Norman Lee Fandrich passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 4th, 2016.
Norman was born on September 20, 1936 in Miles City, Montana as the youngest of five siblings to Edith and Alexander Fandrich. Known for his “all boy” ways growing up it was not uncommon to see him swimming in the river, fishing with a cane pole, skipping the first day of kindergarten, and even sledding down Yellowstone hill when the river froze over. As youngsters, during World War II the Fandrich boys were actively raising rabbits and collecting scrap metal to help with the war effort.
Before his senior year of high school Norman joined the US Navy in 1955 and was stationed in San Diego. During his time he traveled to Hawaii and Japan. After 3 years abroad he settled back at home in Miles City just a couple of weeks before his 21st birthday, where he met the love of his life, Betty Wohlgenant.
The couple dated a few months and traveled to Gillette, Wyoming with a couple of friends and eloped on January 24th, 1959, knowing it was true love and meant to last. They moved to Bay City, Texas shortly after the marriage, but quickly returned to Miles City wanting to be closer to family. Norman became a father in March of 1960 to Gregg Alan followed by the birth of Kent Nathan in October of 1963. There was no doubt he loved his family. He worked hard to provide for them all, even building their home of 50+ years on Tompy Street.
Norman finished his GED and used his Navy boiler experience to land employment at Holy Rosary Hospital in Miles City where he worked for 42 years before retiring. He was a member of the Lamps at HRH and was an active member in the Fraternity of Eagles in Miles City. He attended nearly every occasion and party held by the hospital and friends…especially when dessert was involved. He made many lifelong friends while working at the hospital and was loved by many for his cheerful demeanor.
Norman enjoyed fishing and hunting and took any opportunity to do either of his hobbies. He even found a few hours to hunt down an antelope the day he picked Betty and Kent up from the hospital after his birth. Hunting became a family tradition when the boys were old enough to go along and many a fall evenings the family could be found in the basement cutting and grinding meat for the winter. In his later years, Norm took up turkey hunting and enjoyed calling in a few big birds in his spare time.
They enjoyed many summer camping trips with family, and eventually built a cabin at Georgetown Lake where they would spend many weeks during their summers fishing and enjoying the wilderness. Norm was in heaven when he was at the cabin, as a bad day fishing was still better than a good day at work. Norm was a member of the Walleye’s Unlimited chapter in Miles City and enjoyed attending banquets and fishing with buddies on the Yellowstone river.
Norm was a handy man and was always building or fixing something. He built three homes in Miles City including their family home. He built their cabin at Georgetown Lake, and he began building their retirement home in the Bergeson Ranchettes before Betty’s health failed making it impossible to finish the project.
Norm cared for his family and enjoyed his children, six grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. Even after losing memory he still enjoyed flipping through pictures of them and had many pictures decorating his walls. After retiring he helped watch his grandkids often taking them fishing or just to the river to skip rocks. They lit up his world and even if he wasn’t with them as much as he would have liked, the memories they all shared will be cherished by them all.
After Norm’s retirement, he and Betty traveled the across North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana usually just taking short trips with no plans. They even rode the Charlie Russell Choo Choo while enjoying the scenic route in Montana. He also took on the cooking role in the household and enjoyed grilling and visiting the local farmer’s market seeking fresh vegetables for their occasional “vegetarian” meal in the late summer.
Norm enjoyed visits from his siblings and their children from time to time. They were always welcome to come stay and had plenty of time for a fishing trip while they were there. His brothers would often visit during hunting season to visit and spend some time chasing that elusive “thirty point buck”. He especially enjoyed paddle fishing in the spring with anyone that would venture out with him.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Edith and Alexander Fandrich, his wife Betty of 56 years, and two brothers, Nolan and Gil Fandrich. Survivors include his two sons Gregg Fandrich of Miles City, MT and Kent Fandrich (Marci) of Clinton, MO; his sister Armina Joos-Hendrick of Belgrade, MT; his brother Norval Fandrich of Belgrade, MT; his sister in law Carol Fandrich of Three Forks, MT; his six grandchildren Derrick Fandrich of Seattle, WA; Ashley (Shane) Correll of Conyers, GA; Nick Fandrich (Kimberly Haines) of Kent, WA; Nathan, Noah, and Nickolas Fandrich of Clinton, MO; and 3 great grandchildren, Alexa and Caroline of Conyers, GA and Alexander of Kent, WA.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Interment will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should anyone desire, memorial donations may be made to the Miles City Chapter of Walleyes Unlimited.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday December 23, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday December 23, 2016
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday December 22, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:30 a.m.
