Kenneth Nolan Fandrich

COLSTRIP - Kenneth Nolan Fandrich passed away peacefully Sept. 18, 2004, at Deaconess Billings Clinic, after an extended illness. Nolan was born to Alexander and Edith (Stewart) Fandrich in Spickard, Mo., on Sept. 4, 1925. His family moved to the Miles City area, where they homesteaded on North Sunday Creek. The family later moved into Miles City, where he completed his education.
Nolan was in the Army Medical Corp and served on a hospital ship during WWII. Upon discharge from the Army, he began working in Colstrip in 1946. He married Clarice "Dolly" Preller on Dec. 22, 1946. He worked at many jobs in Colstrip. Nolan began as a member of the powder crew in the mine. Nolan worked providing security and maintenance for the mine and town of Colstrip. He moved into the job of Town Manager during Colstrip's growth and development era. He enjoyed a move back to the mining side of the operation as conveyer supervisor until 1990. He retired after 45 years of service.
He continued to raise a few cattle and horses long after his "official" retirement. Cold air worsened his breathing difficulties, so he eventually sold all his livestock. Nolan lived in Colstrip 59 years.
Nolan dedicated his life to serving the needs of his family and the people of Colstrip. He served on numerous boards, including Rosebud County Planning Board, Southeastern Montana Rural Health Initiative Board, Colstrip Medical Advisory Board and First Interstate Bank Board. He helped organize the initial ambulance service, then volunteered as an EMT. He was a charter member of the volunteer fire department. In addition to these civic duties, Nolan provided leadership and experience necessary in operating town services.
A man of quiet faith and high standards, he encouraged others to do and be their best. Nolan loved the outdoors. He hunted, fished, explored and swapped stories with family and friends. He enjoyed travel, exploration and study of historical sites and in the last few years, crossword puzzles. He used his carpenter skills to build toys for his grandchildren; he made and refinished fine furniture.
Nolan is survived by his wife, Dolly, of Colstrip; his daughters, Peg Fandrich of Cheyenne, Wyo., Pat Fandrich of Butte and Jane Gardner and husband Roger of Livingston; three brothers, Gilbert Fandrich and his wife Carol of Three Forks, Norval Fandrich and his wife Joan of Belgrade and Norman Fandrich and his wife Betty of Miles City; a sister, Armina Joos of Belgrade. Nolan is also survived by seven grandchildren, Josh Ensign and wife Amy of Hanford, Calif., Rachel McGuiness and husband Joel of Laramie, Wyo., Dan Ensign of Bozeman, Jacob Ensign of Oxford, Ga., Gabe Fandrich of Cheyenne, Wyo., Elisabeth Fandrich of Butte and Emily Gardner of Livingston. He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters: an infant and Kay Douglas.
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, Sept. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the United Community Church in Colstrip. A viewing and prayer service will follow at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, at 11 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Colstrip. Interment will follow at 3 p.m. at the Forsyth Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Memorials may be made to the United Community Church, Colstrip, MT 59323; Friends of the Library, PO Box 1947, Colstrip, MT 59323; or the charity of one's choice.