Fredrick "Fred" Wilkie

Today we celebrate the life of Fredrick (Fred) Arthur Joseph Wilkie. Born August 27, 1948 in Rolette, North Dakota, He went to be with his Savior on May 8, 2016.Born as the oldest son of Vernon Wilkie and Evelyn Wilkie the family moved to Montana where Fred attended high school in Choteau. He made lifelong friends there, many of which will be his honorary pallbearers at his service. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served in Viet Nam. His love for his country and the men and women that serve has always been an important part of who he was. He continued to give back to the men and women in uniform until the day he died.After his tour of duty, he returned to Montana and met his former wife, Diane. They moved to Spokane where he worked with the school district. Fred was blessed with two beautiful daughters. After his divorce, the girls moved to the Washington coast and Fred made sure to keep them in his life. He spent many hours on the road driving to participate and enjoy their high school adventures. In an effort to become more involved in his daughters lives, he graduated from school as a cardiovascular technician and took a job in Portland, Oregon. Most people would only care for themselves; Fred only thought of his daughters and wanted to spend as much time as possible with them.Later in his life, his daughters added to his joy, God delivered two grandsons, Alder Hendrickson and Rowan Haldeman. His life was complete and he spent so much time doting on the boys, he was the happiest man alive. Fred felt the common urge to move back to Montana and be closer to his family and of course, enjoy the hunting and fishing that made his life complete. Fred came back to Great Falls and by doing so he moved in with, and cared for his mother until her death. Fred was fortunate to work at the Great Falls Clinic with Dr. Denny Ruggerie and his staff. Fred was the child whisperer at the clinic. Numerous children only wanted Freddy to complete their scans as he made them feel so comfortable and cherished. As Doc mentioned to the family, since his retirement late last year, the children still want Freddy to do their scans.Fred was at his best when he was in the outdoors of Montana. Many of his family members and friends reminisce of how they wish they could be more like Fred! He was like a child when he would hook into a fish and could barely contain his excitement. The only problem was he would forget to steer the boat and put everyone else in a compromising position. He had a lifelong love affair for good cigars and maybe a small toss of Jack Daniels. Fred was somewhat set in his ways and would love to engage in political discussions even if the conversation led to disagreements. He lived for the time he spent at the cabin in Lincoln, or the hunting trips to the Missouri Breaks. He excelled in pickling fish, grinding wild game sausage (with the help of the boys) and loving his daughters, grandsons and family unconditionally. He found his second Family at the First Alliance Church and enjoyed Pastor John, Pastor Tim and his many friends in the congregation.Fred leaves behind his daughters Danielle Haldeman (Nick) and Ashley Hendrickson (Eric), his grandsons Alder Hendrickson and Rowan Haldeman. He is survived by his sisters Paulette Simmons (Doug) and Suzanne Johnston (Tom) along with his brother Andre (Raelene), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins. His parents, sister Kathy Dane (C.J.) and infant sister Carol Ann preceded him in death.Think of what made Fred so special. He didnt need a fancy bucket list, he lived his bucket list. He didnt need more than what he had; he had two beautiful daughters and his grandsons to carry on his legacy. When you reach the end of the day, you realized Fred had everything that any of us could hope for, children that adored him, family that loved him and a special relationship with his Savior. Who could ask for anything more?Rest in peace dad, papa, brother and friend, we will never forget you or your kindness!A celebration of Freds life will be held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the First Alliance Church.In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Fred can be sent to the Great Falls Rescue Mission, PO Box 129, Great Falls, MT 59403-0129 or online at greatfallsrescuemission.com or a charity of your choice.Condolences con be posted at www.SchniderFuneralHome.com