Ralph Marshall Frey

Ralph Marshall Frey, our beloved father, grandfather, husband and friend, used to always say, "I woke up this morning and my name wasn't in the paper, so I guess it's a good day." Today, his name is in the paper and he is with the Lord and his loved ones, so it's an even better day for him. We love him and will miss him, but are happy he is at peace. He died at home in Billings on Saturday, March 11, 2006, at the age of 84.
Ralph was born in northern Minnesota on the Frey homestead on Oct. 19, 1921, to Fanny and Otto Frey. He was the seventh of eight children. He was called on Dec. 14, 1942, to serve his country in World War II. He was stationed in England, France and Germany with the 9th Army Air Corp. and landed on Omaha Beach. On a trip to Normandy for the D-Day celebration in 2001, he was thanked profusely by a family who had been in Saint Lo and was freed from German fire when Ralph's unit entered and took the city. He was honorably discharged as a T5 on Dec. 19, 1945.
He married Thelma Berg, the love of his life, on Sept. 16, 1951, was married for 54 years, and was looking forward to his 55th anniversary. Ralph and Thelma have three daughters, Cindi (and Mike) Grimes of Panama City Beach, Fla., Debi Frey of Billings and Becki (and Ernie) Stambaugh of Billings; and five grandchildren, Cody and Lisa Steinmetz, Benjamin Stambaugh and Matt and Jennifer Grimes. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and four sisters.
In his younger years, he loved dancing with Thelma and was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and his horses. He later enjoyed playing pool for the Legion, playing cribbage with his daughters and granddaughter, trips to Alaska, playing solitaire, just spending time with his family, and feeding the dogs from the table.
He had a trucking company, driving from Montana to Alaska shortly after the Al-Can Highway was opened, and drove for Greyhound Bus Lines. He retired from Greyhound in 1982, after driving for 37 years.
He was past Commander and a longtime member of American Legion Post #4 and past Chef de Gare of the 40/8. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks, VFW, Amvets and the International War Veterans' Alliance. He was on the American Legion Honor Guard for 35 years and was on the House Committee and the Executive Committee. Ralph was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need and volunteered at many functions for the American Legion. He has been called "Mr. American Legion."
"Ralphie" was known for his quick wit, ready smile, gentle spirit and tremendous sense of humor. He was loved dearly by his family. We are so fortunate to have had him in our lives and he will be with us forever. "Bunswa, Papa."
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Smith's West Chapel, 304 34th St. West. Funeral services will be on Saturday, March 18, at 11 a.m., at Smith's West Chapel. Interment will be at Terrace Gardens Cemetery, and a reception will follow at the American Legion.
Memorial contributions can be made to the American Legion Post #4, 1540 Broadwater Ave., Billings, MT 59102.