Friday December 23, 2016
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment with Full Military Honors
Friday December 23, 2016
Eastern Montana State Veteran's Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Ana Walker says
Norm always had a smile….may he smile forever. My deepest sympathy to his family
Casey & Cindy Phalen says
I am sad to hear this. Thoughts and prayers to all of the family. I loved working with Norm at HRH so much fun.
Cindy Erickson says
Very sad to hear about Norm. I really enjoyed working with him at Holy Rosary. He was always smiling and was so friendly to everyone. Sending our thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time.
Wes Hardy says
Kent, so sorry for your loss. Thinking about you in this difficult time. God Bless
Wes and Marjy
Beth Ann Wiedeman says
My thoughts are with you, I will always remember Norm’s smile and laughter.
Keith and Barb Phalen Hoover says
KentMarci and family, I’m sadden to hear the news of Norm passing. Had so many great memories of him while working aT HRH. Draw comfort in knowing we’ll see him again. Hugs to you all!
Margo Hellickson says
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Norm was a caring man, always concerned about Betty. He was a gentle man with a smile for all.
Marty Scheid says
Kent I am so sorry for the loss of your father, stay strong.
Dave and Pam (Moths) Nisley says
Prayers for comfort for all his loved ones~ I remember him well as Grandma Sarah’s son-in law. Grandma Sarah was our next door neighbor, and we got aquainted with him in this way. A very kind loving man, and helpful as I recall. Blessings to all of you in the months ahead!!
Jane Sprinkle says
So sad to hear about Norm. I enjoyed working with him at Holy Rosary, always had a smile.
joe jerrel says
Sorry to hear about you losing your father.prayers are with you.
Fred South says
So sorry for your loss. Norm was a friend from our years in the Miles City Foursquare Church. Our youth group had many good times with him out on the Fandrich ranch in the Pine Hills.
Carl and Annetta (Bunny) Wohlgenant says
We will miss Norman very much as our brother-in-law, a very kind and gentle soul, easy to visit and work with. An excellent caretaker of sister Betty in her last few years. Condolences to his brother Norval and sister Armina (sp?), sons Greg and Kent and families.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Deeply saddened to learn of Norm’s death! He and I (Dee) shared a number of laughs at the old and the new Holy Rosary!! It was always a treat to get to visit with him after leaving HRH. Each of you are in our prayers!
Sheryl Kron-Hartzfeld says
My first day of work at Holy Rosary in 1989, I was given a tour to get to know the layout. We walked past a row of lockers with names on them. One had a plastic label that said “Normal”. I asked about it and they said the locker belonged to Norman Fandrich. I came to know over the years working at HRH that Norm was anything but Normal. He was indeed very exceptional and very special. He will be missed by the HRH community.
Shannon Holmen says
I still miss him here at the hospital. He was always so pleasant to work with. My prayers.
DeMaris Burt says
Condolences to our neighbors for many years. We have many fond memories of a great family that shared many a get together with the Ruffatto’s. DeMaris and family
Joyce Gibson says
Kent and Marci
So sorry to hear about Norm’s death. Such a beautiful obituary and such nice comments from everyone. He was such a great guy, always so willing to explain something, and always with a smile and a joke.
Vicki Wohlgenant Blyth says
I fondly remember summer days at Georgetown Lake at the cabin that Norman, Betty and my parents (Carl and Bunny Wohlgenant) built. He loved to fish on the lake and was always happy to take us on a boat ride! He approached life with kindness and patience. Condolences to his family.
Gina Kerns Moreno says
Kent, Marci and sons, I am so sorry to hear this news. Please know that I am praying that God will cradle you in his arms during this sad time. From the beautiful obituary, I can only hope you have many great memories to sustain you. I will be praying for all of you and the family.
Helen Laverne DeLange Henman says
I remember Norman from high school and at Holy Rosary . He was always upbeat and cheerful . Never hesitated to help . Condolences to his family .
Peggy Certain says
Kent, Marci and boys,
Sorry for your loss. God’s peace and comfort be with you.
Sincerely, Peggy
Marie Farnum Kluver says
Norman always met you with a big smile and a firm handshake. Enjoyed our visits. God Bless You.
Marie Farnum Kluver
Bob Hall says
So sorry for your loss! Normie and I were best friends in high school. I loved him like a brother and I told him so!