Obituary - Ernest D. Friede

Ernest D. Friede, 85, finally joined the love of his life, Marie (Saddler) Friede, on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at his residence of natural causes.

Wake services began at 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rocky Boy. Rosary service took place at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, and his funeral Mass was 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2015, all at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Pete Guthneck officiating. Burial will follow in Kuper Memorial Cemetery in Chinook.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Ernest's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com.

Ernest was born on Aug. 25, 1929, in Harlem to Walter and Alvina (Kahm) Friede. He was raised in Harlem and Chinook. Prior to graduation, Ernest enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served faithfully for 18 months, being honorably discharged just in time for his graduation from Chinook High School in 1948. After graduation, he worked for the sugar factory in Chinook.

In 1949, Ernest met and married Marie Saddler, and their union was blessed with eight children. Soon after their marriage, the couple moved to Helena, where Ernest worked for Canyon Ferry Dam and later the East Helena Smelter. They relocated to Sunburst, where Ernest worked in the oilfields.

In 1960, the family moved for the last time, this time to Rocky Boy, where they remained. There, Ernest opened the Pastime Store, which he ran until 1975. He then opened the Corner Grocery in Box Elder, which he ran until 1979. In 1979, he and Marie built Friede's Highway Market, which he thrived in operating until 1992, when he semi-retired. Ernest then ran the Lone Tree Bar until 1994, when his health forced his full retirement.

Ernest enjoyed fishing and hunting, visiting with friends and family, and playing cards and machines. He treasured time with his grandchildren. He served 25 years on the Box Elder School Board and helped to organize the first Rocky Boy Powwow in 1963. Over the years, Ernest also delivered mail and worked in the coal mine at Rocky Boy. While living in Rocky Boy, Ernest learned to speak the Cree language fluently and became immersed in Native American ways.

Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie Friede; his children Peggy Friede and Daniel Friede Sr .; his grandson Harvey Friede Jr .; his great-grandson Cruz Friede; his parents, Walter and Alvina Friede; and his siblings, Jack Friede, Sandy Zito, Ralph Friede, Lola Duncan, Virginia May Friede and James Friede.

He is survived by his children Cindy Lawrence, Ernestine (Charles) Rosette, Harvey (Barbara) Friede, Sr., Howard Friede, Alvina Friede, and Tricia (Dennis) Gardipee, all of Box Elder; his daughter-in-law Darla Friede of Box Elder; his 21 grandchildren; his 44 great-grandchildren; his four great-great-grandchildren; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.