mesa, AZ, and Dwayne (Tracy) Fish of Great Falls; sister-In-law, Kay (Don) Martin of Bellevue, WA; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Carrie Fiechtner; and grandparents, Carl and Pauline Fiechtner and Theobald and Rosena Kirschenmann. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.