Frederick F. Kanning

Fred Kanning, beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and lifelong Montanan, passed away surrounded by family in his home on June 9, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born December 6, 1942, in Plentywood, Montana, Freddy moved with his family to a farm east of Shelby in 1948, where his love of the prairie began. He was driving a tractor as soon as his feet could reach the pedals. He attended the North Devon School through 8th grade, and then began working the family farm. At age 13, he met his steadfast friend, Jack. Over the years they shared countless back-road drives “checking crops” and an unshakable bond for nearly 70 years. At age 21, Fred was recruited by Boeing and briefly moved to Seattle, but city life couldn’t keep him away for long. He returned home, knowing that his roots and heart were always in Montana. On March 30, 1974, Fred and Alice (Waite) Kanning began 40 years of marriage, with a ceremony at the Devon Lutheran Church. The farmhouse quickly filled with 3 children, Shawn, Becky, and Erik. In December 1983, the family moved to town, but Freddy continued to farm and put in long hours in the field and “meetings” with fellow farmers on the golf course. Fred and Alice renewed their vows for their 25th anniversary at St. Williams Catholic Church in Shelby.

In true Kanning fashion, Fred was naturally inclined when it came to music, singing, and drawing. Freddy was rarely seen without an instrument nearby, whether the mandolin, guitar, banjo, or fiddle. He loved to sing in the church choir, and although he could draw anything, he preferred to sketch the old Model-T and Model-A. Among his many hobbies, he loved to golf, bowl, play chess, throw horseshoes, and play cards—especially if a buddy wanted to make a wager. Fred had a knack for mechanics and building—always inventing, always fixing, and always starting another project that would never quite be finished. Whether it was a cradle, a toybox, or even the red, wooden pedal car with bicycle tires, he always enjoyed making something special for his children. Among his proudest (and most humorous) creations was the “Suburba-truck,” a custom-built vehicle he claimed was to haul a tank for spraying crops, but his children were convinced it was for the sole purpose of embarrassing them while being dropped off at school. “Dr. Hook,” as he was also known, even drilled his own bowling balls, fashioned a custom metal-lined wrist brace to gain an edge on the lanes, and fabricated a special putter for the greens. When he finally relaxed in his recliner, he could be found reading anything from Popular Science to Louis L’Amour to The Enquirer, all while petting the cat on his lap, which he claimed to not like.

Fred suffered a brain aneurysm and subsequent strokes at the age of 52, which dramatically changed his and his family’s lives. Yet, Freddy met the long road of recovery with stubbornness, tenacity, and laughter. In the years that followed, he found joy in singing with the Lutheran church choir, taking long walks around town visiting his usual spots (and filling his pockets with goodies from the bank), and spending time with his family and friends. After his wife, Alice, passed in 2014, Fred spent the next year in Shelby with his son, Erik. In 2015, Papa Fred moved to the Cunningham’s in Great Falls, MT, being lovingly cared for by Becky, Martin, and their four boys, attending Christ United Methodist Church, playing countless games of cribbage and aggravation, and putting up with the “damn dogs.”

Fred Kanning’s legacy is found in the fields he worked, the music he played, the laughter he sparked, and the love he gave to his family and friends. He will be missed, remembered, and celebrated always.

Fred is survived by his children, Shawn (Lindsay) Kanning, Becky (Martin) Cunningham, and Erik Kanning; six grandchildren, Shane Mann; Alex, Nicholas, and Ben Cunningham; and Logan and Emrey Kanning; his siblings, Lloyd, Janice, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Eva, and Calvin; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Freddy was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Rose (Wandler) Kanning; brothers David, Theodore, Leore and Curty Kanning; best buddies Don and Ray Nelson, childhood and lifelong best friend, Jack Wigen, and devoted wife, Alice Marie (Waite) Kanning.

Graveside service will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the Whitlash cemetery where he will join his beloved wife, Alice. Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Shelby, with a reception in the fellowship hall to follow.