Fred Videon

1934 - 2010

Fred Francis Videon, 75, died at home on Monday evening, March 22, 2010, of congestive heart failure.
He was born to Marjorie Sult Videon and Fred Ashton Videon in Hayden, Colo., on Oct. 4, 1934. He grew up in Craig, Colo., and attended college at Colorado State University where he studied civil engineering. He received his bachelor's degree in 1958 and his master's degree in 1960.
He married Julie Martin of Omaha, Neb., on Dec. 22, 1957. Their daughter, Carrie Anne, was born in Fort Collins, Colo., and their first son, Fred Martin, was born in Urbana, Ill.
Fred received his Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 1963. After two years serving in the Army Corps of Engineers at Lawrence Radiation Lab in Livermore, Calif., the family moved to Bozeman where son, Michael Jon, was born.
Fred was a professor in the civil engineering department at MSU until 1988. He was selected Department Professor of the Year seven times and was awarded professor emeritus status in 1990. Following his tenure at MSU, he worked as a senior structural engineer at HKM Associates until 1995 and then Bridger Engineers, retiring in 2006. In 2007, he was inducted into the Montana Professional Engineers Hall of Fame. He was active in several American Society of Civil Engineering committees.
He loved spending time with his family, learning and teaching, gardening, and travel. He loved engineering projects, be they work related or around the house. His love of history led him to the Pioneer Museum, where he was the president of the board of directors. He was also a member of St. James' Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry and the Memorial Foundation, and he was active in the Exchange Club.
Survivors include his wife, Julie; daughter, Carrie and son-in-law Bill Ancell; sons, Fred M. and Michael; Shelly Bunde and granddaughter, Hazel; and cousins, nieces, and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, and sister, Joanne Videon.
A memorial service will be held at the St. James Episcopal Church at 11 am on Friday, March 26. Should friends desire, the family suggests donations to The Fred Videon Scholarship, MSU Foundation, P.O. Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59717 (http://www.montana.edu/foundation), The Pioneer Museum at 317 W. Main, or the MSU Chapter of Engineers Without Borders c/o Otto Stein, 205 Cobleigh Hall, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717-3900.
Arrangements are in the care of Dokken-Nelson Funeral Service. www.dokkennelson.com