Terry W. Fong

1937 - 2025

Terry W. Fong

March 1, 1937 - May 30, 2025

Terry Ward Fong, 88, of Helena, Mont., passed away on May 30, 2025, at home with his wife, Dixie, by his side. Born on March 1, 1937, in Medora, N.D., Terry grew up in Belfield, N.D., with his six siblings. He was hardworking and delivered milk for the local dairy, setting pins at the bowling alley, working at the gas station, and hunting coyotes for their bounty. He played trumpet in the school band, sang in the choir, and, despite his small stature, played basketball Terry earned the nickname "Froggy" for his frog voice imitation that he performed around town.

Terry enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s, beginning a distinguished 40-plus-year military career. He married Donna Lee Braxmeier in 1957 and together they started their young family while moving between air bases in Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana. Together Terry and Donna Lee raised five children, Connie, Kelly, Ruthie, Ward, and Cory. They took immense pride in their achievements, and their home was always filled with laughter, encouragement, and the values he cherished.

After leaving the Air Force, Terry transitioned to a civil servant role with the Army and joined the Army Reserves. He advanced in leadership positions and played a key role in supporting deployed reserve units and their families.

Following Donna Lee's passing in 1992, Terry later married Dixie Harshberger in 1996. He remained active in his retirement, enjoying golf, coffee with friends, Carroll College football, and traveling. A devoted father, and with the full support of Dixie, Terry was always a strong advocate for his daughter Connie.

Terry is survived by his second wife, Dixie Fong; his children, Kelly (Fong) Michel and her husband Brent, Ruthie (Fong) Suess and her husband Jim, Ward Fong and his wife Alma, and Cory Fong and his wife Cecily; his grandchildren, Eric Michel and his wife Rachel, Katie (Michel) Reilly and her husband Devon, Tyler Suess and his partner Kate Stevens, Zach Suess, Jennie (Phillips) Thomason and her husband Ryan, Kyle Phillips and his wife Jodie, and Conrad Eggers and his wife Rachel; great-grandchildren, stepchildren, extended family, and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Lee, daughter Connie, his parents, several siblings and close relatives, and numerous friends.

In memory of Terry, please consider making contributions to Carroll College Athletics and Westmont, both in Helena, Mont. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family.

Anderson Stevenson Wilke

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, MT 59602

406-442-8520