Clarence George Fey

1926 - 2014

Clarence George Fey passed away in Bozeman on Christmas morning 2014. Clarence was born May 21, 1926 in Merricourt, N.D. to German immigrants, Jacob and Lydia (Haller) Fey. The fourth of five children, "Frisky," as he was affectionately known, was raised in Ellendale, N.D. where he first honed his fine woodworking and construction skills building churches with his brother, Art, and father in the family business.

In 1944, at the age of 17 years, with his parent's permission, he joined the Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Algol, serving three years sailing from Alaska to Tahiti during WW2. As a member of the "Greatest Generation," and always a proud veteran, these years spent in the service would instill a sense of gratitude and humility Clarence would carry throughout his life.

After the war, he returned to Ellendale, N.D. where he continued in construction and would build and own a local favorite, Frisky's Drive-In. Clarence went on to own and manage Coast to Coast stores in Malta, Mont. and Mitchell, S.D. It was in Mitchell, S.D. where he met and married Helen Pauline on June 10, 1961. Together, they would own and operate a motel in Mobridge, S.D. Clarence and Helen were blessed with twins, Michael George and Sandra Lee on April 11, 1962.

Clarence eventually sold the motel and Coast to Coast stores and moved the family to Bozeman in 1964 to work for Sears Roebuck. Over the years he would work for Rolfe and Wood (the Good Guys with the white cowboy hats), Harrington's Appliances and his own "Kitchens by Clarence." His profession always involved sales ... He loved the interaction with people – He would talk to anybody, anywhere, anytime. He always looked for commonality and the good in strangers. Clarence's passion for building would carry through the years where, along with the family home, he would build several others and would volunteer numerous hours for Habitat for Humanity. He was a long-time, faithful member of Hope Lutheran Church, where he served as a frequent usher and Sunday school teacher when Mike and Sandy were young.

Clarence loved Montana – which he constantly referred to as "God's Country." Throughout the summers, most weekends were spent camping and exploring the many back roads of Montana. He was always game to take the kids and their friends skiing and relished spending time with friends and family in the outdoors and on the back deck. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Family was always a priority.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings, Erna, Gertrude and Arthur.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, of Bozeman; his children, Michael (Nanette) Fey of Portland, Ore., Sandra (Monte) Sutton of Woodinville, Wash.; grandchildren, Peter Fey, Timothy Fey, Matthew Fey, Madeleine Fey, Michael Fey, Stephen Fey, John Fey, Paul Sutton, Amanda Sutton; sister, Darlene Loving of Minneapolis, Minn.; and many nieces and nephews.

A remembrance and memorial celebration for Clarence will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman.

Memorials in Clarence's name may be made to Eagle Mount, 6901 Goldenstein Lane, Bozeman or to Hope Lutheran Church, 2152 Graf St, Bozeman.

Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service, www.dokkennelson.com.